how to take a picture

It sounds basic enough. And who really has time to read the part in the camera manuals that tell you how to press the shutter button?

The truth is, there is a little bit more to taking a picture than just pressing the button. The most important thing to remember for today is that pressing the shutter button is a 2-step process. However, we will add steps 1 and 3 to the process below to expand on it a bit.

This applies to all types of cameras. I use the procedure whether I'm holding a camera phone, a simple point-and-shoot, or one of the more advanced SLRs.

1. Zoom in (or out) until your subject fills your screen.
2. Aim the camera at your subject, and press the shutter button HALF-WAY ONLY! (generally, this is your camera's only chance to focus in on the subject). When your camera indicates focus, don't let go of the button!
3. Compose your picture. Remember, your subject doesn't necessarily need to be in the center of the picture.
4. Complete the shot -- by pressing the shutter button all the way.

That's it. These are general principles, and steps 1 and 3 are general rules of composition that you can break if your artistic natures so dictate.

In the future we can cover elements of composition. But for now, enjoy!

jte