I am new, but old in Photography

[C-Note77]

I have always loved photography. Even my Great, great Grandfather was a photographer. I have been in a Graphic Layout and design course years ago. Before Digital Photography was the norm. I'm trying to figure out how to make my digital camera work for me in expressing myself. I like to go on small ventures when I can. I own an Aiptek DV. It's not expensive by no means. But I am trying to keep my pics from coming out grainy. Is there any tips out there?

 

[Sideburns]

If possible, try and shoot NOT in automatic. It tends to adjust the ISO too much. Keep your ISO down as low as possible, and shoot with good lighting. Anytime you can't get enough light the ISO climbs up and you get noise in your pictures.

That's the simplest answer...but I'm sure there's more to it than just that...

 

[The Phototron]

Flare.

 

[Iron Flatline]

Flare.

That's not a tip, it's an observation...

... but it brings up a good point. Try and keep light from falling on the lens at acute angles. A lens hood is the singular cheapest way to make substantial improvements to your images. It virtually eliminates lens flare, and really brings out contrast.