If you are off on holiday in the next few weeks then this article may be of interest to you. Improving your holiday snaps can make them mean so much more to you. I have tried to answer some of the questions that I think you are faced with when pressing the shutter release.

What Camera should I use ?

The best camera for any situation is the one you have with you!

It depends on what you want to achieve, how much equipment you want to carry and the money you want to spend.

You can achieve great results with a small compact if you just apply some simple rules.

For those who are a little more adventurous the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) will allow you more control, if you know what you are doing, that is.

Do not choose a camera on pixel count alone. This does not determine how good or versatile a camera is. It makes more sense to look at the features, capabilities and design goals of the camera.

How do I take the picture?

Make sure you have the correct settings

Adopt a steady stance from the angle you want to take the photograph

Support the camera with 2 hands

Frame your subject

Make sure you don’t have any distracting elements.

Allow for any shutter lag before moving away

What is composition and how can I use it to make a better picture?

Many books have been written on the subject that go into great depth but if some simple rules are applied then it can make a great improvement to a picture.

Symmetry; Used to bring order to an image, or if a subject is placed centrally

Radial; bring the image out from the centre

Diagonal: Use diagonal lines to to lead the eye from one part of the image to another

Overlapping; This indicates increasing depth perspective

Rule of Thirds; A three line grid that indicates harmonious proportions. If the image is placed on any of the intersecting lines it is more pleasing to the eye.

Framing: Look to frame the subject naturally. This helps to concentrate the viewers attention.

Patterns: Look for interesting patterns that are pleasing to the eye

Colours: Look for strong colours and contrasts.

Change of perspective. An image can take on a whole new dimension just by switching the angle or getting down low. Don’t be afraid to try something a bit different.

Why is light important?

Light is the main ingredient to any photograph.

Determining the amount of light needed to make the perfect image is called exposure control.

On most compacts this is done automatically for you by the meter within the camera. You can use presets for different situations that will give you better effects in some circumstances.

With a DSLR you can have the control over the exposure, this allows you to change the depth of field or have high and low key images should you wish.

How can I use light to improve my photographs?

It is important to consider the available light whenever taking a photograph.

Where is it

How strong is it

What direction is it in relation to the subject

What time of day?

When the sun is low in the sky it’s colour and strength changes and it’s direction is either behind or in front of you

At midday it is directly above us and this is not good for photographs as the light can stray and cause objects to look flat and dull.

What effects can I create using light?

Silhouettes are created when a subject is back lit, this can be a nice effect when done well.

Use flash as a fill light when shooting with back lights. This can give a nice effect with a rim of light around the subject.

Strong sunlight is considered to be the enemy of the photographer. Move into the shade but avoid stray light where possible

Wait for clouds to defuse the light taking away the harsh effect.

What can I do if I don’t have enough light?

Taking photo’s indoors or after dark will require the use of flash.

It will be difficult to achieve good results without proper flash lighting.

The built in flash is not very powerful and will fall off quickly. This will give the effect that the subject is in a dark room when they are not.

If your camera has the facility use the ISO sensitivity settings to be able to take the photo without flash.

My photos of people are flat, how can I make them more interesting?

Most of the shots we take will be of family or friends, Some simple rules can help make them look better in the photo.

The eyes are the most important focus point so make sure they are visible and have enough light.

Try to light from the side at 45 deg and not flat on to the face. This will create shadow that gives the picture some depth and is more flattering.

If you don’t have light in that direction then use reflected light of a white wall or anything similar.

Placement; make sure they are positioned where you want them in the frame.

Try to be candid with your shot. Don’t always get them to say cheese, it makes a cheesy picture!

In conclusion.

Don’t worry to much if you can not remember all of that. It takes a long time to put them all together in an instant. That’s why you pay a professional so much money. However if you can use just a few, your holiday pictures will be a lot more interesting. Who knows maybe your aunt won’t be asleep by slide 6 this year.