Tips and Tricks: Quality over Quantity

Don't Overshoot!

One of the dangers of digital is the tendency to "overshoot" - just go hogwild on the shutter button, and come back with hundreds of worthless images for every one or two that is good. While this is an acceptable (and even necessary) approach in some styles of photography (photojournalism style of weddings, sports, etc.), it does not help you learn. Stop and think about that shot before you pull the trigger, and after you stop and think, stop and LOOK! Really look - not just at the subject, but at the background. Is there a telephone pole growing out of your niece's head? Could the shot be more pleasing from a few feet to your left? Is there a lot of glare, reflection or shadow which may impact the clarity or usefulness of the resulting shots?

Having a good eye for the environmentals within the targeted photo area will reward the photographer.