Camera Tips
Get to know your camera we at Big Earth have consulted with some of the best photographers that we have worked with on our shows and they have come up with some excellent tips.
Follow our guide for tips and advice on how to take better photos while you are travelling.
Change Your Focus
In auto mode, cameras tend to focus on what's dead-centre in the frame, so if your subject's off-centre, it might not end up in focus. To keep it sharp, use the focus lock. First, frame your subject in the centre of the shot and half-depress the shutter button. Then, with the button still half pressed, reframe so your subject's now off-centre, just where you want it. Now press the button fully to capture your subject in sharp focus.
Get To Know Your Camera
It really pays to read the manual. Most cameras are packed with features designed to give you top-quality results at the press of a button. So a few minutes invested in finding out exactly what your camera’s got to offer will guarantee better results.
Check Whats in Frame
When you're framing your shot, watch out for trees and other objects that look like they're growing out of people's heads, and move your subject or yourself to avoid them. If there's lots of clutter, try zooming in to crop more tightly on your subject for a cleaner shot. Keep your shadow out of the shot, too.
Don't do things by halfs
Instead of sticking horizons slap bang in the centre of the shot, try placing them a third of the way from the top or bottom of the frame for a more dynamic effect.
Keep It Straight
Make sure the camera is level so your subject doesn’t look like it’s sliding
out of the frame – unless you’re shooting the Leaning Tower of Pisa….
Try A Different View Point
Don’t be afraid to move in closer, either by moving your feet or using the zoom. Changing your angle of view can be very effective, too. If you’re photographing kids, for instance, get down to their level so they’re making eye contact.
Take A Sideways Look
Turn the camera on its side to get vertical shots that are great for portraits, trees and buildings (and giraffes).
Use A Foreground Interest
Look for ways of framing your shot to focus attention on your subject. Using doorways, arches and foliage as natural frames can add depth and interest.
Get Flash
Flash isn’t just for night shots or parties – use it to ‘fill in’ detail when you’re shooting in bright sunlight, especially if your subject is lit from behind. But don’t bother with on-camera flash if you’re shooting distant subjects, as its light simply won’t reach. If your camera has one, go for a slow-exposure mode instead, and choose a high ISO setting to increase its sensitivity to what light there is..
Lighting Up
When the sun’s high in the sky you might end up with ‘flat’, washed-out shots with no depth.
Avoid shooting outdoors at this time of day if you can. For atmospheric landscapes,
early morning and late evening are usually best. When you’re shooting outdoors, try to
keep the light behind you to avoid ‘flaring’ in your lens and underexposure..
Back Up Your Shots
It’s a great idea to get into the habit of regularly downloading your shots onto a computer and backing them up on a separate disc or memory stick. That way, if something happens to your camera or computer, you’ve not lost all your images and memories. There are also lots of easy-to-use online sites for storing and sharing your shots, such as Nikon’sMy Picturetown
