MCR Photography Tips
Here's some quick tips to get the most out of your photographs. Don't forget, you can submit photos to the Review!
Resolution
Pictures need to be at 200 dpi at the size they will be printed. A good rule of thumb is if your camera is less than 3 megapixel, have your settings on the highest resolution and the largest print size. If you have a 3 megapixel or greater camera, refer to your manual on how to set for a 4x6 inch print at 200 dpi resolution. Your file size will probably be close to 1 megabyte per photo.
Stand closer to the subject being photographed
Most pictures are taken from too far away. Don’t be afraid to move up. Don’t try to include everything in the scene in one photo, just focus on your subject.
Know the limits of your flash
Most of the built in flashes on cameras are only good up to about 10 feet away. Farther than this, and you lose the help of the flash and the picture will be underexposed. If you are taking a picture of someone on stage, you probably need to get on stage with him, or at least be right at the edge of the stage.
Use your flash outside
If your camera has a programmable setting for fill flash, use it. If not, set it so the flash goes off all the time, rather than automatically. This will help achieve proper exposure on people’s faces, which are often dark due to a brighter background.
Read your camera’s manual
If it is digital, there is no reason that you shouldn’t practice taking several pictures using every available feature. The more familiar you become with the camera, the better pictures you will be able to take when there isn’t time to refer to the manual. You’ll be surprised how much your photography can improve when you advance beyond having it set on automatic everything, every time.
Keep the background simple
Beware of poles, trees and wires that will look like they are coming out of the subject’s head.
Alignment
Try turning your camera sideways to take vertical pictures when appropriate.
Shoot many pictures
It used to be said that good photographers have large trash cans. Now they just hit the delete button. It often takes the pros many shots to get one good one.
Capture the moment
Rather than a posed shot, sometimes try to shoot impromptu shots that will better convey the emotion of what is taking place.
Captions
Write down names of the subjects. Ask how they are spelled.