The art of photography has indeed undergone a dramatic transformation with the introduction of digital cameras. These cameras, which make use of electronic devices to capture images in binary data, have made photography a much easier and affordable option for amateurs and professionals alike. Digital cameras allow photographers to view the images, even before they are printed, thus enabling them to sift through the images and sort out the ones they choose to print and discard the rest. These images can be uploaded directly to the computer, without having to undergo the painstaking task of scanning every single photograph separately, and also lets the photographer store these images indefinitely in the computer memory. Also, the user can explore his creativity to the zenith, with the array of image and light enhancements that digital cameras offer.

But before you learn how to shoot exceptional pictures on your digi-cam, it is vital that you first understand how exactly a camera works. Most digital cameras boast of a Liquid Crystal Display on the back, which functions quite like the viewfinder. In fact, it allows the user a preview of the picture, even before it is shot, to make the requisite adjustments and review the picture right after it is taken. Images shot with digital technology, comprise of thousand of mega pixels, each of which is the equivalent of one million pixels or picture elements. Digital cameras are also equipped with, what is known as a Shutter-release button, which must be pressed in two steps, once to lock the exposure and adjust the focus and then to actually take the photograph. Also, digital cameras are more susceptible to ‘Camera Shake’ which may result in the image being blurred and hazy.

Most cameras are preset to the automatic ISO mode where the ISO adjusts itself in keeping with the light conditions of your surroundings. You can even create your signature effect by deciding to adjust the ISO for yourself. Should you choose to do so, bear in mind that the higher the brightness in the surroundings, the lower the ISO needs to be. The converse applies with dim lighting, where you need to set the ISO higher than you normally would. Many digital photographers are plagued by what is known as ‘Noise’ in the photographs. This means that their images have random speckles or pixels all over them, thus undermining the clarity of the photograph. To counter this, you can apply the noise reduction feature, but your photograph will not be as minutely detailed as you would want it to be. The larger the photograph, the more prominent the noise in it will be. Hence, a compressed image will not reveal any traces of noise.

Your camera, will automatically determine when a flash is to be used, as per the light conditions. However, if you like, you can even choose not to use the flash, but simply increase the room lighting. You can also opt to use an external flash unit which will offer you a lot more flexibility than a built-in flash mechanism. You can either attach these units to the camera. Or use them separately, with or without the use of a cable. If you are using an external unit, then you can also try to tilt the flash upwards to let the light bounce off the walls or the ceiling, thereby cutting down the harsh glare and shadows. You may also want to avoid backlighting unless you specifically want to create the effect of a silhouette. You can also use the Fill-in Flash effect to first illuminate the background and then provide an additional fill-in flash to highlight the subject.

If you are looking to capture a rapidly moving object, you can activate the ‘Burst Mode’ on your camera. This will let you take multiple pictures in a rapid sequence, while you simply press down on the Shutter Release button. You can also increase the intensity of the color while capturing your images, to produce more vivid hues. You may also want to activate the Macro mode if you want to click a close up of a small object. Closing in, without making this adjustment may bring your subject out of focus. Digital cameras are also enhanced with Optical Zoom, where the focal length of the lens extends and retracts to let the image be magnified by the lens itself, while keeping the resolution intact, to produce images of the finest quality.

It is vital that you learn the correct way to hold your camera to obtain the best results the camera is capable of. Many cameras offer you only the LCD without the little viewfinder. This makes it impossible to hold the camera to your face, as you would other wise and compels you to take pictures while holding it at arms length. Needless to say, your image will be distorted as your hand is bound to be unsteady. This is one of the key points you need to bear in mind when purchasing your digital camera.

As they say, Practice makes perfect. This phrase is specifically relevant when it comes to learning how to handle your digital camera. Also, the manual which comes along with the camera proves to be of invaluable assistance when it comes to grappling with the ropes. However, you need to plough through the complete, extensive manual instead of simply skimming through the basics from the Quick Start Guide, if you want to develop beyond a novice. You may also want to keep referring back to the manual for any hitches along the way, while experimenting with all that your camera has to offer. A digital camera spares you the expense of having to worry about how much you’re spending on film. You can also reserve the photographs which display the techniques you want to work on, in the memory card of the camera itself or even your computer. The convenient size also means that you don’t have to burden yourself with heavy bags every time you set out on a photography excursion. And if all this isn’t enticement enough, simply grab your camera and snap a few pictures for yourself. You’ll soon find that breathtaking works of art, which were once considered the hallmark of legendary studio artists, is now your very own niche!