Photography Magazine

1. Don’t use the fill-flash unless absolutely required - it is a fact that in-built camera flashes tend to give a very flat and 2-dimensional appearance to photographs. Avoid using it unless the existing light just isn’t adequate. Try using longer shutter speeds instead. In case of automatic cameras, shutting off the flash (if possible) would automatically ensure longer shutter speeds.

2. Don’t pose people awkwardly - it is ridiculous to see people posed in awkward positions, especially when the subject is a shy person who doesn’t like doing so in the first place. With people like those, it is much better to shoot them candid, or give them a prop to distract their attention.

3. Don’t leave room for red eyes - when using flash, avoid the red eye syndrome. You can do so by ensuring that the eyes are not absolutely parallel and directly in fron of the flash. Try shooting at an angle to the face.

4. Don’t use high ISO levels. Well, not unless the existing light is too low. Remember, the lower the ISO value, the better would be the pixel quality in your files.

5. Don’t allow for cluttered backgrounds. A distracting background can take the charm out of the most pleasant of portraits. Make sure you throw the background off focus if you cannot reposition the subject. Also, you could zoom in as much as possible, to keep your attention (and the viewers’) on the subject’s eyes.

6. Never shoot strangers unawares. Thats what the paparazzi do, and that is why they often get into trouble! Of course, candid photographs are always a special something. But when shooting candid, it is better to do so with people you know.

7. Never jerk down the shutter release. Instead, squeeze it gently until it fires. This ensures you do not allow the camera to ’shake’ by the finger movement. In fact, it is also good to hold your breadth for the second you are firing your shutter, while you rest the camera against the side of your face!

8. Never leave your camera at home! If you are looking for winning images, you need to carry your camera with you everywhere you go. For example, this candid image was photographed on the spur of the moment when the photographer’s friend sat down to rest after a long bike ride.

 9. Never leave batteries in your camera for lengthy storage. It is a pathetic way to lose your camera’s functionality. All batteries leak after a certain period of time, especially the use and throw ones. So, if your camera uses something like AAA batteries, REMOVE them when storing your camera for long durations.

10. Never let your camera get damp. Well, not unless it is one of the more modern water-proof models. Dampness is one of the worst enemies of all cameras, digital cameras in particular. Use a water-proof case for your camera while transporting it.