If you want to cultivate a reputation as a good photographer, learning how to avoid poor results is a good place to start. You’ll find many tips in this article which can help you to take even more amazing photographs!
If you’re trying to take the best possible picture, get close to the subject you’re photographing. Getting up close allows you to put a frame around your subject while avoiding any disruptive backgrounds. If you are taking a portrait, getting closer allows you to notice facial expressions and other details. Little details are often missed when your subject is too far away.
Overcast Sky
Avoid capturing an overcast sky in your photos. Too much gray sky showing in a photo makes it appear washed-out and muted. Black and white photography may work better if you must shoot into an overcast sky. If it is a nice day outside, put as much of the blue sky in your pictures as you would like, but be careful with the lighting.
If you’re taking pictures of landscapes, you will want to create depth and perspective for the viewer. An object in the foreground of your shot can create the illusion of depth by providing scale. If you set a small aperture, one that is not greater than f/8 (for many digital cameras that are made for consumers), or f/16 (on a full-frame SLR) you will notice that your foreground and background look sharp.
Although beautiful sunlit days are enjoyable and provide high light for taking pictures, direct sunlight can also ruin a photograph. Sunlight can cast bad shadows, weird highlights and give your subject squinting eyes. Because of this, you should aim to take your pictures early in the morning, or later in the evening, for the most effective outdoor shots.
Experiment a bit with the feature that allows you to adjust levels of whiteness. When you take shots inside, you usually end up with a yellowish color because of the light-bulbs. Instead of spending the time to fix the lighting, you can just change the white balance from your camera. This will improve the quality of your pictures, giving them a more natural appearance.
Even the worst photographer can improve his skills through learning new techniques and practicing what he’s learned. In order to do this, you have to be willing to research techniques and accept constructive criticism of your work when given. The more you know what you are doing right and wrong, the better a photographer you will become. Start improving your technique and developing your style by using these tips as soon as possible.
