- 1). Power on the camera, and ensure there is adequate space on the memory card to take your photo at its current resolution. The rear screen will usually display a figure in the format "100/250." This would indicate that you have space for 250 photos, and have so far taken 100.
- 2). Check that the camera is in the correct mode. Digital cameras usually have a multi-position selector switch, allowing the user to take photos, view the photos they have taken, or connect the camera to an external display. Select the capture mode in order to take a photo. It will be indicated by a small icon on the switch. Some digital camera models may even offer scene capture modes, where the camera will set the optimum exposure settings for what type of photo you are taking -- be it a portrait, landscape, or macro shot. With the capture mode selected, the rear screen will usually activate and display a live image of what is in front of the lens.
- 3). Determine whether or not you need to use the flash. If you are indoors or in a shady area, your photo may benefit from being lit. The flash button will most likely be indicated with a small lighting-bolt icon. Watch the screen when it is pressed and there may be various versions of it, offering red-eye reduction or no flash. Experiment with these when you have the chance, knowing what each one does and in which situation it is appropriate to use. Being familiar with the settings will help you take a photo faster in the moment.
- 4). Look through the viewfinder or at the rear screen, and position your shot. Composition is a matter of personal taste, and many books have been written about the correct and incorrect ways of approaching different types of subject. For now, just position your subject in the center of your screen. Use the zoom control to scale the frame around the subject. The zoom control will be a rocker or rotary switch near the shutter button and it will probably be marked with "T - W" or a self-explanatory icon.
- 5). Depress the shutter button lightly, allowing the camera to auto-focus if it has such a feature. There will usually be a short beep or a flashing light in the viewfinder when the shot has focused. Depress the shutter button the rest of the way and hold the camera very still as the image is being captured. This may take a second or two.
- 6). Review your image on the rear screen. The image may automatically appear on the screen, or look for the "Play" of "Review" button.
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