First and most importantly... Don't be silly, you can't master anything based on ten tips but novice photographers can improve their skills and photographic results by following a few simple guidelines for beginners.
- Read the manual that comes with your camera. Actually you may want to read it before you even buy the camera and this can often be done at the manufacturer's website. Sure it's mind-numbing but there is a lot of good information in there that is going to be more useful that the stuff they tell you in the sales blurb. You may decide on a different model based on what is in the manual. Know what your camera can and can't do before you use it.
- Always have your camera with you and ready to shoot. This means you will never leave the house with a dead or dying battery or without a working memory card (one that is not already full). You must have the camera with you and it has to be accessible and ready to fire at a moment's notice. Practice your quick draw technique then shoot first and ask questions later.
- Move in close. Most small digital cameras have zoom lenses that are slow and finicky to adjust at anything other than the widest or longest setting. Don't stand there waiting on it, just move your feet! If I hand you a camera and you ask me how to use the zoom, I'm going point at your shoes and tell you to start moving them. So don't bother asking, just get going.
- Use the rule of thirds. What? Never heard of that? What? It simply means that most of the time your composition will be improved by moving the subject so that it is not in the center of the frame. There are exceptions to every rule so when in doubt take at least two photos with slightly different framing and you can make up your mind which one looks best later. You may need to focus on your subject first and then lock the focus by holding the shutter button half way down. Focus, lock and recompose.
- Use the flash indoors and out. I know you are likely to remember to use the flash indoors but the fact is that the flash will greatly improve your photos of people or other objects in the foreground if you use it outdoors as well. You should also try to keep in mind that open shade is a lot better for taking photos of people than bright overhead sun and when they are outdoors a lot of people like to wear hats, which also cause dark shadows on faces. Just remember to use that flash all the time and keep in mind that it has limited power so don't get so far away from your subject that it can't reach them. You can find the flash range in the camera manual.
- Watch the background and keep it simple. No it's not always going to be easy but if you think about it in advance you can usually find a less distracting background for your people portraits. Sure it may be a hoot to see a flagpole sticking out the top of your friend's head but it won't get your photo in to National Geographic Magazine either.
- Hold it steady (as a rock). The best thing you can do to improve the sharpness of your photos is to buy a tripod. No matter how good (or expensive) your camera and lenses are you will always take sharper photos on a tripod. Tripods are a must for landscape photography where you will want to capture the maximum amount of detail your camera can render. A tripod will also allow you to make creative photographs of moving water and capture the magic light of the rising and setting sun. Small cameras usually work great on bright sunny days but they may need a little assistance when the sun is low or clouds fill the sky. A small tripod is better than no tripod and can often be set on top of a rock or tree stump to get it up off the ground. On cameras lacking a cable release or infrared shutter remote you can use the built in self-timer to get vibration free shots and even put yourself into the action.
- Turn the camera sideways. Sometimes things look better in a vertical frame. Portraits often look better in portrait mode and the same is true for landscapes. Shooting vertical allows you to include details in the foreground of your landscape shots that give them a sense of depth and perspective. It's a good idea to get in the habit of shooting things in both horizontal and vertical formats. Just don't try shooting vertical if you are making a video clip.
- Details, details and macros. Does your camera have a macro mode? If it does then you better be using it to record the fine details of your outdoor experience. The folks back home will love seeing a photo of the cut on your finger or the tick stuck in your leg. You can take photos of the camp food, dragonflies, fish scales or close ups of your dirty toenails. The choice is up to you, the storytelling options are limitless. Use your mini tripod or brace the camera against a water bottle or other solid object. Any movement will be magnified along with the subject, so keep the camera steady.
- Mind the light and move like a satellite. Keep an eye on the light at different times of the day. Morning and evening light are often best for landscapes while cloudy or overcast light works well for softly lighted flattering portraits. Remember that light is often directional, so a good rule of thumb is to act like a satellite or moon in orbit so you can study your subject from every possible angle. It gets back to the idea of moving your feet and choosing the view or perspective that best suits what you are trying to photograph.
James Dixson