Nikon Coolpix L120

[torian]

I have this camera.

I'm thinking I need to learn more about picture taking and what features - if any - this camera has that will help me to take better pictures.

I have a tripod for it. I realize that I'm limited as the camera just has one lens.

Any help for a picture newbie would be appreciated.

tori

 

[hakepb]

It doesn't look like your camera has much in terms of settings, just Auto or Scene.
You do have a great zoom reach, a lot more than most DSLr owners have or bother carrying around, so use that to your advantage on the Safari (I like zooming into an animals face instead of a whole body shot) and zoom into performers on outdoor daytime shows/parades.

For settings, I would try the beach scene mode for shots in bright sun. I would switch between pet scene and auto on the safari. You have a museum mode for darker indoor shots (but I would not expect any dark rides to turn out well). Then take out the tripod and use fireworks scene for fireworks.

The most important thing any photographer can do is concentrate on the basics. Hold the camera level with the horizon. Shoot pictures with the sun to your back, (colors will be much better with fewer blown highlights) not into the sun. Make sure your subject is in focus. Of possible, take advantage of the "golden hour"- the first and last hour of sunlight each day. (absolute best color)


After you get the basics down you can start playing with the macro (ie flower close ups) an food modes too (at a 45 degree angle)