Taking photos for quality print

Get up close. Try and move in rather than stand back and use the zoom.

Avoid long rows of people that require you to stand back. Avoid more than three or four people in the shot unless you are after a specific team/group photo.

Take several shots in case someone’s eyes are shut!

Maximise camera quality

Cameras should be set to the best quality photos (if you have an option).

Keep the camera as still as possible.

If taking indoor event shots, better to take posed pictures at a dress rehearsal in good light than while the show is in progress.

Do and don't

Website images will not be good enough quality for colour print.

These files are sometimes called GIF files. Another clue, is if the resolution is 72dpi and the photo size is only a few centimetres wide.

Don't use mobile phones for your print photography.

A 5 mega pixel mobile camera is nothing like the quality of a conventional 5 mega pixel camera. Mobiles do not take good print quality photos and you should not rely on them for pictures for use in quality print.

Don't use 'digital' zoom

It is meaningless. And when using optical zoom, bear in mind that 3x and above may require a tripod or something to lean on.

Do take photos in natural light wherever possible.

Many cameras have poor built-in flash. If you are taking pictures indoors, get close to your subjects and use the red eye flash option if your camera has one.