If you’re new to photography, you aren’t always aware that your digital camera is loaded with features that go beyond snap and shoot. You can take advantage of the many features available on your camera to snap gorgeous photos. Whether you are practicing photography as a hobby or as your career, these six tricks are sure to make your photos stand out.
Leveling Guide
When taking landscape photos, being level with the horizon is especially important. Cameras are now equipped with a leveling guide so you can line up the guide with the horizon and make sure you have a perfectly straight shot. This feature is even more important for architectural shots, where you want to verify that the building is straight in the photo. Although this might not be as relevant if you’re shooting with a tripod, those shooting hand-held pictures can take advantage of this feature.
Bracketing
If you’re new to photography, bracketing might be your new best friend. If you’re not quite sure what shutter speed or aperture to use, bracketing allows you to take multiple photos to help you have the correct exposure for your photos. This feature may also come in handy if you are taking a landscape and different parts of the photo require different exposures.
Double Exposure
Double exposure, or placing two images on one picture, was done fairly often with film photography. You can create these creative and beautiful photos with your digital camera, as well. While many people have begun to use Photoshop to create double-exposure photos, your digital camera provides the option to do it live, in the moment. The beauty of shooting a double-exposure live versus creating one in Photoshop is you may surprise yourself with what you create.
Filter Effects
If you are on any social media platforms, then you are probably well aware of filters. You don’t have to wait until you’ve uploaded your photos, however, since digital cameras now come with built-in filters. You can take the picture in sepia tone or black and white in the moment, instead of swiping through filters after the photo is taken. Of course, the ability to swipe is still available if you want to try different filters for your photos, as well.
Voice Memos
When you’re holding your camera with two hands, you don’t have a free hand to take notes about your photos. Luckily, your camera likely comes equipped with a voice memo feature that allows you to leave yourself notes to refer to while you are snapping your photos. This feature embeds the note into the picture so you can remember dates, names, or other important information about each frame. Brands like Sony offer some of the best digital cameras with helpful features like this.
Interval Timer
Time lapse videos are very trendy now, and your digital camera likely has this ability. You used to need a separate controller to use this feature, but many cameras are now equipped with this technology. If you are interested in making a time-lapse video from your still shots, your camera may be able to do it, and some cameras automatically do it for you.
Lens Correction
No matter how expensive your camera, your lens isn’t perfect. It’s impossible. There will always be some minor distortion or aberration. Although there is no perfect lens, many cameras are equipped with lens correction technology to help with lighting issues and other distortions. New and high-end cameras are even able to correct color fringing and increase the sharpness in the photos. Just be aware that, if you change out the lens in your camera, the lens correction option may not work.
For some, photography is just a hobby. If it is your career, it’s a competitive field, and any advantage is important. Being fully aware — and taking advantage — of all the features your camera offers helps to make your photos look much more professional and beautiful. Make sure you study your camera to find out all the features that you can use.
