This article is a simplified photography course directed at new photographers and scrapbookers out there who want to know the basics of where to start.

First, a short introduction to what this course is.

The basics of photography are not hard and just about anyone over the age of 12 can learn them in very short order. With today's modern digital cameras, it's very easy for anyone to take clear focused images in most any conditions. What really takes time and practice is taking images that capture the memory and fit the needs of the scrapbooker who is capturing not only the memory and the emotions, but the story itself.

We will highlight the basics and what you need to get started. We'll really be concentrating on how to apply the basics and the techniques/tips to use to get the most story out of the images you capture.

That said, let's get started.

If you really want to learn the basics of photography the first thing you need is a reliable camera. It doesn't have to be the most expensive camera out there, but it must, and I repeat must, be able to shoot in a variety of modes and conditions. At a minimum, this means in full auto mode, in portrait or people mode, in sunset or low light conditions, with fill flash (we'll talk more on what that is later) and at night. Optional nice to have options are moving objects mode, landscape mode and Macro settings.

The nice thing is that most of today's digital cameras, even the ones on your smart phone come standard with this. The only catch is that it needs to be 4 mega pixel or better resolution if you plan on making 8x10 or larger prints out of your images.

Now comes the hard part that most people ignore... To really get the most out of your photography you must understand the equipment. You'll need to learn how your camera and all its modes and capabilities work. After all, if you don't know what it can do and how to use it, then how can you take advantage of it when the time comes that you need it?

For example, full auto is OK for taking candid shots at a family reunion, but so much is out of focus in the auto images taken of mountain or lake scenery photos. You need to know how to put your camera into landscape mode to get the full Depth of Field (how much is in focus) out of your camera lens.

Read the manual, practice with the different settings and keep your manual handy to review the modes you don't use all the time.

Let's talk bags and cases:

If you have a camera but can't get to it quickly when you need to take a quick photo... then you are going to miss out on a lot of great photos. I always recommend getting the smallest bag you can for the camera and your everyday basics. That way you are more likely to always have it with you when you need it. If you have a lot of accessories, use a separate bag and swap out what is needed for the situation you are in at the time.

The one accessory you should never leave out: Your Tripod!

Face it now, you're going to need a tripod whether it's portrait work, landscapes or sporting events. You will need one eventually if for no other reason then to include your self in a few of the images with your self-timer or remote control. Luckily you don't have to spend a lot here. Just something lightweight and durable. If your camera (cell phone camera's especially) doesn't have a tripod attach point, don't worry about it, just get one of the multi-finger or spider grip tripods that can be adjusted to hold almost anything.

Your Flash:

You will need a flash. How big and if it's separate is the real question here. You can buy a separate remote mounted flash, which is great to have around if you can afford it. They can have a remote sensor that goes off when it senses the flash on your camera go off and adds light just where you need it. I use mine to mostly light up backgrounds and highlight objects.

You'll need to consider what kind of photography that you will be doing most though. If you are going to do mostly nature and landscape, you may only need the fill flash that comes with most cameras built-in today. On the other hand, if you are planning on doing portraiture or large group shots, you will want to consider a larger high power camera remote mounted flash that has an adjustable angle.

OK, now that we have our bag, our camera and our tripod; it's time to have some fun.

This week's assignment: Find a willing subject (person) that you can work with, preferably someone that won't mind playing some games and doing a few silly things.

Now, with your manual reviewed and still handy, shoot 8 to 10 images using each mode of your camera. Shoot some of the pictures in the morning, some in the afternoon, and finish up at sunset into darkness. Be sure and have a notebook handy so you can take notes on time of day and light conditions along with what your settings (mode) were for each photograph. This really helps when you are reviewing your results later.

When you get the images off your camera and onto your computer, you should be able to see a difference in each image mode. Be sure and repeat this procedure until you feel that you understand the relationship between the different camera modes and the effects they have on your pictures.

This way you will learn your own particular camera as well as how it reacts in different conditions