How to Take Better Digital Pictures in 2021

Today's cameras make taking pictures a lot easier than the cameras of yesterday. There is always room for improvement, however. Use the following tips to help make your photos go from acceptable to great.

1. Always be aware of the background.

You don't want extra noise to distract from the subject. You don't want to find trees growing out of people's heads or a passing vehicle to draw attention from your subject. Sometimes, moving your subject just a couple steps to either side can make all the difference.

2. Use available light.

If your digital camera has an option to turn the flash off and it's light enough outside to read a book, then use the available light, and turn the flash off. In general, camera flashes are too harsh for human skin and make all of us look pale. Indoors, where there isn't enough daylight, place your subject by a window and use your fill flash feature.

3. Aim your camera slightly down at the person's face.

Also don't shoot just face on to the person. Try a little to the side, a three quarter view, so that you see more of their face. Remember, angle the camera higher, while looking dow,n and a three quarter view. It will slim your subject.

4. Remember your focus.

Get closer to your subject. Fill the frame with your subject ,and there will be no doubt as to what the picture is saying.

6. Never put your subject dead center.

Put your subject just slightly off center; not a lot, just a little. When you're shooting groups of people, find the imaginary center line of your group. Then, make certain to put that line just a bit off center in your view, through your lens or screen.

Following these tips won't turn you into an award-winning photographer today, but you will be on your way to better, more powerful, photographs that others will comment on for years to come.

Stay Breezy!

--Morgan