Many people think they will improve their photography by buying a
spiffy new camera. In photography, technique is more important than
equipment. In addition, taking good pictures is something anyone can do
with any camera, if you practice enough and avoid some common mistakes.
Part 1 of 8: Understanding Your Camera
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Read the camera's manual.
Learn what each control, switch, button, and menu item does. Learn the
basic actions, such as using the flash (on, off, and auto), zooming in
and out, and using the shutter button. Some cameras come with a printed
beginners manual but also offer a free larger manual on the
manufacturer's website.
Part 2 of 8: Getting Started
Set the camera's resolution to take high quality photos at the highest resolution possible.
Low-resolution images are more difficult to alter later; it also means
that you cannot crop as enthusiastically as you could with a
higher-resolution version (and still end with something printable).
Upgrade to a bigger memory card. If you don't want to or can't afford to
buy a new one, then use the "fine" quality setting, if your camera has
one, with a smaller resolution
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Start with setting your camera to one of its automatic modes, if you have a choice.
Most useful is "Program" or "P" mode on digital SLRs. Ignore advice to
the contrary which suggests that you operate your camera fully manually;
the advances in the last fifty years in automatic focusing and metering
have not happened for nothing. If your photos come out poorly focused
or poorly exposed, then start operating certain functions manually.
