Extended zoom, fully automatic exposure control, color display, preset programs, auto focus, face detection, smile detection-such functions are always present in cameras today. But sometimes with all these tricks and shortcuts, you lose the art and skill of actual photography.

Consciously limit yourself to what a good camera could do 30 years ago. The best camera equipment to use will be a rugged model (preferably a digital SLR) with manual aperture and shutter speed settings, a manual focus, and a sharp lens with a fixed focal length of 50 mm and a good f-number.

Important Using the crop factor of most DSLR cameras of about 1.5, you will need to set the focal length to 33 mm to get a.normal focal length of 50 mm. It makes the picture look as it would to the naked eye. You do not need to buy a lens with a fixea focal length for this, instead simply set your existing zoom to a value between 30 and 40 mm.

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In the camera, select the automatic shutter speed setting and specify the aperture or f-stop to get the correct exposure time. The next step is the most difficult-turn off the auto focus. Do not worry about pictures that are not sharp enough; a loophole, exists. Most DSLRs have a focus indicator. If the focus and exposure are correctly set, a green lamp lights in the Viewfinder. Bingo! What first felt restricting actually works to free you from using the automatic mode. Suddenly the photographer in you springs into action to grapple with subjects, explore the best angles and new perspectives! Without the zoom, you will need to go really close to some subjects and for others distance is key.

Before selecting the aperture, you will need to decide the depth and sharpness yo.u want for the subject. To achieve good results, give yourself time and carefully plan each detail and aperture. Should you take to this kind of photography, treat yourself to a powerful lens with a fixed focal length. It will be expensive because of the high-quality optics used, but will give you enough flexibility to play around even in the worst of lighting conditions.