[Getting to eye level with children: Lowering the camera to the toddler's level brings the viewer into his world. -- PHOTOS: JOHN TAN]

ONCE you have pored through the manual and mastered the basic functions of that new digital camera - such as focusing and exposure - you are ready to take mesmerising portraits of people and stunning landscape photos like a pro.

These are the two most common subjects and here are some simple tips to set you on your way.

Portrait with eyes one-third way down from the top (above): The eyes are the windows to the soul. Make sure they are sharply focused and positioned one-third way down from the top of the photo, even for animals.

Portraits

Focus on the eyes: The most important feature in a portrait are the eyes. Compose the photo such that the eyes are positioned one-third way down from the top of the photo.

Make sure the camera focuses on the eyes and not on the nose, since the nose is nearer the centre of the viewfinder.

At high zoom settings, this could mean the eyes are blur while the nose is in sharp focus.

To avoid this, use the focus lock technique: First, position the eyes of the subject at the centre of the viewfinder, then half-press the shutter release button.

Keeping the button half-pressed, recompose the photo by tilting the camera such that the eyes are one-third way down from the top. Press the button fully.

Eye-contact (above): Eye contact is important to make the connection between the subject and the viewer. Here, the viewer can connect better with the horse than the boy.

Facing: Get the subject to look directly into the lens to produce a strong connection between the viewer and the subject.

When snapping someone not looking at the camera but at the side, frame the photo such that they are looking 'into' the frame - if they are looking towards the right, position them on the left side of the photo.

Level: For a flattering portrait, hold the camera at the eye level of the subject.

For children, kneel down so that the photo is taken at eye level.

Avoid shooting from below unless the subject is your enemy and you deliberately want an unflattering portrait.

Scenic landscapes

Add foreground interest: When taking landscapes, include something nearer to the camera to help give the impression of depth and scale in the scene and to add interest.

For example, this could be trees or boulders nearer the camera than the savannah grassland you are taking. Just make sure these foreground objects are not too distracting.

Framing the scene: Use something in the foreground to frame the scene you are shooting. Use foliage, such as trees and overhanging branches. Shoot through windows, archways, or a hole in the wall.

Framing the photo: Look through a doorway like this photo of a French Chateau (left) or frame the scenery through a gateway (above).

Even the pros take many photos that are discarded before they discover one that pleases them.

A digital camera allows you to take as many photos as desired without worrying about cost. The key to getting a feel of taking good photos is to keep snapping.

For every subject you are taking, try using different zoom settings, different angles and different frames (for example, overhanging branches or arches). With practice, anyone can develop an eye for a good photo.

Photos: John Tan

John Tan is a freelance writer

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