A) Just because you use a point and shoot doesn't mean you can't use a polarizing filter. Compare the differences between the image shot without it and then with it. Simply place the filter in front of the lens and rotate it until the sky and colors are more saturated. It's better if you work with the camera on a tripod to do this.
Without the Polarizer
With the Polarizer
B) Exploit the wide zoom range of the TZ3. Shoot at the wide setting to include everything to show the environmental shot and then zoom in to show the details.
Wide Angle setting
Telephoto setting
C) Just because it's dark, you don't have to use the flash. Compare the two images of the campfire. The second one where I turned the flash off has much greater mood and color saturation.
Flash on Automatic
Flash turned off photo #1
Flash turned off photo #2
D) Use the flash Set to Slow Synch to pick up detail in areas that would otherwise not be revealed due to the short exposure of just the flash. At slow synch, the shutter remains open for a longer period of time to record more natural or ambient light.
E) Set the TZ3 to Landscape mode in the Scene menu and fire away. Just have fun and enjoy the camera as you accumulate many great images of your trip.
Notice the great natural colors that are recorded at sunset!
Include clouds in the image to give the sky more drama
Use natural features to create a frame around your subject
Use that polarizing filter to add punch and more vibrant color to your photos.
Vary your compositions by shooting both horizontals and verticals.
All images © Russ Burden, Denver DPA Instructor
