Congratulations; that’s great! There is a lot of information that may make it difficult to determine how to start. To get off on the right foot, simply start out by following these simple tips.
When you are learning, camera settings should be simple. Learn to master one portion of the control, such as aperture or shutter speed, before you worry about the next. The picture you want to take may no longer be there if you take too much time worrying over settings before you shoot; the scene may have changed or the person has gone away.
It’s a common misconception that sun-splashed days are the best for pictures, but you can ruin photos if you take them out in the sun. This can result in sun glare, distracting shadows, odd highlighting and squinting subjects. If possible, always choose early morning or late evening light when shooting outdoors.
Whenever you are trying to decide which of you pictures to show, it is important that you select your best work. Avoid repetition by only choosing a small, varied selection of your best work. Seeing the same things repeatedly can become boring. Change things up regularly, and pick some unusual shots to show.
When packing for a trip, be sure to carefully pack your equipment. Also important is to remember to bring all the extra items that you might need including lenses, batteries and cleaning supplies. Don’t forget to keep in mind any limitations you have regarding space, and do not pack more equipment than you think you will need.
Take notes when taking pictures. As your collection grows, it will become more and more difficult to remember the details, such as where and when you took a particular shot. Record the photograph’s number and the details of the shot in a permanent log.
By focusing your camera before taking the actual picture and then switching the angle or moving to the side, it will cause the subject to no longer be the central point in your photo. Centering can be very expected and therefore not all that interesting to look at in a photo. By using this technique, you will find that your photo and the subject matter give off a more interesting appeal to the viewer.
Find someone to take pictures with you or join a club. Other people who share your interests can provide you with great information, but try not to let them influence the way you take your pictures. Take photos of the same subject; then compare the two shots. It can prove interesting to see two different takes on the same subject through the eyes of two different photographers.
There are no big secrets to becoming a great photographer. Keep snapping images and you gain experience with every click. Luckily, with digital cameras, you can get lots of no-risk practice. You don’t necessarily have to develop every single picture, just keep what you like. You want to constantly experiment with new subjects and techniques, then judge and compare the results to see what worked best.
You might be more creative if you use limits. As an example, you may decide to take pictures for the day that represent the concept of “sour.” Focus your shooting to one spot or room and shoot 100 varied photographs. Having these limitations in place can make you be more creative and think outside of the box.
At this point, you should be well informed about how to become a better photographer. Return to this advice if you ever feel you need a refresher course. Keep practicing and learning, and in time, your photographs will be works of art.
