By Lisa M. Sanders

Austin Daily Herald

The holidays are here -- complete with family gatherings, chilly temperatures and a bit of snowfall.

The time of year gives us some of the best opportunities for capturing memories on film, whether it is cousin Susie breaking her New Year's resolution or grandma pulling one of her famous pies out of the oven.

The following suggestions and tips can help make the photographs that you take this season the best they can be.

Preparation

Check to see that your camera is properly working and that your battery power is good.

Select the type of film that will be appropriate for the photographs you will be taking. Photos taken indoors, where light is dimmer, require a "faster" or higher speed film, such as 400 or 800 ISO. "Slower" or lower speed film, such as 100 ISO, should be used when there is ample light. The size of the grain -- the sand-like texture in a photograph which becomes more apparent as they are enlarged -- increases as the ISO of the film increases.

Also think about whether to use color or black and white film. Colors tend to be more vibrant with slower speed films and black and white films give a classic, older feel to the photograph.

Photographing

1. Always keep your camera handy and ready to shoot. The most spontaneous moments sometimes make the most priceless photographs and it is easiest to capture them if you are ready.

2. Generally, pictures tend to be better the closer you are to your subject. Don't be afraid to get in close to your subject.

Eliminating distracting and unnecessary background helps to draw attention to the subject of the photo. Show just enough to make the scene clear, but don't get too close. Most point-and-shoot cameras cannot focus on a subject that is closer than two to four feet away from the lens.

3. Avoid posed subjects. Photographs are more interesting when the subject is active and expressions tend to be more natural.

4. Keep the background of the photograph simple. A busy background can be distracting or can cause unwanted elements to distract from your subject.

5. When composing your picture, follow the rule of thirds, placing the subject off-center. When visualizing the rule of thirds, imagine two horizontal lines cutting the picture into thirds, then imagine two vertical lines cutting the same picture into thirds vertically. The four points where these lines intersect are options for subject placement.

6. Include elements from the foreground in scenic photographs. Not only does this add a sense of distance but gives a feel of dimension and depth.

7. Poor light conditions can ruin a well-composed picture. Avoid this by being conscious of the lighting conditions. When indoors, where light is usually low, turn on all lights and use a flash. For the best light when outdoors, keep the sun to your back. Cloudy, overcast days provide the best lighting for pictures of people. Bright sun makes people squint and creates harsh shadows while light on overcast days is soft and flattering to faces.

8. Make sure to hold your camera still. Press the sutter button gently, even the slightest movement of the camera can cause the photograph to blur. Place the camera on a flat surface or use a tripod when using the self-timer function.

9. Use a flash. The extra light that a flash provides helps when you are indoors and light is low. A flash also aids in stopping the action, creating a sharper photograph. Using a flash outdoors also can be helpful as it brightens colors and softens shadows. Check your camera's manual for the range of your camera's flash. Being too close with your flash can cause your picture to become overexposed.

10. Think about the photograph before taking it. Walk around the subject to determine the best angle to shoot from. Watch the horizon line to make sure that it is level.

Afterward

Process your film right away.

Keep fingers away from the image, moisture and oils from your skin can effect the print quality.

To prevent fading, place your photos in glass-protected frames or in photo albums. Chose frames with colors and tones that compliment the photograph. Keep photographs away from extreme temperatures, high humidity and bright lights.

While these rules are not unchangeable, they will help you to preserve the moments and memories of your life the best you can.

Lisa M. Sanders can be reached at 434-2237 or by e-mail at :mailto:photodesk@austindailyherald.com