HP adaptive lighting helps bring out the detail in the scene.
Using light to your advantage is what separates good photos from great ones. The best times to take outdoor
pictures are usually early morning and early evening; the worst time is generally midday, when light is most
harsh and will cast deep shadows (especially unflattering for portraits).
Learn more about lighting basics for better photos.
Macro shooting mode reveals hidden details in close-ups.
Close-up photography reveals details the naked eye can't see. It's perfect for shooting flowers, butterflies, and
other subjects in the great outdoors. Close-ups can also bring out details in people, such as flecks of color
in a loved-one's eyes.
Set your camera to close-up or "macro" mode. Check your user manual for exactly how to do this, or look for
the shooting mode with an icon depicting a flower. In this mode, your camera will take sharp pictures within
inches of your subject. Learn more about
close-up photography.
Landscape mode captures crisp detail in objects near and far.
Photograph stunning landscapes with these techniques:
Landscape mode: This pre-set adjusts aperture so that objects near and at
great distances are sharp and clear.
Manual settings: To achieve the same effect manually, set your aperture to
a high f-number, like f6.3. This will provide a wide range of focus and ensure that everything near
and far is in focus.
Panorama: Some cameras let you create breathtaking vertical or horizontal
panoramic shots by stitching together up to five images in a sequence-all right in the camera. Learn
more about panoramic photography.
Create a photo journal: Collect your best shots, and use your journal for practical purposes, like recording
plantings so you don't forget what will bloom where. Get started with a
Garden photo journal.
Create a photo calendar: Use your photos
for every month of the year. Showcase them all with this customizable photo project.
Take a free online class
in digital photography! Explore the many features of your digital camera, find tips for cropping and editing your
images, and discover new ideas for sharing your photos in creative ways.