The Camera Doesn't Matter- Compact Camera Photography Tips

Photographers will occasionally state that the camera doesn't matter, and that having a good eye is all. This is far from true for two main reasons; control and output. However, the best camera is the one that gets the picture, which often means that the best camera is the one that you actually have on you at the time.

Compact cameras just keep getting better. Tiny enough to fit in your back pocket, they'll still produce great photos if you use them properly. Most are smaller than a Leica M camera, effectively silent, and a fraction of the cost. More importantly, almost everyone has one now, and they're a great aid for honing your skills and introducing people to photography.

This short guide will show a number of photographs taken with inexpensive compact cameras.

10 Compact Photography Tips

Composition is Everything

• Having a 'good eye' rests heavily on an intuitive sense of composition
• This is developed by learning to see the world as it is, and gorging oneself on art
• Anything that doesn't contribute to the photograph's intended message detracts from it
• Check the background for clutter, check the foreground for thumbs
• It is useful to think about composition as the challenge of pointing the camera in the right direction from the right point in space at the right time
• This makes spatial awareness especially important; you need to be moving to explore the viewpoints available
• Look out for recurring shapes and patterns, and leave space for them
• Lie in wait. If you take a good photo in one place, set up the composition and stay there for a bit
• Horizons should be horizontal
• It's not that difficult to follow rules; when you know them, break them to create memorable photographs

How did you get on? Send any feedback by email ben@benevansphotography.com, or here on Twitter.

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