Photography is one of those sweet endeavors that allow you to delve as much or as little as you want into the finer points of the art. No matter what level you are at, you’ll find many tips and advice in this article to help increase your photography skills and enjoyment.
Use a tripod for maximum camera stability. For random shots of your kids or buildings, a bit of camera shake isn’t a big deal, but for once-in-a-lifetime shots that really matter, a bit of camera shake can ruin a perfect memory. If a tripod is not available, try setting the camera on a flat surface.
One of the best ways for you to learn about photography is to study examples of how to hold your camera and work your subject during photo shoots. In addition, you can talk to someone who has been in photography for a long time to gain valuable insight on your craft.
Know your camera. If you have recently purchased new equipment, or if you have had yours for a while, but never taken the time to know it’s ins and outs, then do so. Read the manual, or play with the functions extensively until you understand it. Knowing what your camera can do will give you better pictures as you can adjust to changing light and circumstances.
Make use of negative space in your composition. Negative space is the area in your photos that does not contain your subject. Used correctly, large amounts of negative space can create interesting photographs. You also need to consider the effects of negative space when framing a photograph to get the best results.
If shooting outside or in an area that is bathed with outdoor lighting, confirm whether or not flash on the subject is appropriate. You want to turn it off if it is bathed in bright sunlight or other really bright conditions. Turn the flash back on when in heavy shadow or darker areas.
Are you aware of the “magic hours” in photography? This time period refers to the times of day known as dusk and dawn. These magical times create very soft and warm lighting conditions. There is only 45 minutes around sunrise and sunset to add this beautiful light to your shots, so plan accordingly.
Remember to look for unusual things. It can either be a small detail or a strange situation. Learn how to represent what strikes you as unusual or original in the world you see. As you practice, you will be able to recognize what makes a good subject for your pictures.
A great photography tip is to try out different lenses. A cool lens you can try is the fish eye lens. With the fish eye lens you end up with a lot of neat distortion around the center of the image. It can make your photographs much more interesting.
Pay attention to clothing worn by the subjects in your photographs, particularly shirts. If at all possible make sure they are free from logos and prominent commercial advertising. Logos date a photograph and remove the “classic” feeling that is treasured in years to come. They also seriously clash with natural landscaping in outdoor environments.
If you are taking pictures of more than one person, think about talking to them about their attire before the shoot. While it is not necessary for everyone to wear the same color, complementary colors create more visual impact. If you are photographing outside, then recommend neutral colors that will complement the natural backdrop. If your subjects prefer bright colors, suggest that they also wear black to balance out your photo.
Keep a notebook with the dates of the days that you were out taking photos with the location where you were shooting. You can get as detailed as you like in these notes. They are meant to help you remember exactly where and when you took the photos so you can add it to captions later.
Using your camera’s built in flash is rarely a good thing. It will likely cause harsh shadows from the hard light that it puts off. Diffused light is going to work out much better for you. Invest in an integrated flash for your camera. You can point the flash away from the subject to avoid the hard light.
A great photography tip that can help you a lot is to avoid getting lens flare. Lens flare typically occurs when you try shooting in bright light. An easy way to avoid lens flare is to use a lens hood or to position your hand to block it.
At the beginning of this article, it was noted that whether you’re currently a beginner or a more advanced photographer, you can continue to learn new information that will help you enhance and refine your skills. Use the helpful pointers in this article to sharpen your skills and increase your abilities to take the best pictures possible.