Getting ready

The camera

• A digital camera is preferable: it will make uploading images so much easier.
• Photos taken with a film camera can be uploaded using a scanner. However, ultimately the picture quality will suffer and it is a time consuming process.
• Know how to use your camera: digital cameras come with many features such as auto focus, auto flash, red eye reduction  and white balance making picture taking easy, however, there will be a few occasions when you will want to override these features - so take the time to look at the instructions before you start.
  
  

Before you start

• Prepare your camera for the occasion - recharge it and refamiliarise yourself with the controls.
• Have a suitable memory card available, check there is enough memory left on it.
• Having a spare battery and memory card are excellent backups - if you are going overseas remember to also take a socket adaptor.
• Take some time to think about the type of photos you want to take and how and where they will be used.
  
  

Understanding flash

Flash can dramatically enhance your pictures when used correctly:

• You can help prevent red eye from flash by asking your subjects to look over your shoulder rather than directly at the camera.
• Flash need not only be used at night. Flash can be used to enhance daytime pictures eg. fill flash is a feature that can be used on sunny days to lighten dark areas under the eyes.
• Flash will only be effective when used at the right distance - about four feet from the subject.

Getting the shot

Composition
Good composition is essential [it] allows you to convey messages and emotions through the images that you shoot.¹

Consider:

• The angle: Create visual interest by choosing unusual angles from which to take your picture. "Look for angles that are interesting and demonstrate the mood and inspiration you're trying to capture."¹
• Balance: try and achieve a balance of colour, light and depth in your picture.
• Perspective: include an object that will give the image a sense of perspective. In large landscape shots include a person to show the magnitude; in a seminar try including the podium with the speaker, it will create a sense of drama.
• Move in close: cut distractions out of your picture by moving in close on your subject; your aim is to fill the picture with the subject.
• Use a plain background: this will keep the focus on your subject; bright, colourful objects or signs and letters directly behind the subject of your photo will detract from it.²
• Place your subject off centre to create visual interest.
  
  

This photo of Michael Quinn Patton at the 2005 GP & PHC Research Conference is close up, off centre, with a clear background so that there are few distracting elements.

The photo of Larry Green (right) is not as effective because of the distracting background, it would have been better had the photographer changed their point of view, ensuring the poster remained in the shot but not behind the subject. The photograph is successful in that it is shot from an interesting angle and includes the speaker's podium providing perspective.