Getting the most out of your point and shoot camera

By far the number one question I get is "What kind of camera should I buy?". And almost always in that conversation they say something to the effect that they have to buy an SLR to have good pictures. DON'T believe that lie for ONE SECOND! {puts hands on hips and stomps one foot} I have heard that phrase one too many times and watched as moms shovel out $500-$800 on a camera. Once at home they keep it in auto mode. When they could have saved some money by buying a point and shoot. Point and shoots have a bad reputation for taking too long to take a picture, having poor quality pictures, and having too many limitations. I agree the older models aren't that great but technology with P&S's has come so far that anyone can take a beautiful picture. {Although, I must say that there are some P&S's out there that are better than others.}

If your point and shoot has manual settings you have many options but even if it doesn't you still can take a great picture.

You want to be able to blur backgrounds- P&S can do that!

You want sharp pictures- P&S can do that!

You want to be able to stuff you camera in the diaper bag or  purse, heck even your pocket- P&S can do that but a SLR can't!

Getting great pictures with a point and shoot is about knowledge and skill. I read a great analogy somewhere. (if I knew where I would give proper credit) If we were to give Tiger Woods a set of old golf clubs he would still be able to play well. Not because of the clubs but solely due to his knowledge and skill. Same with picture taking. It doesn't matter what camera you use, you have the ability to take a great photograph.

* First piece of advice is to read the manual. You would be surprised at how many people don't. If there is photography lingo in the manual that you don't understand highlight it and bookmark it. When you have time look up what the definitions of those terms are. If you still have questions ask a photographer or someone knowledgeable in that area.

* Think outside the box when taking pictures. Most of the time people take straight on shots. Try different angles and know that every shot does not need to be posed. {I love angles} Here is a picture with an angle. Both are great pics but the angle adds character. {Thank you hubby for posing}
                                                

Here is a picture taken straight on.

Here is a picture at an angle. Both are great pics but the angle adds character. {Thank you hubby for posing, HA! Looks like he had fun}

* Capture emotion. {candid shots are beautiful}

The following shot was candid. Hubby was talking to little man and I snapped it. Again it wasn't straight on but it made for a beautiful shot.

*If you can, avoid using flash! {in my opinion} There is nothing more beautiful and flattering than natural light. To successfully pull this off there has to be plenty of light but avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause harsh shadows.

*When trying to take pictures of kids make sure your camera is ready before you try to get the child's attention. I have the camera in front of my face and finger on the trigger. I will make a silly noise, whistle, or call them by name...then snap. This may seem like common sense but you'd be surprised. :)

*Take several pictures. You will always find one that you like better. I rarely get a good shot the first try, when photographing children.

This picture was taken in Maui. Do you think it was shot with a P&S or SLR?? This was shot with a P&S and only a 5 megapixel at that!!

Newer models usually offer several manual settings that you can play with to be able to get the effect that you want. If you want to be brave and venture out from auto mode and get to know your camera! {Which I strongly recommend.}

Ok, so what are some good P&S's... I love all things Canon. But recently I saw some pictures that were taken from a Nikon P&S and they looked AMAZING!!

This is my first tutorial post. There is SO much information on photography that I'm not sure where to start with my next tutorial. So, I will ask you.... if you have a question or if there is something you want to know more about, regarding photography leave a comment and I will try to answer it in my next tutorial post.

**I want to know what type of camera you use. Head over to my blogfrog forum and let me know what you like and don't like about your camera.