Annabel's easy guide to photography
Taking pictures is easy - you don't need to know how everything works to take a great shot. How many settings do you use on your washing machine?
Two at the most?! Well it's the same with your camera - just stick it on 'auto' and stop worrying! It's what you're shooting that matters; your eye for detail and your rapport with the subject!
Great tips for making the most of your photography:
1. AUTO
Don't think about the camera - set it on Auto and think about your subject.
2. COMPOSITION
Don't be afraid to take lots of pictures at different angles. There is no right and wrong way - if you think it looks good shoot it! Try turning your camera horizontally, vertically or on an angle to get more interesting composition.
3. USE YOUR ZOOM
Try zooming in for a closer shot, or zooming out for a wider shot - both will have a very different effect on your picture.
ask
Q. Why do the people I photograph nearly always have 'red eye' even though I have the camera set on 'red eye reduction' setting?
A. 'Red eye reduction' will only help to 'reduce' red eye in 90% of situations and can't be guaranteed. If you still get red eye, you can retouch it in simple programmes like Picasa (from Google). But the best way to guarantee perfect eyes is to shoot pictures in natural daylight - night time flash shots are never going to be as flattering.
Q. I'm finding photos printed from the computer develop marks on them when put in frames or albums.
A. The best way to avoid this is to print your pictures on matt paper rather than glossy and also to have a mount round your picture keeping it away from the glass - if the paper is actually touching the glass it will tend to mark.
Q. I'd love to take Autumn pictures to send to a friend who emigrated. How can I capture the wonderful colours to remind her of home?
A. If you shoot pictures from a distance, colours may look lighter than they actually are - try zooming into the leaves, hold your shutter button half way down while the camera works out its exposure, and then keeping your fi nger pressed down on the shutter, zoom out again and take the picture - it just works!
To ask Annabel a question email
us at smile@asda-photo.co.uk
