Photojournalism basics
- Make sure your camera is always charged and has a memory card with plenty of room on it. Some of the best photo opportunities are unexpected, and the only way to catch them is to be prepared.
- Hold the camera steady. Dig your elbows into your body or place them on something. Use two hands. Lean against a wall. Do anything you can to be still when shooting.
- Use the automatic settings. Today's digital cameras are built with advanced automated settings. Try these first and see if they work. If not, make adjustments.
- Focus on one thing. When shooting a person or group of people against a busy, complex background, focus on the person's eyes.
- Get closer. Use your camera's zoom function or position yourself so that you get the best angle in a way that fills the viewfinder. When shooting people, the subject's face should be near the top of the picture, not in the middle.
- Go vertical. If the subject is vertical turn the camera into a vertical position to shoot it.
- Shoot action. Capture moments whenever possible and avoid posing people.
- Use Flickr or another free photo-sharing website to edit and publish your photographs.