Most cameras have shutter releases on the top of the body.
Knowing the basic functions of a camera and handle it is necessary whether you're working with a film or digital camera. This knowledge helps enthusiasts and professionals alike to produce clear, balanced photos and to simply get more enjoyment out of their photo-shooting sessions. Techniques range from hold the camera properly to manipulating shooting modes on the camera.
Holding Technique
One of the first things to consider is properly hold a camera. This will affect the quality and composition of your shot. To hold a camera horizontally, cradle the lens with one hand underneath it, and keep the camera close to your chest. This position stabilizes it as much as possible. Use your other hand, usually the right, to grip the side of the camera. You can also lean onto a stable object for extra support. How you hold a camera vertically depends on which of your eyes is dominant and if you'd like the shutter button on top or bottom. Generally, shifting the position you use to hold a camera horizontally in a counter-clockwise motion serves to hold a camera vertically. For right-handed people, your right hand and the shutter button will likely be on top. Continue to hold the bottom of the lens with your left hand and keep the camera close to your body.
Shutter Release Technique
Shutters on digital cameras are fast-moving, and pressing too hard or too long on the shutter release button can take more pictures than you intend to. To minimize the chance of taking too many pics, softly press down on the button with the flat pad of your finger, rather than the tip. This gives you the most control over the shutter release and also reduces camera shake. Shutter release varies from camera to camera, so practice will teach you the best way to handle your particular camera's shutter release.
Aperture and Shutter Priority Mode in Digital Cameras
These two modes are popular options on digital cameras. Aperture priority mode gives you control over the size of the aperture, or the camera's opening to light. In this mode, you choose aperture size, and the camera selects appropriate shutter speed. For example, for a shallow depth of field, you choose a larger aperture size, and the camera selects an appropriate shutter speed (typically faster). In shutter priority mode, you choose the shutter speed, and the camera sets the aperture size. This mode is good for shooting fast-moving subjects.
White Balance Modes in Digital Cameras
White balance modes allow the camera to compensate for types of lighting that create possibly unwanted hues. For example, fluorescent light casts a bluish hue, and tungsten emits an orange glow. To adjust for this, most digital cameras have pre-set white balance modes like daylight, sunny, shady or cloudy. Choose the most appropriate setting for your picture, and your camera compensates accordingly. Many high-end digital cameras also offer manual white balance settings. To test the white balance on your camera, hold up a white card or sheet of paper (some are sold specifically for this purpose) to tell your camera what shade is white. Take pictures using those settings.
Digital ISO
In film photography, ISO measures how sensitive film is to light, in increments of 100. The lower the number, the less sensitive the film is, resulting in a clearer photograph. In digital cameras, ISO measures the sensors' sensitivity to light. Many cameras allow you to manually set ISO. A higher ISO is appropriate in low-light settings where you cannot use - or don't want- a flash. Low-light settings often include art museums, concerts or blowing out birthday candles. The camera will automatically adjust shutter speed and aperture size when you set the ISO.
Tags: hold camera, aperture size, shutter speed, digital cameras, shutter release
