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Increasing advancements in camera technology have not only given us digital photography, but have also made even basic 35mm film cameras more complex. Whether you're new to the hobby of photography, have recently purchased a new camera or are simply looking for photography tips, this guide will answer the question of how to take a photo.
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Introduction
- For some people, photography is a way to earn a living, while for others, it is a way to document and record important and everyday events in their lives. With the advent of inexpensive digital cameras and cell phone cameras, most North Americans have their own personal camera and may even have it with them at all times. Despite that fact, some people still don't know how to properly use their cameras.
Step 1: Read Up
- To learn how to properly use your camera and understand all the functions it can perform, read the manual that came with it. Although it may be dry reading and much of the information may seem intuitive, you'll likely be surprised at how much you will learn by reading your user manual. As you read the manual, have your camera handy so that you can correctly identify components and try out functions as you read about them. For most people, reading and getting hands-on experience at the same time will help them retain information better.
- For detailed information on how cameras work, and to learn how light, shutter speed, focus and aperture work together to effect a photograph's outcome, get yourself a book on photography. Doing so will augment the specific camera knowledge you gleaned from reading your manual and will also likely provide you with tips on photographic composition and camera usage.
Step 2: Taking Photos
- Although cameras differ in the functions they can perform, all cameras have either a viewfinder or LCD display, a lens, and a shutter button.
Photo Preparation
- Find something interesting that you want to photograph
- If applicable, select the appropriate setting (motion, night, landscape, etc.) for what you plan to photograph
- Turn your flash on or off, depending on the situation. In general, you don't need a flash if you are taking pictures in bright sunlight or if you are in a well-lit indoor area. Most cameras manufactured since the mid-1990s have an auto flash function that you can turn on if you are uncertain whether or not to use the flash
Line it up
- Look either into your camera's viewfinder or at the LCD display and move yourself or the camera around until what you want to photograph is lined up as you want it to appear in the picture
Focus and Snap
- If you have a manual-focus camera, adjust the settings until you have achieved your desired focus. If you have an automatic-focus camera, press the shutter button halfway down and wait as it focuses—most cameras will automatically focus on an object in the center of the frame. If you are happy with your manual focus or the auto focus, press the shutter button to snap the photo.
- In many cases, what you want to focus on may not be directly in the center of the frame and your auto-focus camera may not focus the way you want it to. If this is the case, you can "trick" the auto focus function by:
- Placing the item you want to focus on in the center of the frame
- Half-pressing the shutter button down so that it focuses on your desired subject
- While continuing to hold the shutter button halfway down, move your camera to frame the photo as you want it to be
- Press the button the rest of the way down
Take a Look
- If you have a 35mm film camera, you will, unfortunately wait until your photos are developed to see how your picture turned out. If, however, you are using a digital camera, you will be able to immediately see how your photo turned out. If you are displeased with your result, try again after adjusting your camera setting, angle, or focus. The beauty of digital photography is that you can take as many photos as your memory card can hold and simply delete the ones you don't want to keep.
Conclusion
- Photography, like any other art or skill, takes time to develop and perfect. After reading your camera manual and learning how to use all its functions, try them out. You'll likely be amazed at the different effects you can create by adjusting settings, experimenting with different angles and practicing your focusing technique.
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