Congratulations! There is indeed a lot of things to learn and you may be unsure where to begin. Below are some tips that can boost the quality of your photos.
Get in close to get the most impressive shot. Getting in nice and tight allows your subject to fill the frame, which minimizes distractions. It lets you zero in on facial expressions, important considerations for any photographer taking a portrait. Those small, yet important details are often lost when you’re standing too far away.
Try to create an impression of depth in your landscape photos. An object in the foreground of your shot can create the illusion of depth by providing scale. You can sharply define the photo’s foreground and background by using a small aperture. The aperture should be set at no more than f/8 or f/16, respectively, for a basic digital camera or a full-frame SLR.
While many would believe that taking pictures when it is sunny will result in glorious pictures, sunlight can actually ruin the quality of an image. The sun will cast awkward shadows along with glaring, and cause uneven highlights that will make your subjects squint when they look into the camera. If you’re going to be taking photographs outside, try to take them early in the morning or late in the evening.
Avoid Missing
Having your batteries always charged helps you avoid missing any great shots. Digital cameras can use a lot of power, especially when using the LCD screen, so make sure your batteries are fully charged before needing to use the camera. You should also carry spare batteries so that you can avoid missing a photograph opportunity.
Shoot photographs of things that capture your interest. Some things may seem unimportant at the time you shoot the photo, but when you return home, every photograph will help recreate memories and ambiance. Whether it is a laughable street sign or the stub of a bus ticket, every picture will have memories associated with it.
Be prepared to take notes when you practice photography. If you have hundreds of photographs, you probably won’t be able to remember where or when you took them all or how you were feeling at the time. Use a small notepad to write numbers next to the pictures’ descriptions.
Make sure to read the camera’s manual. The manual is often a big, thick bulky brick. People tend to place them at the back of drawers or they get thrown away. Instead of throwing them out, use time to read its contents. The information contained within is extremely valuable and will simplify the process of taking great pictures.
When planning a shot, try to “frame” it. Not a physical frame around the shot, but a type of “natural” one. It is possible to build a natural frame by looking for items in the picture. This is called composition, and you will need to develop this skill.
Hopefully you should have an idea of what to do next when it comes to bettering your photography skills. Return to this list as needed to brush up on the techniques discussed. Patience and persistence is key. With practice you will be taking great photos for your family to enjoy for generations.
