Digital SLR Photography: Helpful Tips for Taking Better Photos

Before the advent of digital photography many photographers never though much about the pictures they took. Advanced cameras were primarily used by professional photographers and others used various simplified cameras like point and shoot cameras. However, as digital photography became mainstream, people began to wonder what all of those buttons on their digital camera did. In turn, more people began reading about taking good pictures and the best photography practices. When single lens reflex, or SLR, style cameras moved into the mainstream digital camera realm, and many amateur photographers and semi-pro photographers took an even deeper look at the art of photography.

 Digital SLR cameras, sometimes abbreviated as DSLR cameras, offer a world of possibilities for novice photographers and professional photographers alike. As people learn more about photography, they use more settings, features, and modes on the DSLR. More importantly, they begin to understand how much taking a good picture depends not on what buttons are pushed, or what the camera dial is set to, but how they compose, or frame the picture they are taking. This leads to improved photographs and new photography opportunities. Some camera owners take it to the next level and build a home photography studio, or start a side business taking semi-professional portraits for friends and family members.

However, all of this newfound photography skill can lead to a major problem for the average person looking to capture life-like pictures of the world around them.

Ferris Bueller said, "Life moves pretty quick. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it." His sage wisdom can be related to photography thusly: "Life moves pretty quick. If you don't press the button once in a while, you might miss it."

There is a lot to learn about digital photography. Books literally line the shelves at libraries and bookstores offering advice for better pictures. Most of the photography tips inside are worth every word, but there is one thing that every photographer must never forget.

If you don't push the button, you don't get the shot.

Consider the difference between grabbing the DSLR, setting the dial to automatic, pointing the center of the frame at the boys, and pushing the button, and grabbing the DSLR, placing the boys so that their faces are near the "thirds", setting the flash to on as a fill flash, and then pressing the button. It is the difference between getting a shot of your three-year old son's triumphant smile at his first ever appearance on the top of a pile of three brothers, and just another shot of the boys playing around in the backyard.

Never forget that when it comes to photographing your life, taking the picture and capturing the moment is more important than all of the composition, settings, and modes combined. Take the picture now, and then, if life stays still long enough, take another shot using everything you know.