Do you want to take the next step beyond casual photography? Take a look at the techniques explained here to elevate your photos from ordinary snapshots to something more artistic. With an eye to improving the fundamentals, the advice here will help you become a much better photographer.
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.
Giving yourself some limitations can help you be more creative. For instance, set a daily goal and just shoot what represents a single concept, like "sweet." One way to improve technique in photography is to photograph the same object or scene over and over again. By using limitations to your advantage, you'll be forced to think more creatively, resulting in interesting and unusual pictures.
Digital cameras normally contain a built-in flash, that automatically turns on when the natural light is too low. This flash is great for quick shots, but more professional photographs should use an external component for flash and lighting. Make sure that your camera contains a "hot shoe" that accommodates an external flash. Make a trip to a camera store to make sure you get the right flash for your camera.
When taking a photograph, keep a firm grip on your camera and stabilize your arms against your body. The movement of the photographer will be captured in the pictures. Make sure that you're gripping the camera from underneath. What this does is steadies the camera better and also works to prevent any accidental drop.
Don't purchase a camera that needs lithium batteries if you plan on traveling with it. Airlines won't allow extra batteries to be carried within luggage as they post a fire risk. However, you can take these batteries on board if they are already in your camera.
Frame all of your photographic shots. Not just placing a wooden or metal frame around your shots, but a "natural" one. Pay attention, and you can likely make a "natural frame" for the subject of your picture with neighboring elements. This will improve your composition skills.
You need to get an understanding of how to use the ISO settings on your camera. Otherwise your pictures will not come out as you expect. The higher your ISO goes, more is visible; this may not be preferable because it can create a grainy picture. This can result in awful photos; unless your picture requires that type of effect.
Don't limit your portrait photography to just the face. The human body has plenty of other beautiful parts of which you can take pictures.
Giving yourself some limitations can help you be more creative. For instance, tell yourself that you will only take pictures that revolve around a particular concept. Restrict yourself to standing at one point or staying in one room for your next 100 photos. You can use these limitations to make you think outside the usual parameters.
Whether your model is a stranger or loved one, take the time to make them feel at home. You may unknowingly intimidate your subject, potentially affecting the outcome of your photographs. Make sure to be congenial, talk to them and ask if it is okay to take the pictures. Turn people onto the idea that photography is a form of art, rather than a form of predation.
Read through your camera's manual. Camera manuals have a certain bulky heft that discourages reading. Most people simply ignore them or throw them away altogether. Actually spend some time reading your manual instead of tossing it. This is a great way to learn the ins and outs of your particular camera.
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.
How would you do with the questions from the beginning of the article now? Where will you begin with your own concepts in photography? Do you have an idea about where you are going to start? Do you know how to make a great shot? After reading this article, the answer to all of these questions should be "Yes!".
No comments:
Post a Comment