New to photography? Start here.

If you're the proud owner of a compact camera or starter DSLR, and have no idea what to do next, you've come to the right place.

By Mason Resnick - September 7, 2009


You don't have to be a technical genious or graduate from some fine-arts program to take great pictures. Just a few simple tips are all you need to get started shooting family, vacations and holidays and end up with a collection of pictures you would be proud of.

 

People Picture Tips

If you are looking for tips to help you take better pictures of your friends and family, be sure to check out Family Photo Basics, how to take better baby pictures with First food and nap, then photos, and How to dress for a family photo.


Fix the Pix!

We recently a special 14-part series about how-to tips to help snapshooters get great shots and avoid typical snapshooting mistakes or overcome challenging shooting situations. Check it out!

 

Learn more about your digital camera

 

We've also published many articles about using digital cameras, including Troubleshooting your Digital Point-and-Shoot camera, which offers invaluable advice just in case something goes wrong, an article that answers the question "Does face detection really work?"

 

If you're ready to take advantage of one your camera's more advanced features, or are thinking about stepping up to a Starter DSLR, be sure to read Digital Camera Basics: What is Depth of Field to learn how to fine-tune the look of your photos.

 

If you are still thinking about which camera to buy, check out Six features to look for when buying a compact digital camera, if you're still deciding and our many camera The Best...Right Now buying guides.

 

Enjoy using your digital camera!

-Mason Resnick, Editor, Adorama Learning Center

 

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Off-color remarks: Fix the Pix, Episode 14

What to do when the color in your photos has an unnatural tint

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 25, 2009

Are your pictures coming out too blue or orange? It's time to learn how to set your White Balance.

  Read more

Don’t overuse your zoom lens: Fix The Pix, Episode 13

Superzooms are very tempting, but there's a downside

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 24, 2009

At the longest focal length, zoom lenses on compact cameras produce darker images, especially when shooting with your flash.

  Read more

TAGS: flash,  snapshots,  tip 

Don't let far flash foible leave your subject in the dark: Fix the Pix, Episode 12

Your flash has limits. Here's one of them, and how to work around it.

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 23, 2009

Have you ever shot pictures of a ballgame or a concert at a stadium or arena—or just across a room—and were disappointed to see...not much of anything?

  Read more

TAGS: flash,  snapshots,  tip 

Did you shake your camera while in night portrait mode? Fix the Pix, Episode 11

Get that flash but blurred effect under control

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 22, 2009

What to do when a mode designed to save people pictures in low light ruins them instead.

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TAGS: flash,  tip,  blur 

Undo unflattering flash with a simple setting: Fix the Pix, Episode 10

No more deer in the headlights

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 21, 2009

Avoid on-camera flash as much as possible. But when there's insufficient light to get a decent shot without it, here's a simple way to get more flattering people pictures with it.

  Read more

TAGS: flash,  snapshots,  tip 

Avoid uneven portrait lighting under trees: Fix the Pix, Episode 9

Why great portraits aren’t made in the uneven shade

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 18, 2009

While taking pictures in open shade is generally a good thing, there’s an exception to this rule when you’re under the shade of a big, leafy tree and the sun light peaks through here and there.

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TAGS: portrait,  snapshots 

"Why is my nose so big?" Fix the Pix, Episode 8

Avoid the fun-house mirror look

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 17, 2009

You've followed my advice and are shooting frame-filling portraits with your compact digital camera. But did you remember to zoom, or did you leave your lens at its widest setting?  Here's the one time you shouldn't zoom with your feet!

  Read more

TAGS: snapshots 

Fill the frame when shooting a portrait: Fix the Pix, Episode 7

Are you ready for your close-up?

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 16, 2009

The trouble with people pictures is most photographers don't get close enough. Look at the difference a more intimate approach can make!

  Read more

TAGS: snapshots 

Beware distracting backgrounds: Fix the Pix, Episode 6

"Hey, what's with that tree growing out of my head?"

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 15, 2009

When taking photos of your friends and loved ones with your digital camera, pay attention to what’s going on behind them. Otherwise, unintentional hilarity might ensue.

  Read more

TAGS: snapshots 

Do your photos have too much space overhead? Fix the Pix! Episode 5

An easy fix for a common compositional boo-boo

ArticleBeginner Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, September 14, 2009

When photographing people, don't waste half the frame with stuff that isn't important. If you can fold the picture in half and not lose anything you won't miss, it's time to change your shooting habits.

  Read more

TAGS: snapshots,  tip 

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