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HP Digital Photography

Take photos
Content starts here
Take better photos: part one
» Be prepared
» Hold your camera steady
» Get closer
» Cut the clutter
» Take more pictures
man capturing a photo of a bride exiting her vehicle

Introduction

Your camera is charged up, your subject is posed and smiling, and you’re seconds away from snapping the picture. But, is there anything you can do to improve the photo you’re about to take?

Here are some basic tips to consider the next time you head out with your digital camera. They’re easy to learn, and all your photos will benefit from your newfound skills. Even a beginner can take professional-looking pictures suitable for framing.

Be prepared

man shown with gathered equipment Gather everything you’ll need, such as a tripod, extra batteries, and any props you’ll use. (A camera bag really comes in handy for transporting everything.) If you plan to take photos in wet weather, bring a plastic bag to protect your camera.

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Hold your camera steady

a man using a tripod to capture a lake scene Camera movement causes most of the blurry pictures you see. Prevent your camera from shaking by planting your feet firmly on the ground, and then steady your upper body by tucking your elbows in close to your sides. If you feel unstable, use a tripod or try leaning against a wall or a tree. Gently press the shutter release in one motion; if you press too hard, you could jerk the camera downward.

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Get closer

split image showing a distance shot of a woman with a walker and then a centered portrait of same woman close-up Try to get within two to four feet of your subject. Ideal photo composition is 90 percent subject and 10 percent background. If you’re photographing people, getting this cozy might seem awkward at first, but try it anyway—you’ll get better photographs.

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Cut the clutter

split image showing kids at play and then a more centered portrait of just the young boy Nothing ruins a photo like stray objects that detract from your composition. If there’s a phone wire, an aluminum can, or anything else unsightly, remove it from view by either rearranging the area or blocking it out of the frame. Also, notice how objects in your background interact with your subject. A plant that appears as if it’s growing out of someone’s head, for example, will ruin an otherwise great picture.

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Take more pictures

HP printer shown printing photo with proof sheet of other photos next to it Most of us are frugal with the number of pictures we take. But with a digital camera, you can simply delete the images you don’t like, so don’t hesitate to capture every memory. Why not fill the entire memory card with photos of your new puppy? The odds are better you’ll take a few pictures that will really thrill you.

These tips are easy to implement and they’ll help you create photos to be proud of. Ready to learn more? Read Take better photos: part two.

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