Monday, September 20, 2010

How To Use Your Camera - Which Camera should I Have?

Many of the folks I talk to are afraid to admit that they only have a tiny little point and shoot camera. They also feel a little embarassed about the fact that they don't know much about how to use it, and that's why they don't buy a bigger and "better" camera. I once overheard a customer in a camera store tell the clerk that he wanted something that would take better pictures than just a little point and shoot pocket camera. Naturally the clerk was willing to sell him whatever he could. But what the customer really needed to know was how to use what he already had. Once he mastered that, he would then know what features he would need in a new camera, if he needed any at all.

I am here to say that what you need to do is learn to use the camera you have now. You don't need to go out and buy a fancy new camera to learn about photography. The one you have now will get you started and you will be totally surprised at what you can do with it if you spend the time to learn how to use it. Go back and review my previous blogs and apply what you learn to your existing camera. You will be glad you did. Once you have mastered all the features of your existing camera you will be ready to move on to the next level. You may find that you are already there!

Here's an example of a photo I shot with a 2 megapixal point and shoot Fujifilm camera seven years ago. I proves the point that it isn't always the tool, it's how and when you use it.

IFor more information about photography go to "How To Use Your Camera" for a really cool collection of books and cheatsheets.

You can also see examples of my own albums at Dwains Picks.

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Photography Tips

Here are a few things you can do to improve your photography that will apply regardless of what camera you use. These are the basics that every photographer should know and do to get reasonably good pictures out of any camera.

Make sure you have a clean lens. Don't just blow the dust off, but use a clean cloth suitable for cleaning lenses and do it right.

Set up so your camera is stable and won't move as you press the shutter. You can do this a number of ways. If you will be handholding the camera, hold your elbows in against your sides, and stand with your feet apart with one slightly forward of the other. You can also lean against a solid object like a light pole, tree, building or whatever. The best method though is to use a tripod or monopod. I have both but I like to carry the tripod best. If I want to use it as a monopod I just extend only one leg and us it as I would a monopod. I'll add instructions about to how to use these tools later.

Finally the "First" basic thing you need to do is read your manual and learn what all the parts of your camera are for and how to use them. If you understand how your meter works and what white balence is you'll go a long way to getting that shot you want when the light is wierd and you are wondering why your pictures are all dark or yellow instead of like what you saw on the monitor or in the viewfinder.

I'll expand on all these topics in the coming weeks and months so you'll want to check back and see what I've added from time to time.