Using Flash During The Day
by David Peterson
Interestingly, one of the best uses of your flash is during bright sunlight! I know it sounds strange but it's true.
A flash helps to eliminate dark shadows (for instance under the eyes and chin of faces). It also helps to emphasize your subject.
When you take pictures of subjects with bright light behind them, for example a portrait that is backlit, or a duck swimming in water reflecting the sun, the camera will be fooled by the bright surroundings so the subject appears dark.
By turning flash on, you will fill in the shadow areas making the picture much more pleasing.
It can also be used to add a sparkle to eyes, and to reduce shadows under the nose and eyes when pictures are taken when the sun is bright and high in the sky (eg at midday).
Nature photographers even use flash to ensure the nooks and crannies of flower petals are properly lit - to reduce shadows.
Professional photographers use flash much more often than amateurs.

Interesting Angles
Most photos are shot at eye level. I think this is because traditionally, you needed to have the viewvinder up to your eye to ensure you get everyone in the shot.
Because most digital cameras have an inbuilt LCD, you can now take the camera away from your eye and try taking photos from unusual angles.
Try tilting the camera left or right to better position your subject in the frame. Try taking the photo from below, or above your subject. Try getting further away or closer.
There's always more than one way to photograph a subject. Using different camera angles can make an otherwise boring image really stand out. The more you practice using different angles, the quicker you'll know what works and what doesn't.
Angle Tip : Lie on the ground and point your camera towards the sky for an interesting angle to shoot large monuments with.

Beautiful Pics

Children make a wonderful subject. Here are some tips for ensuring photos of children are even more memorable.


Meet them eye-to-eye
Bring yourself down to the child.s level . even if you need to crouch down. This will give your shots a 'kids eye view' and won't distort their image (as taking the shot from above does).

Capture natural expressions
While posed shots are great, often better results can be gained by capturing an image when their thoughts are preoccupied with something else . eg while at play. You.ll capture their faces enjoying the moment rather than thinking about the camera.

Auto Focus & Timing shots

When set to auto, some cameras can take a while to adjust for white balance and focus. This is the 2-3 second delay between when you first push the shutter button, and the shot actually being taken.

If this happens with your camera, try presetting these by holding the shutter release half way down to tell the camera to focus before you need to take the shot.

Then, keep your finger held half way down until you get the perfect shot, or use your camera's 'lock exposure' feature to keep the exposure settings locked until you find the right time to shoot.

Presetting your exposure and focus can REALLY help out then taking shots of children. They tend to not sit in one place waiting for you to adjust your camera, so the best shots are taken when you are prepared for a candid moment - eg when the child is engrossed in a task.

Next time : The piece of equipment professionals never leave the house

Digital Photography

by David Peterson
Rather than placing your main subject in the middle of the screen, place it to one side and ensure something interesting is in the background that fills the remainder of the image.

This can be especially effective if the background has the same theme. For example, if photographing a child opening a Christmas present, frame them to one side and have the Christmas Tree with unopened presents filling the rest of the image.

There are a few guidelines that cam help you place your subject in the frame.


The Rule of Thirds
One of the most popular rules in photography is the "Rule of Thirds". It is a simple rule that can add dynamism to your photos. Simply, divide the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. When composing your shot, place important elements either along these lines, or where the lines intersect - NOT at the centre of the frame.
For example, place a subject's eyes where the top line is, or place your subject on the place in the image where two of these lines intersect.

It's a very simple rule to follow and will result in a nicely balanced, easy on the eye picture. It also helps get rid of the 'tiny subject and large amount of space' tendency because you need to position items relative to the edges of the frame.

Having said this, the Rule of Thirds is also one of the rules you'll want to break often! This is fine - the Rule of Thirds is more of a guideline and sometimes you will find a better image when you break the rule.

Next time : Some tricks to get winning shots involving one of the most troublesome subjects - children!