What do you know about photography? Do you have a subject that you like to take photos of? If you do, do you wish to improve upon it? What is your skill set like? Is what you’re using working with your skills or against them? If you cannot answer these questions confidently, look at the tips below.
If you want to take high quality portraits, do not rely on your camera’s built in flash. Instead you want to look at investing in a softbox to use for external lighting. If you can’t afford this, look into purchasing an external flash unit with a diffuser for your camera.
While many people mistakenly believe that sunny days make for gorgeous photographs, shooting images in direct sunlight often results in distorted photos. Not only does it cast awkward shadows and glaring, it also causes uneven highlights, and causes your subjects to squint when facing the camera. The best times of day for you to take outdoor photos are in the early morning, when the sun is weakest, or late evening, when it is going down.
When you have to make a choice on what photos you want to show off, pick the best ones! You do not want to show every picture, or too many with the same subject. People get bored seeing the same thing repeatedly. Always try to show new perspectives, and showcase various aspects of your talent with your photography.
Keep your photo subject simple. The busier the subject is the more difficult it is to capture something that is going to be interesting. Keeping the backgrounds simple will make it easier for the eye to focus on the subject that you are capturing. Keeping it uncomplicated seems simple, but many forget to do it.
Pay attention to your background. Your main focus should be on your object, but you should use the background to support it. Avoid any unnecessary distractions and clean your background to report the attention on your object. Play with lines and perspective in your background to compliment the shape of your object.
Natural light will always provide you with the highest quality photos. Cloudy days are actually better for shooting than sunny ones, because the clouds act as a natural diffuser, spreading the light out and eliminating shadows and harsh contrasts. Opt for your next photo shoot outside on an overcast day.
A lot of cameras that are digital contain built in flashes that automatically turn on when the lighting is dim. Even though these may be convenient, you may want to get an external flash with different light ranges, so that you have more control over your lighting. Look at your camera and determine whether or not it features a “hot shoe” near the top; this is where the external flash unit attaches to the camera. If your camera can accommodate the external flash, bring it with you to the camera store to find the right model.
Get closer when you are taking photos. Especially when you are taking a series of shots, from which you will chose the best, get in there. The better your scene fills the frame, the better the overall picture will be. Take several shots, so you can get the nicest shot possible.
Take your camera with you as often as you can. You never know when a great opportunity for a photo will present itself. Keep your camera out and ready if you expect to use it – by the time you get your camera out of the bag, get the lens cap off, and adjust your settings, your shot is gone. Hang the camera around your neck. Of course, if you’re in a high-crime area, or if you don’t want it to be obvious that you are a tourist, you may need to be a bit more discreet.
Positioning of the subject can make the difference between a good photo and a great photo. The subject should rarely be dead center in the middle of the photo. When taking your photo, try to position the subject in the upper, or lower third of the image. This effect works best when there is a horizon in the distance.
Use natural lighting when possible because it isn’t harsh. Early morning light or late afternoon glows are best for taking photos outdoors. Avoid casting shadows that may darken your photographs. Utilize sunlight to the best of your ability by setting up your subject in a way that the sunlight hits them from the side.
Are you more informed when it comes to photography? Do you have a concept or do you have a better concept now? Have your skills improved? Can you now use things that work with you? With any luck, the tips above should have created better answers and helped you to increase your photography skills.