Getting Gorgeous
Prints
How Many Pixels Do I
Need
Setting Camera
for the Right Resolution
Bye-Bye Red-Eye
Photo Composition Tips
How Many Pixels Do I Need?
For most people, a 3 mega-pixel camera
is plenty for the average photo-taker, providing good performance
for the money. It is suitable for making high quality prints
up to 8x10.
Setting
Your Camera for the Right Resolution
As a rule of thumb, set your camera to the highest resolution
to ensure you can print your photos at the size you want.
Many online digital
printing services post digital photo resolution charts
to assist you in getting the best possible prints. Below is
a general guideline.
Resolution
|
Suggested Print Size
|
| less than 640 x 480 |
Only wallet-size prints recommended |
| 640 x 480 |
Absolute minimum resolution for 4x6 |
| 1024 x 768 |
Minimum recommended resolution for 4x6 |
| 1152 x 864 |
Minimum recommended resolution for 5x7 |
| 1600 x 1200 |
Minimum recommended resolution for 8x10 or larger |
Say Good-bye to Red-Eye
There are several ways you can reduce the red eye in your
photos. To start, make sure you use your camera's red eye
reduction feature. Turn on more lights or change the angle
of your photo. Try to photograph your subjects with their
shoulders slightly turned, not directly head-on. If you still
end up with red-eye, use the digital photography red eye correction
tool that comes with online photo services such as Shutterfly .
You can remove red eye with the one-click tool.
Photo Compostion Tips
What will set you apart from other photogaphers is how well
you compose your pictures. Here are some tips:
For more flattering portraits, try to photograph people
slightly off center with their shoulders slightly turned,
not directly head-on.
Make sure the sun is BEHIND you.
Use flash whenever possible, even in daytime.
Follow the Rule of Thirds:
- Divide the image into three sections. Placing your
subject off-center creates an interesting, dynamic image.
Imagine your photograph divided into three horizontal and
vertical sections. To compose a well-balanced, off-center
shot, place your subject near the intersections of the imaginary
grid lines. This is called the rule of thirds.
- Use the rule of thirds to create dynamic portraits:
Emphasize a dramatic sky by placing the horizon along the
lower grid line.
- With a moving subject, use the rule of thirds to leave
space for the subject to travel into.
Get Close
Your subject is interesting, so get close to it. Don't let your
pictures suffer from the "Grandma at the Grand Canyon"
syndrome, with a tiny subject and lots of boring, irrelevant
space.
Try Unusual Angles
Be bold! Try turning your camera to 45 degrees before snapping
a picture. Or instead of snapping it from eye level, kneel
down or lie on the ground to get a more interesting shot.
Frame Your Subject
Try framing your picture with foreground objects to add depth
to the image.
Pay Attention to Lines
- Curves, straight lines, and diagonals add energy and movement
to your compositions. Let roads and rivers draw the viewer
into the image or lead the viewer's eye in a specific direction.
Watch for natural geometric patterns and place yourself
at an interesting angle to them.
- Don't let lines unintentionally throw your photo off balance.
When you shoot the horizon or a building, keep the straight
lines level—unless you're shooting at a dramatic, intentional
angle.
- Keep the horizon level
Avoid Cluttered Backgrounds
Don't let a cluttered background overwhelm or obscure your subject.
Move around, or lie down, to get a clear shot at your subject
without the distractions. A cluttered background can obscure
your main subject. Reposition your subject or yourself
Avoid Mergers
As you position yourself to avoid a cluttered background,
also look out for trees, lamp posts, and other background
objects which might merge with your subject in unfortunate
ways. Don't let a tree grow out of your subject's head Reposition
your subject or yourself to avoid mergers.
Recommended books about digital photography:
PC
Magazine Guide to Printing Great Digital Photos
How
to Do Anything With Digital Photography
Sharing
Digital Photos: The Future of Memories
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