"Mt. Cuba Center"1/100 sec at f/3.7 ISO 100
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. It's when your neighborhood and state turn into an artist's pallet of spectacular color. And now is the perfect time to dust your camera off and take a walk outside. Follow these few simple tips and you can capture the saturated reds, browns and yellows that make the crinkle of the leaves under your feet such a joyous sound.
Camera Choice
One of the biggest misconceptions about photography is that you need an expensive camera to take great photos. To the overwhelming majority of the general population this could not be any further from the truth. An expensive camera in the hands of a novice will not, alone, produce a better photo. However, those with the passion can, and will, create memorable images with a simple, disposable camera.
Before I incur the wrath of my colleagues with that previous statement, it is important I acknowledge the professionals, who have perfected their craft, can, and do, benefit by the better glass and improved mechanics found only on the top models. The rest of us have very little need for that type of expensive perfection.
Camera Settings
Understandably, most of your photographs are probably taken from the camera's "automatic" setting. It's that comfort zone where most of us may stay forever. However, with a few simple, but brave clicks of your camera dial you can bust out of the mold. First, look for the ISO setting (a sensitivity to light) in the menu and, presuming it's daylight, set it to 100 or 200. Now, take a chance and turn off your automatic white balance setting and choose the "daylight" setting (might be an icon of a bright sun or something similar).
When to Shoot
The time of day can make a huge difference in your final image. Even without your camera, notice how the same situation looks at first light, midday and late afternoon. The sun's light is your friend. Use it to your advantage. Scout out your location at different hours and see how the sun reflects off or through the leaves. How do you want your final image to look?
Composition
Keep it simple. 99% of amateur photographers will photograph a scene from a standing position, holding the camera at eye level. By changing your vantage point, ever so slightly, you can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Try shooting your subject from down on your knees or maybe stand up on a bench. Notice how one simple change can make the all the difference in the look and feel of your image. Feeling brave? Try moving your subject off center in the viewfinder. Now move your feet; move closer two steps or slide to your left a half a foot. Consider all the different compositions before you.
In Conclusion
I challenge you to take your camera outside at this beautiful time and try one or more these simple techniques. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment and feel the passion that digital photography holds for you.
Suggested Areas
Check out Killens Pond State Park, White Clay Creek State Park, Ashland Nature Center and Mt. Cuba Center.
About the Author
Larry Wilder, 51, is a professional photographer from Townsend, DE. With over 30 years experience in photography, Larry hosts digital photography workshops, teaches a photography class for seniors and hosts social networking PhotoWalks throughout the First State. For more information, visit his blog at http://fstopshere.blogspot.com or email him at larry@wildshotz.com
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