three tips for getting the most out of your new camera

Woot! You got that new camera you wanted for Christmas … now what?

The excitement of the new camera wears off when you realize that it has so many new buttons and features you don’t know where to begin figuring out how to use it. Here are three tips that will help you get on your way!

1. READ THE MANUAL

I know that is not what you wanted to hear but it really is the best way to get to know your camera. That does not mean sit down treat it like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (great book, I highly recommend!), but you do need to read it. You only need an hour with the book and camera. Read through the book and locate the buttons and settings as you go. You are not going to remember everything and you don’t need to. Some settings you may never use but it’s good to be familiar with everything at least once. You don’t want to find out years later that your camera could do tricks but you never knew how to take off the training wheels.

2. HOLD THE CAMERA PROPERLY

There is a right way and a wrong way to hold a camera. Holding the camera properly is extremely important because no matter how good your picture is if it is blurry, it won’t matter.

POINT AND SHOOT

Best thing to do is use two hands and keep your elbows tucked in so your body can help keep your arms steady. The right hand should grip the camera so you pointer finger is on the shutter button. Your left hand should be used to steady the camera.  Make sure you keep holding steady until the image is displayed to be sure the image is ok. If you use the red eye setting, there are two flashes and if you move after the first flash than your picture will be ruined. Does you camera have a red eye setting… see tip 1 to find out!

DSLR

Use your right hand to grip the right side of the camera. Most DSLRs have groves to let you know where your fingers should go. The left hand is used to support the lense between your thumb and pointer finger. This allows you to control the zoom with the left hand and access all the controls with the right hand. Your elbows should be tucked in to your sides to help create stability.

 

3. SQUEEZE GENTLY

Now that you have read the manual and are properly holding your camera your ready to take amazing pictures. When pressing the shutter button, squeeze don’t jab. If you jab the button the camera will move and the image will be blurry. Most new cameras have anti shake features but chances are your kids will be moving while you are balancing on one leg trying to get the shot so you want to give your self the best chance to get the picture. Most precious moments don’t get a do over so don’t rely solely on the anti-shake feature.

These three tips should get you well on your way to becoming a momtographer. Become a fan on Facebook for new tips!