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Microsoft Picture It! Companion Guide
15
Chapter 2: Making the Most of Your Camera
To ensure longer shooting, you can buy rechargeable batteries, which last
longer than disposable alkaline batteries. Keep your spares charged so they’ll
be ready when you need them. If you are running low on power and don’t have
a spare battery, conserve remaining power by trying the following:
■
Turn off your LCD screen and compose through the viewfinder.
■
Turn off your flash so that it doesn’t fire automatically. Turn the flash on
only when you really need it.
■
Wait until you’re home to preview your photos.
Using the Flash
Learning to use the flash is one of the easiest ways to get better photos both
indoors and outdoors. Especially when you’re photographing people, overpow-
ering light from the flash can ruin the shot, often in ways that are difficult to
correct with photo-editing software.
Most inexpensive and moderately priced cameras come equipped with a built-
in flash. The flash may be programmed to fire automatically when the camera
senses that the flash is needed. But relying on the camera’s judgment will not
always give you the best results. Built-in flashes can create harsh shadows,
overexposed areas, and unnatural-looking light.
Read your camera’s manual to learn what the recommended flash range is, and
to find out how to adjust different flash settings. Three of the most common
flash settings are outlined in the following sections.
Upgrading your
flash
If your camera
supports an external
flash, consider buying
one, especially if you
take a lot of indoor
photos of people. An
external flash will give
you much more control
and often better
results.
The range of your
flash
Check your camera’s
manual to find out the
recommended range
for your flash. Most on-
camera flashes are
designed to illuminate
a subject that is 10 to
15 feet from the
camera. If the flash is
too close, your subject
may look too bright or
washed out in the
photo. If you’re too far
away, the flash doesn’t
provide enough light.