A few years ago, we took our then 3 kids to Disney World.  The trip involves a plane ride, which obviously involved maneuvering through Orlando International Airport with 3 smallish kiddos.  The trip also involved long days at Disney World chasing those same 3 smallish, extremely excited kids around the parks.

The thought of having to worry about my very expensive, and heavy camera around the parks or through a busy airport while watching those 3 kids made me anxious, and at the last minute i decided not to bring that heavy camera with me.  At the end of the day, I knew I wanted to be able to capture the moments, but I also knew I didn’t want to worry that someone would steal my camera, or that I would grow tired of holding it, or that I would have to leave it sitting in a bin at certain rides.

I took a risk and brought my point and shoot.  I was determined to learn any point and shoot camera tips I could.  Here are some secrets that helped me get the most out of that point and shoot camera.

5 point and shoot camera tips

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1. Learn how to use your camera.

Seriously, your point and shoot is likely to have some pretty cool features you’re not taking advantage of. My point and shoot actually gives me the ability to shoot in manual mode!  It also allows me to shoot wide open at 2.8 which is pretty neat for a point and shoot camera.

2. Do not use the digital zoom!!

Your camera may allow some optical zoom (you will actually see the lens moving in and out), and that’s fine, but digital zoom merely crops the picture for you.  You will lose pixels and image quality.

Almost anywhere you choose to have your pictures printed will allow you to easily crop the picture.  If you are intent on zooming in farther than the optical zoom will allow, either move closer to your subject, or crop the image afterwards when you go to print.

3. Turn off the on camera flash.

There is some debate about this.  You may be able to really rock your camera’s flash or you are doing a great job of diffusing the flash. That’s wonderful!!  Keep doing what you’re doing!

Most people who are working with their camera’s flash are not getting the results they are hoping for.  You’re getting harsh shadow, washed out kids, and tons of red eye.  Skip it!  Use ambient lighting, natural lighting, or raise your ISO.

4. Change your focal point.

This is useful when you’re trying to get sharper images in general.  Instead of setting your camera to focal area mode, set your camera to single focal point, and then make sure your focal point is falling on your subject.  

5. Play with your composition.

Compose your images to cut out distractions. Don’t always center your subject.  Use the rule of thirds.  Show your surroundings when you’re somewhere that is interesting!

Composition is a key component to learning how to take good pictures with a point and shoot camera.  If you’re looking for inspiration, go get your free ebook- 10 photo projects for anyone with any camera!

Bonus—  your point and shoot camera is likely to be small enough to take anywhere.  Take it!!  Stick it in your bag and take pictures of anything and everything!

The best images are the ones that happen when you least expect it!  Sometimes, that’s all you need to help you learn how to take good pictures with a point and shoot camera- practice!  If your smartphone has taken the place of your point and shoot camera, check out these tips for taking better pictures with your phone.

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