Five Tips for Making Better Pictures with the Camera You Already Have

Digital imaging has come a long way. A digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera used to be only available to professionals or to those who abhorred the idea of keeping money in their pockets. Now, there are a number of dSLR models available to eager dabblers and serious enthusiasts alike. Even current compact digital cameras have inherited a few of the features of their more advanced counterparts and are more than capable of suiting your shooting needs.

In light of these new advancements, it's definitely a great time to cultivate an interest in photography.

The apparent runaway growth of new and improved imaging technology has resulted in a glut of new camera models entering the market even before you've taken your 'new' camera out of its box. This reminds me of a similar situation with mobile phones a few years back, where one just had to have the latest model because the one you have doesn't have those cool new LED backlights. Only now, some people are thinking that buying the more expensive (hence better) camera will result in getting better photos out of the box. And when these very people, point their spanking new camera (on auto) at their pet and get a picture that's none too different from the one that a family member took with their mobile phone; they think that they'll need to get the more 'professional' camera to get a sharper image of their cat's whiskers. And a vicious cycle ensues.

In light of this unchecked consumerism, it's definitely a great time to be manufacturing and selling cameras.

Okay, less rants and more tips after the jump.


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The Best Camera You Can Possibly Have...

The point of the whole exercise can be summed up in a single line from renowned photography maverick, Chase Jarvis, who once said, "The best camera is the one that's with you."

The tips that I am about to share with you are nothing new. They've been told and retold a number of times in different books, magazines and sites on photography. What I'm offering you is a retelling of sorts, which should hopefully inspire you to take your camera out of its bag or case (or gasp, it's box!) and make great pictures of your own. If I can do it to some degree of proficiency then there's no reason why you shouldn't be  able to do so as well.

Tip #1 - Put Baby in a Corner:
Obey the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a standard compositional technique used in art and design. You start by mentally dividing the image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically (essentially you'll end up with a grid that divides the image into nine equal parts). Advocates of this rule profess that by placing your subject where the lines of your imaginary grid intersect results in a bolder and more interesting composition.

In a picture with a horizontal orientation, using the rule conveys a certain tension — implying that the subject is looking at something (or someone) that is just outside of the frame.

In getting this type of shot, make sure to get your exposure and focus first from your subject by pressing your shutter button halfway. After which you re-frame your shot to put your subject where the lines of your imaginary grid intersect.

In most cases, it just has a certain je ne sais quoi about it. It's just a lot more pleasing when you position your subject on the right (or left) third of your frame, rather than just place her at the center.

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It works for a vertical framing as well, making the image much more interesting. This picture wouldn't be as dramatic if the man in the foreground was in line with the early morning sun.

Aside from using the rule of thirds to compose this shot, exposure was metered off the side of the brightest portion of the sky (the sun) to cause the foreground elements to go dark while preventing the colors in the sky from washing out.

So, the next time you're shooting portraits, fight the urge to put your subject in the middle. And when you get another crack at capturing that breathtaking sunrise, try putting the horizon anywhere else but in the middle of the frame.

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I find that it's a lot easier to implement this compositional rule when you're looking at the scene in front of you through an LCD screen and not through the viewfinder. Some cameras even have the option of displaying an overlay grid for when you frame your shots. So, if you have it, use it.

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