Read the manual.

That’s it.  The best tip I can give for someone with a new camera is to read the manual that came in the box.  “But,” you say, “it’s boring.”  Maybe so, but by reading the manual and understanding your camera better, you’re going to take better photos. Even “point & shoot” cameras have manuals.  Why?  Because they aren’t really point and shoot – you have to actually do something.  For example, you’ll know your camera’s limitations – like how close you can get to something and still have it in focus.  Or maybe that you can get better people photos by setting it to portrait mode.

If you have always used a “point & shoot” type camera and Santa gifted you a new DSLR, you really need to read the manual.  DSLR’s are a whole new “ball of wax”.  And, you might want to check back here every Tuesday for tips.

And don’t just read your manual today.  Reread it again in a couple of months, then again next year.  Keep it handy when you are shooting pictures.  The more you read, the more you will understand photography and take better pictures.

If you lose your manual because someone threw it away with all that wrapping paper, here are some sites you can visit to get a new one – http://www.craigcamera.com/ib_index.htm, http://camera-manuals.com

Next Week:  F-stops:  The good, the bad, and the confusing!