When photo opportunities arise, we often have camera phones and point and shoot cameras to capture the moment.
These small cameras provide much better resolution and features than they did just a few years ago, but many people are still frustrated by the quality of the photographs they take.
I would like to share a few basic tips that can help produce better images from small cameras.
Composition The first element of good photo composition is knowing the rule of thirds.
Put simply, photography should not be like target practice, where you place the subject in the center of the view finder and fire away.
Rather, try to visually divide the image into thirds, both vertically and horizontally.
The primary subject should be at one of the four intersecting points.
This provides a more pleasing image and it serves to draw the viewer's eyes right to the subject.
In the example below, the eyes of the subject are near the upper right intersecting lines.
Another rule of composition is to use horizontal elements to lead the viewer's eyes to the principal subject.
Stairs and handrails, roadways and sidewalks, and other similar elements can assist with this goal.
Point of View Most casual photos are taken with the photographer standing and pointing at the subject.
For more interesting shots, try taking the photo from a different point of view.
Lie down on the ground or climb up high on a rock or stairs.
When photographing children, you often get a much more personal perspective when you are down closer to their level, not shooting down at them.
Children are likely to interact with you and show more personality when the camera and the photographer are at their level.
A new perspective can be great for your images.
Flash When the setting is dark or there is a strong back light, the use of flash is critical to properly illuminate the subject.
Don't put the flash on auto.
Learn how to change the setting to fill flash.
When it is sunny outside, many photographers do not think to use flash, but the strong rays of the sun often cast harsh shadows or create a strong back light that will leave the subject poorly exposed.
At the same time, it is good to avoid using flash if possible.
Natural light is almost always more appealing.
If indoors, move the subject close to a large window or other light source.
Consider using a tripod or brace the camera against a firm object to minimize camera shake.
When taking photos outside, consider turning a portion of the subject's face towards the brightest light source.
If the sun is too bright, look for a bright wall to use as a light source so that is provides a softer glow than direct light.
Zoom Most cameras have optical and digital zoom features.
An optical zoom uses the lens optics to get closer to the subject.
It is a great way to truly zoom in.
Digital zoom has little practical purpose.
It is essentially cropping the digital image to create a "fake" zoom.
It might help to temporarily check a subject, but avoid using digital zoom for the actual shot.
Pre-focus Most family and vacation photos involve one or more people standing in front of an important background.
If the camera is centered, pointed between two people, it will likely focus on the background scene and the people in the foreground will be blurry.
Most cameras will pre-focus when the shutter button is pressed halfway down.
Point the camera at a subject in the foreground, press the button halfway, and then recompose the shot the way you want it before taking the picture.
If you are using the rule of thirds for composition, it is critical to pre-focus the camera to get the shot properly focused.
A Few More Thoughts The best way to improve your shots is to practice.
Take your camera with you all the time and try to practice some of these tips when the stakes are not so high.
You will be glad you did with the next big family event or vacation comes around and you are prepared to take great photos.
Rod Arroyo http://www.
cityphotosandbooks.
com