In an attempt to preserve memories, more and more people are buying digital cameras. But for those snapshots to be worth looking back on, you need to know how to use it.

Safari Mugisha, a photographer at Simpro Digital Studio, says every snapper can produce top photographs. It doesn’t matter how much your camera costs, or how large it is.

The thing that makes the biggest difference to the quality of digital photography is the person behind the camera. Get the right grip: One common problem many photographers have is ‘camera shake’.

Even the smallest movement can blur and ruin a photo. The first rule is to hold the you are using and varies from person to person depending upon preference.

There is no real right or wrong way to do it but there are a few techniques to try: Use your right hand to hold the right hand end of the camera gently.

Your forefinger should sit lightly above the shutter release, your other three fingers curling around the front of the camera. Your right thumb grips onto the back of the camera.

Add extra stability by leaning against a solid object. Holding a camera in this way will allow you flexibility of being able to line up shots quickly. Still encountering problems? Think about using a stand.

Most modern digital cameras will have a stabiliser switch.
Taking the shot: Before you take your shot take a gentle but deep breath, hold it, then take the shot and exhale. The other method people use is the exact opposite.

It’s amazing how much a body rises and falls simply by breathing. But as an amateur, familiarising yourself with your new digital camera it’s worth considering your technique.

Snap balancing (third rule): It’s one of the first things that budding digital photographers learn. It is the basis for well-balanced and interesting shots. The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds.

The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally.

It works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.

Contact: eddiemukaaya@yahoo.com