Take better pictures - 10 quick photo tips for beginners

Photography tip 1
Before pressing the shutter, check that there is nothing behind your subject that will appear as though it's growing out of their head - telegraph poles and trees are favourites. Step to one side for a better shot.

Photography tip 2
Don't use flash on subjects that are further away than the instruction book quotes, especially when shooting in situations where there are no nearby walls to reflect some of the flash back to the subject. The photos will come out too dark. A classic example is at concerts - all those flash shots taken at a Hear'Say concert won't come out unless you're at the edge of the stage.

Photography tip 3
Check that you are holding your camera level - there's nothing worse than a landscape with a wonky horizon.

 

Photography tip 4
Turn the camera on its side when shooting pictures of individuals. This portrait format makes more use of the space so you don't waste lots of film on the background. 

Photography tip 5
Turn the flash off when taking sunset pictures to avoid a result that's too dark.

Photography tip 6
Most cameras focus on the center area in the photo. If your subject is either side of this focus point, the camera will focus on whatever is in the distance. Most cameras have a focus lock. To use this point the camera at the of center subject so he or she is in the centre of the frame. Then press the shutter button halfway down and keep the pressure on while you reframe the shot. Then press the shutter fully to take a sharper picture.

Photography tip 7
If the camera has an infinity mode use it when shooting through windows, otherwise the focusing system will think the glass is the subject and the view will be blurred. This is really useful when taking pictures through a coach window or from behind the glass of a panoramic viewpoint from a tall building.

Photography tip 8
Always carry your camera with you - you never know when a photo opportunity will occur!

Photography tip 9
Don't take your camera on a beach unless it's well-protected inside a case. The slightest contact with sand can cause the camera to jam up.

Photography tip 10
When taking photos of people in dark interiors such as pubs or clubs ask them to look towards a bright light for a few moments before you take a flash picture. This reduces the risk of red-eye.

Return to Learn - Techniques