This is an admirable goal! However, with such a wealth of information available regarding photography, figuring out where to start can be daunting. Here are some ideas to get you on the road to quickly improving your skills so you can take stunning pictures.
Experiment with free photo-editing software. Even the most professional photographers use software to perfect their shots, so take advantage of the many types of software available to help your pictures look their best. Oftentimes a photograph can change from being "so so" to "oh my goodness"! with minor alterations.
If you're on a trip, it's best to start capturing photos the moment you leave. Think of traveling itself as a good opportunity to take pictures, besides the shots you will take once you reach your destination. Document each phase of your vacation -- the airport is always good for some interesting shots.
The first picture you take might not be the best. Once you find an interesting subject, take many pictures and select the best ones later. With digital photography, you have the luxury of doing this and making sure that you capture the moment you want to capture.
If you are going to be taking a picture of a large group, give them some suggestions on how to wear complementary clothing. Matched colors aren't mandatory, but clothing colors in the same family or in complimentary tones will greatly enhance your resulting photos. Perhaps advice your subjects to wear neutral colors that will blend with any surrounding. If bright colors are preferred, consider balancing them with articles of black clothing as well, to avoid a barrage of colors that clash with each other.
As you encounter different backgrounds, scenery or subjects, take multiple practice shots. Every situation in photography is different, so it is important that you take practice shots to get used to the setting. Try taking pictures at different times of the day to get a different lighting.
Strive to create some perspective of depth whenever you are shooting landscapes. When you place familiar objects in the foreground of the image, you can help viewers to perceive the size and scope of the subject. You can get decent focus on both foreground and background objects by using a small aperture setting: Something under f/8 with a standard digital camera or f/16 when using a full-frame SLR.
When you are going to be taking pictures of a wedding, warm up with some shots of some unexpected things such as the bride's make up or the ring bearer putting on his shoes. You might also snap some amazing shots in the process.
Different shutter speeds create different effects. High shutter speed is great for taking split-second shots of subjects in motion, delivering crystal-clear results free of motion blur. This can really make all the difference when photographing in fast action environments. On the other hand, you can get motion blur if you use a shutter speed which is slow. Try taking a picture of running water with this method.
A silhouette can look lovely in any picture. You can even try taking silhouette photography using the sunset environment, or another beautiful setting. If the difference in lighting between the subject and background is significant, with the background being brighter, it will create a silhouette. You can achieve this effect by using a rear-mounted flash or by having the subject stand near a window facing east around 9 A.M. Remember, that this technique could show off an unflattering angle, so be careful in your setup.
Usually before taking a picture, you want to figure out if you should take advantage of the shadows or highlights on your subject. Or, you can use photoshop or some other program to blend two photos together.
Photographing at night is a totally different subject. When shooting your photographs in low light situations, you will need to pay particular attention to maximizing whatever existing light is available or acquiring alternate sources of lighting. Night pictures will work out when using fake lights and other special devices.
Try experimenting with different colors and angles, and all the different features located on your camera. You do not need an original object to take a high-quality picture. A good photographer makes even insignificant objects look interesting. Experiment to find your style.
Now, you should have some new techniques to try out on your next pictures. Make use of what you have learned from this article, and come back to it for a refresher as needed. Keep working on perfecting your photography, your work will pay off!
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