Quote Originally Posted by slleipnir
How do you know what level of ISO to use? Like, would you use a high ISO setting in a bright setting? Or a darker one?

What's the best way to capture details/colors? I've seen some photos and it's like, wow, so many colors and stuff. I KNOW my cameras are capable of taking awesome photos, I just can't figure them out.

ISO settings depend on what you want to do. Low numbers like 50, or 80 make a very sharp picture, great detail, but require alot of light to avoid blurring. Higher number ISO settings are for lower light situations however do make a picture grainier, although some people use this for a deliberate effect with black & white photography. I personally usually have mine set no higher than 100 if I can help it.

Details and colors not only depend on ISO settings, but also your resolution settings (on a digital), how still the camera was held (tripods are wonderful), and lighting on the subject itself. Light from the side or from behind you as you take the picture usually show up with the most colors/details. Light from in front of you can have neat sillohette (sp?) effects, but will tend to drown out your detail.

Here's a GREAT SITE for learning TONS of tips on photography, whether you use a digital or film camera.

And as any professional will tell you.....you can NEVER take too many pictures of the same subject. Keep trying different angles, lighting, and settings, and you'll be surprised by how different you can make the same subject look.

Have fun.