Cameras today are easier to use than ever before. They do some of the "thinking" for the photographer and take most of the guesswork out of getting properly exposed and focused pictures.
Even with a fully automatic camera, however, pictures can be out of focus and over- or underexposed - because the photographer still has to think before pressing the shutter-release button.To avoid common mistakes with do-all cameras, here are a few basic tips:
- Read before you shoot: Reading your camera's instruction manual, and following the guidelines, is very important. Info here includes maximum and minimum flash range. Very often, picture-takers complain that their pictures are too dark or too light and blame the camera. In many cases, the poor flash exposure was actually the result of not noting the camera's flash range.
- Check your film: most cameras today have automatic film loading. However, it's still up to you to load the film properly. If you don't, you may wind up with a blank roll of film. One way to ensure that your film is properly loaded is to check the film advance/frame number window. If your film is not loaded properly, the film counter will probably stay on the number "1."
- Ready on ready: Flash-ready lights are placed either in a camera's viewfinder or on the camera's back. When the flash-ready light is illuminated, it means the flash is fully charged and ready to fire.
- Watch your fingers: A finger over the flash can result in an underexposed picture, because the finger prevents all the light from the flash from reaching the subject. It's obvious what a finger over the lens will do. No picture! Therefore, it is important to hold your camera in such a way as a finger does not cover the lens or flash.
- See the natural light: Automatic cameras usually deliver good natural light and flash exposures in most lighting situations. For best results, follow this tip: "The name of the game is to fill the frame." This technique prevents the camera's light meter from being fooled by the area surrounding your subject, which may be darker or lighter than your subject.
- Steady as you shoot: Blurry pictures are another common problem among amateur photographers. Many times, blurry pictures are the result of not holding the camera steady or pressing the shutter-release button down too hard. This so-called "camera shake" can be reduced or eliminated by remembering to hold the camera steady as a rock. In low light situations, a tripod, monopod or other camera support may be required.
- Keep it clean: Dust, dirt and fingerprints on the front element of your lens can result in a blurry or soft picture. Before each and every photo session, it's a good idea to clean your lens with lens-cleaning tissue.