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How to be an expert photographer

How many times have you returned from a fantastic trip onlyto find the photos that you have taken don't really dojustice to your memories? This was very common when everyoneused old-fashioned film to take their shots, and had to waitfor days for the prints to arrive - often excitementfollowed by disappointment.

Digital photos haven't changed much besides shortening thewait for the photos at arrive. The preview screen on thedigital camera does not give the exact idea of the endproduct. The snaps usually are a let down as a result. Butyou could keep some pointers in your mind that would allowyou to take great photographs.

The first thing is to look around for some good photographsof the spot you are visiting. There is a likelihood ofthere being a variety of picture post cards at the localshops. See which one appeals to you and why. These arenormally photographs by professional photographers so youcan learn from them. Try to envisage from where thephotographer has taken the picture. If possible take itfrom the same angle. You can benefit from the experience ofthe professional.

Some people will say why bother copying a postcard. Well,you don't copy it - first of all the light will bedifferent, the trees, the colors will all be unique to yourshot. And you can make it personal by including travellingcompanions in the foreground - at least this way thebackground will be great! What's more, it's only a startingpoint... you can take it on from there to shoot whateverappeals to you.

When taking your shots, take you time. It doesn't mean youhave to spend hours setting up a tripod and so on, but don'tjust point and press. Think about the shot - what's going tomake it interesting? If it's the monument you want tophotograph, will it look best in the center or slightly offto the left? If you walk twenty feet to the left will youget those trees to make a nice background rather than thatcar park?

The camera should be held steady while taking the snap. Youmay not use a tripod like the professionals. No problem.Use a railing or a wall to steady your hands. This wouldimprove your shots.

The snaps should be taken in the morning or the evening.This is so because the light is great for takingphotographs at these times.

You can make a picture interesting by paying attention todetails. Sometimes a simple detail is magnified and this ismore interesting than photographing the whole monument.Develop an eye for detail. Having a digital camera is ablessing. You can take as many pictures as you wish withoutbothering about the cost. You don't have to get all of themdeveloped so it is a big advantage if you are trigger-happy.So, go ahead and shoot.