Photography can be one of the hardest art forms to master as it requires both natural ability coupled with a lot of hard work. This does not mean that you must be a born photographer, but you must be willing to learn a few new trade secrets, and remember to stick to a formula that works for you.
Take photographs quickly! If you take too long while setting up a shot, you may very well miss out on the opportunity to take the perfect picture. The faster you can snap a photo, the better.
Get as close to your subject as you need to. Getting up close gives you a better conceptual focus, and blots out background distractions. You also get the opportunity to allow your subject’s face to be the star of the shot; this is especially impactful with portraiture. Camera image sensors are only so good, so long-range shots sacrifice detail.
It is a common misconception that bright, sunny days are perfect for taking pictures. Actually, a lot of sun can make it difficult to take useable photos. Direct sun will cast shadows and cause glares but it will cause highlights that are uneven and your subjects may squint. The best times of the day to take a picture are in the early morning and the late evening.
Framing is essential to photography composition. Use your zoom feature to take away objects that might draw attention where you do not want it. This will make sure that people do not get distracted from the main focal point, as well as keep your photographs well styled without the background clutter.
Ensure you have an extra charged battery so you do not miss the greatest photos. Digital cameras consume a lot of battery life, particularly when you use the LCD screen; therefore, be sure that your batteries are charged fully before you need to use your camera. It is also a good idea to carry around spare batteries. This way you will never miss out on a great shot.
Take shots of people you see in your day. You must always seek permission first. Shots of people will stand out and help you remember great traveling experiences. Look for candid pictures and casual clothing.
Take down notes when you’re shooting pictures. It’s good to have a context for when and where a certain photograph was taken. Buy a small notebook to write down all your information on the photos. Number your photographs, and write this number down in the notebook next to the description of that photograph.
Your shots can be improved by simply moving in a bit on the subject you are shooting. It is very upsetting when you believe you have the perfect shot only to find that you can’t see the subject very well. When you move closer enough to get a great shot, you save both yourself and those you share your photos with much frustration because the subjects of your photos are more vivid and clear.
When shooting a picture, judge the surroundings and choose the right aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Your photo’s exposure is dictated by these three settings, taken together. Both overexposed and underexposed pictures should always be avoided, unless you are going for that particular effect. Have a play with these features and the changes they can make to your photos until you discover what combination of the three you like the best.
You can be a great photographer and even have a career based off of it. There is much more to great photography than just pointing and clicking at subjects. Instead, the art of photography is immortalizing a moment or an image that is present around you.
