How To Take Digital Photographs

Step 1: Know your camera inside out

Read the manual, pop outside and start experimenting with the different functions and settings. Then study the results – see what works and what doesn't

The great thing about digital photos is that there's no film to waste – any bum pictures can simply be deleted.

Step 2: Get Up Close

Taking shots from too far away is a common mistake – don't be afraid to zoom in or get right up close; chop out any unnecessary information from the shot. If it doesn't add to the photo, it's unnecessary filler, so lose it.

Watch VideoJug's film about The Rules of Composition; this'll teach you how to frame and balance photos nicely

Step 3: Positioning

Pay attention to what's going on behind your subject; if there's a bunch of flowers behind them, it'll look like they're sprouting out of the top of their head and the photo will be ruined.

And don't centre your subject - photos often look better with the subject on the left or right of frame.

Take the time to really look at the preview image and make sure everything looks nice.

Step 4: Careful With Your Flash

If something's well-lit already a force flash with bleach things out and your photo will look messy.

If you're snapping something far away that needs brightening, your flash will be nigh-on useless. Use a longer exposure time or fiddle with the ISO settings.

If you're snapping groups of people, be aware that anyone closer up will be affected by the flash more than the people further away. This can look odd, so keep your subjects relatively equidistant.

Step 5: Focus

Disparity between something in ultra-sharp focus next to something all deliberately blurry can look amazing, so consider using that to your advantage.

Step 6: Hold it steady

Wonky shots look rubbish. As do shaky ones. Invest in a tripod if you're serious about taking artsy shots, or rest the camera on a table or something to keep it steady.

Step 7: Take lots of shots, and be selective

The more you shoot, the more you'll have; and don't publish any old grot you've snapped directly to your online album. Hand pick the very best pictures. Remember, less is more.

Step 8: Learn what to do after you've taken pictures

These days, photography doesn't end when your subjects say ‘cheese' – there's plenty to do when you get home. Packages such as Photoshop and iPhoto allow you to tinker with your digital photos to your heart's content.

Learn to take out imperfections and tidy up images. Before long, your photos will all be looking like they've been taken by a professional.