Top 10 Tips for Great Pictures
(by Kodak, with some modifications by Blake J. Discher)

If you have a photograph that you think illustrates any of these tips, send it along. If it's used on this page, I'll give you a credit opposite the image and send you a print (as mentioned above) as a thank you. Email your image to blake@fireflystudios.com.

1) Keep Your Camera Ready!
I can't repeat this one enough... don't miss that once-in-a-lifetime picture because you didn't have a camera with you. get that shot by keeping a camera handy. Spontaneous moments make priceless pictures. To capture them, you need a camera with you. If your regular camera is too large to carry conveniently, consider a low-cost pocket-sized model as a stand-by.

2) Get Close
As a general rule, the closer you get to the subject, the better your pictures will be. Getting close eliminates distracting, unnecessary backgrounds and shows the subject clearly. Think about showing just enough of the scene to make the picture clear and interesting. Be sure to check your camera manual to learn the closest distance at which your camera takes sharp pictures. Many point-and-shoot cameras cannot focus closer than four feet from the subject.

3) Keep People Busy, Avoid Posed Pictures
When photographing people, keep them busy! Your pictures will have a feeling of lively spontaneity. To avoid stiff, static poses, prompt your subjects to be active. Their expressions will be more relaxed and natural.

4) Use a Simple Background
A simple background focuses attention on thesubject and makes clear, strong pictures. Take control and move your subject or your camera to find a simple, uncluttered background.

5) Place the Subject Off-Center
There is nothing wrong with placing the subject in the center of your viewfinder. However, placing the subject off-center can make the composition more dynamic and interesting to the eye.

6) Include Foreground in Scenics
When taking scenic pictures, try including objects in the foreground. Elements in the foreground add a sense of distance, depth and dimension.

7) Look for Good Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential to expose film, but good lighting can make your pictures more interesting, colorful, dimensional, and flattering to the subject. Strong sunlight is only one of many types of good lighting. Some people are surprised to learn that cloudy, overcast days provide the best lighting for pictures of people. Bright sun makes people squint, and it throws harsh shadows. On overcast days, the light is soft and flattering to faces.

8) Hold Your Camera Steady
Sometimes good pictures are missed by overlooking the basics. Holding the camera steady is vital for sharp, clear pictures. When you push the shutter button, press it gently rather than jabbing it. Even slight camera movement can rob your pictures of sharpness. Use a brace to steady your arm or use a tripod, if available.

9) Use Your Flash
You can improve your pictures by taking full advantage of the flash built into most cameras. It provides extra light when you need it, especially indoors, and it freezes action for sharp pictures. Be sure to stay within the "flash range." This is the range of distance which will be properly exposed. A typical range is four to twelve feet. Check your camera manual for the effective range of your flash. Flash can improve pictures outdoors, as well as indoors. Using flash outdoors will soften shadows and brighten colors.

10) Choose the Right Film
The three most popular color print film speeds are 400, 200, and 100. All cameras are capable of handling these film speeds. Film manufacturers make a variety of films at lower and higher speed; however you may need to check your camera manual for compatibility.

ISO 100 - It is the best in bright sun delivering bright, clear pictures with a striking combination of vibrant, accurate color, and vividly sharp detail. Great for close-ups and still-life shots.

ISO 200 - When you need an all-around performer, thi is it. It turns up the color in variable light with good all-around sharpness. Great for slow to moderate action, this film works in a variety of indoor and outdoor situations.

ISO 400 - When you want a film that does it all with rich color and great sharpness. Ideal for extended flash range, as well as outdoor shots. It has outstanding flexibility in a variety of lighting situations that makes it perfect for sports and action.

ISO 800 - Great for pictures in most light and action conditions. Truly, it’s the speed that adjusts to the widest range of picture-taking conditions.