Helpful Hints on Using a Point and Shoot Camera

1. Make sure your batteries are fresh and your sd card/ flash card has enough room for content. To clear your card, you will want to format it. It’s in most menus if you scroll down.

2. Know your camera settings (look at the manual or have someone show you). There’s nothing like going on assignment and not being able to operate the camera. Would suggest using A for automatic most of the time.

3. Most digital cameras have selections for fine, normal and basic. For the best quality, use the fine setting. This also uses the most amount of space on your media card. If you are hurting for space, go to normal. Would not recommend basic unless desperate.

4. Delay time: As digital point and shoots advance, the delay time is getting better so if your camera does have a delay when you push the shutter, it can help if you hold the shutter ½ way down before you shoot. You will be limited on action and spontaneous moments so just be aware of this. Sometimes, a portrait will just have to do. Communicate with your subject and have them be ready for the shot.

5. Shoot more than just one or two images. If you are shooting digital, you are not wasting film or money so go for it and have something to choose from. The more you shoot, the better you will get.

6. Get close to your subject. When you move closer to the subject matter, the focus becomes clearer and less distracting. Keep in mind what the point of your shot is…is it the desk and clutter or the person?

7. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Example: computer shot with Scott. Different focal lengths. Get in tight using the light from the screen to illuminate the face instead of flash. If every photo is shot the same way, it looks boring after awhile.

8. Communicate with the subject. Try to get the subject to relax. Tell him a joke or talk to him while you are shooting. Many people panic when they are going to have their photo taken. Reassure them it won’t be painful. Sometimes I have them take a breath and let it out.

9. You take control. Act like you know what you are doing, even if you don’t feel that confident. It is best when the subject trusts you so just try to direct him. Use the same pose that works for you first or the same line until you dare to try something else.

10. Grip and grins. We try to avoid these but if you can’t, they don’t have to be boring. Get in closer, try a different angle like standing on a desk or laying on the ground.

11. Show emotion. A photograph that captures emotion is the greatest! People are drawn to look at it. Notice Scott and Don in the check passing. It starts out slow than when it ends in the reaction with the fresh angle-yipppeee!

12. Try to stay away from backlight. An example is when you pose someone in front of a window. Don’t do it! The camera will silhouette the subject because it thinks it has plenty of light, but in reality, you don’t. Use the window light though and reposition your subject to the side so the light can hit their face. It is very flattering and you won’t need a flash.

13. Try to be aware of the background. If the background is clutter, it will be distracting and your subject will not be the point of the image. Either come in tighter or move the subject to a different location. A “clean” background like a bush or brick wall, etc. will be better. Try to use the environment to your advantage.

14. Shooting a portrait. You know those shots- a photo is needed of someone in the community and after you interview the guy, take a picture. Don’t let the guy just stand there. Take control and pose him. Look around and shoot outside if you can- that’s usually the best light unless there are great windows where you are. Maybe you can have him lay in the grass or pose on a stone wall looking relaxed. It might be better to photograph him after the interview because it might give him a chance to loosen up a bit. If you need to tie the subject in with work, like a business shoot, be as creative as possible. Follow the rules above but work with what he’s got in his office or workplace.

15. Using flash. The world of flash is confusing and really in depth. Point and shoots will often have red eye reduction/ no flash/ bright and sunny day flash options. Red eye reduction will help you if you are in a dark place where there isn’t much light available. A person’s retina picks up the light so when the redye reduction flickers, it helps close it down and eliminates the red eye. Using no flash is helpful if you want to use another light source such as window light. It’s very flattering and moody. Using flash on bright sunny days is called “fill flash.” It will fill in the dark areas, nose, eye sockets, etc. that the sun creates. High noon is the best time to use it. If you have to shoot an accident at night or fire, etc. you are very limited with a point and shoot. Just do the best you can there. Get as close as you can to the subject matter. The flash can only reach so far and make sure you let the battery recycle before shooting again because you won’t get a full burst.

16. Lastly, keep shooting….the more you do it, the better you get. Look at other people’s work whenever possible and it can give you ideas and get you inspired.