Towards better images: Some basics

Better images start before you even press the shutter.

Look and think what you need to include in your shot.

Carefully select the place from which you take the shot.

Remember you can bend or kneel down; you do not have to shoot from eye level.

CAMERA SETTINGS

When taking the shot do not use Auto or Programme modes, they are compromises, you are not in control. I think cameras aimed at advanced amateurs and professionals should come with only three settings Manual, Aperture Priority(AP) and Shutter Priority (SP or tv)

For general shots I favour aperture priority. This enables you to control what is sharp, large apertures; between f4.5 and f2.8 or wider; throw the background out of focus especially with long lenses.

Small apertures; below f8; enable more of the scene to be sharp especially with wide-angle lenses.

Shutter speed priority is used for moving subjects and manual when I need full control.

When using Aperture or Shutter priority the camera's metering is set to multi-pattern for most subjects.

A spot meter can be useful to check the range between the highlights and shadow areas; most digital cameras can cope with a range of about 6 stops without any problems.

If you can set the camera settings for colour, saturation, contrast and sharpening to their lowest values.

You will have more control in PS to obtain the results you want. The less you let the camera do the better.