Photography 101: Everything You Need To Know
July 10, 2013 by admin
Filed under Photography Tips
Everybody loves to photograph. The simple reason is because people put lots of work into pictures. Here are some suggestions that will help you get some good photos.
To improve the quality of your picture, decrease the distance between your camera and your subject. Getting up close allows you to put a frame around your subject while avoiding any disruptive backgrounds. This also better captures facial expression, which is very important in portrait photography. Small details such as the unique colors in your model’s eyes, or an adorable dimple are often lost when you are too far away.
When trying to take a good photograph, keep your technique simple. You can often create a gorgeous picture without playing around with the different motion and color settings.
When you are prepared to take your photography to the next level, invest in a dSLR camera. This camera is a single-lens reflex digital camera and shows the subject as the photograph is being shot. It’s best to have a full-frame digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera because these have the largest image sensor, and deliver photos with the greatest amount of detail.
If you want to be able to take great photos, take lots of them. You’ll need a memory card large enough to hold them all. While large memory cards can be a bit expensive, they are well the investment. Having one will ensure that you never run out of room for those precious shots. You will also be able to shoot RAW photos when you have a big memory card, which will allow you to edit them the most in post-production.
Try to get as close as you can to your photo subject. Nothing is as bad as taking a photograph of something that is not close enough to see well. Do everything you can to make sure your subject stands out and is seen clearly.
Try to put your models at ease as much as you can, particularly if you are not acquainted with them. Some people may feel threatened by the person taking their photograph, making them uneasy. Help your model to relax by keeping a friendly atmosphere, and the mood upbeat. Also, seek their permission before you start taking their picture. Be sure to explain why you are taking the photographs, and your love of artful expression through photography.
When you desire to go into photography, it is important that you learn about proper composition. If composition is lacking, your photograph as a whole will feel as if it’s lacking something. Unique composition can turn an everyday photograph into a piece of art.
Play around with alternate approaches to expressions, perspectives and scale. Even the simplest of objects can be viewed as works of art, if you portray it in such a way. To get a new view of a familiar object, work on the compositions.
Use limits to help yourself focus in on a subject and be more creative Focus on specific concepts to narrow the scope of your photography. Try to shoot 100 different photographs from the same point or within the same room. Working under such limitations will spur you to think creatively and take more experimental photos.
Watch for fixed patterns in the pictures that you take, and make the most of them. Patterns add an appealing aspect to a photograph, particularly if they are repeating patterns. Learn to use this to create new backgrounds and perspectives in your pictures.
Use the manual white balance when taking your photographs. This has a dramatic effect on the mood of the photo, and provides you with the ability to control the way your photos look. You’ll have to practice to find out what looks the best, but adjusting the white balance will help you to become more creative with your shots.
You need to understand your camera’s ISO feature if you want to make your pictures turn out as desired. The higher the ISO value, the wider the field of view, which translates into grainy prints. This can ruin your pictures unless you are planning on having that look.
A filter extends the camera’s lens. You can screw a filter right on the lens to get additional effects. The most frequently used filter is a UV filter. It offers protection to the lens from the direct sunlight which can be harmful. In addition, it can aid in protecting your lens from being damaged if dropped.
Figure out different ways to adjust your shutter speeds. Generally speaking, it’s best to utilize the fastest shutter speed possible; however, you can get some interesting effects with a slower shutter speed (e.g. 1/30). Did you see that guy on the bike? The resulting image will portray the cyclist in sharp outline, but the background will appear streaked, as in motion.
Practice is essential in becoming a better photographer; take your camera and enter the field to practice technique. But before you know it, the quality of your photos will increase!
