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Human Interest

Photographing Happy Memories Can Be A Snap

Posted: 2/4/2011

Some experimenting with your camera’s settings may lead you to create fantastic photographs you never knew you could shoot.

(NAPSI) - With just a little bit of planning and a basic understanding of your camera’s features and modes, creating great photo memories can be quick and easy.

The features and capabilities found in today’s point-and-shoot cameras are much more advanced, creative and fun than in years past. Here’s a look at just a few:

• Classic Images: Black-and-white photography has a classic appeal because it enhances detail and captures the depth of a given subject. For an elegant picture, take the camera out of “Auto” mode and select the “B&W” option. Similarly, you can capture an image with the “Sepia Tone” mode to create a golden brown, antiqued photograph that’s nice for a family portrait.

• Come to the Point: All good photographs have a main focal point that draws the attention of the viewer.

• Find a Fun Perspective: Capturing your photos in a different, creative perspective using the “Fish-Eye Effect” or “Miniature Effect” mode can let you create fun images to share with your friends. The “Fish-Eye Effect” creates a “ballooned out” perspective of the subject you’re shooting.

The “Miniature Effect” mode blurs the top and bottom of an image to give the effect of photographing a miniature-scale model. This is excellent for shooting landscapes or scenery from a high vantage point. You can choose to keep the image B&W and accent one color, such as red or green, with “Color Accent” mode. In this mode, you can unleash an artistic touch to create beautiful black-and-white photos, isolating a single color that will “pop” out of the image.

• Bounce off the Walls: Your flash, that is. Instead of a picture taken in the harsh light of a direct flash, aim the flash at the wall or ceiling and photograph your subject in the warm glow of its diffused light.

• Smile and Shoot: You can also use a self-timer to make sure everyone in your family photo is picture ready. Use your camera’s self-timer to make sure the entire family is in place for the photo. Instead of a self-timer, certain Canon cameras have Smart Shutter Technology. With a single wink at the camera, it releases the shutter and takes the photo. You can also set the camera to detect a smile and the shutter will then be released. This avoids you having to rush into the picture and gives everyone time to put on their best smile.

• Fill the Frame: A common error among part-time photographers is that the subjects seem off in the distance with lots of space around them. Fill your frame with your subject either by using your zoom lens or just moving in closer.

• Bright Ideas for Taking Pictures in the Dark: With so many fine photo opportunities taking place in low light during nighttime, you may care to consider a camera that comes equipped with technology to ensure crisp photos when light is not optimal. To help maximize your photos in dark settings, most digital cameras offer “Night Mode” for clear photos even when shooting in low-light situations. Canon has a new feature in its PowerShot models, called the HS (high-sensitivity) System. This helps capture high-quality images in low light without the use of a flash, expand the camera’s dynamic range and reduce noise at high ISO levels, ultimately capturing greater detail and color in images in low-light settings.

• Learn More: For more information on digital cameras, go to www.usa.canon.com/powershot or call (516) 328-5000.

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