Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand. Margaret Bourke-WhiteThese tips should help you relive those moments back where you've said "if only I had a camera." Now you will have it captured on film. These tips should help you to be camera ready.
1. Get as close as you can to the subject or action
Remember, if you're using a instant camera a lot of them have a minimum shooting distance. This is usually about two metres. If your closer than that, your shots will be out of focus. Try to take shots with the viewer focused on the subject. Meaning the closer to the subject filling the viewer the better.
2. Photos Tell A Story
Photos of an event or activity such as camping with a group or fishing trip with family and friends tells a great story for all to relive and enjoy.
3. Decide What It Is You Want and Don't Want in The Picture
Its best to keep the background as uncluttered as you can. Background clutter will remove the focus from your subject.
4. Take Surprise Shots
You'll get some great shots if you take pictures when people least expect them. Just think of the facial expressions you'll get.
5. Make a Slide Show
Slide shows are great to have later when those involved in the activity can watch and laugh at themselves and relive the activity in their minds.
6. Liven Up Posed Shots
Try to avoid taking boring posed shots. Instead of using "Say Cheese" try have people say Rumplestilskin. That should help get a real smile. If people see you're going to take their picture, tell them you will click on four and then click on three. That should catch them in a more relaxed state.
7. Camera Hardware Tips
Does your camera have the correct options set up? Check your lens and make sure its clean. it could have a finger print on it. That would make it almost impossible to focus. Check to see if you have auto focus or manual focus. Test it to see if it will work as stated in your manual. Make sure you know how to control it. if you are using slide film set the ISO button one spot ahead of the film. An example would be if your using ISO 64 slide film, set the ISO at 80. The results will be deeper colour saturation and more vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange. This tip will not work with print film. Using a digital camera, always make sure the battery is charged. For more room on your memory card delete all pictures you don't want to keep. Your now ready for some fun and games clicking away with your camera. For more excellent tips, surf to Kodak's web page at www.kodak.com.
About The Author
Val and Robin Shortt are experienced campers and own three outdoor websites For more tips like these and to register for their Free newsletter visit Good Night Camping Equipment.