There’s a lot you can learn when it comes to photography, and you could spend years learning the craft. However, just knowing a few key tips can mean taking great shots with your camera. This article contains some sound advice on how you can start taking shots you are proud of.
To create photographic images that resemble paintings, try having your photos printed onto matte or semi-gloss papers, then painting them by hand with photographic oils or pastels. These items can be picked up at most art supply stores and many camera shops. The most popular paints are made by Marshall’s and are created specifically for use on photographs.
When taking a picture, try to take one at a medium distance and then take one closer. You may decide later on that a picture would have looked better had you taken it a little closer. Also, try to make sure your subject is toward the center of the picture.
Understand and get to know your camera. Although this sounds simple, many people have never even read the instructions on how to operate their camera. Get to know and understand the various menus and functions of every button on it so that when you need to use a certain function, you know where to find it and that the camera can accomplish it.
On your smart phone (as long as it has a camera), keep a special inspiration album within your photos. Every day you may stumble upon some amazing, inspirational idea, moment or place. Snap photos of these locales and moments, and store them in this inspiration album. Next time you are looking to try something new with your photography, look back to your inspiration folder for some great brainstorming ideas!
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.
A good photography tip you should try is to to add an object to your photograph that will show the scale of another object. A big tree might not look that impressive by itself, but having a tiny person standing right next to it can make the tree look humongous.
A common beginner’s mistake is to place one’s thumb on the lens while taking a photograph. This causes a blurry spot to appear in the corner of a photograph. You should make sure your lens is clean and that you are not obstructing it with your thumb before taking a picture.
If you are photographing couples or groups, help them to get better photographs by advising them on their outfits in advance. It is not necessary to match colors, but colors that are complementary will produce more pleasing results. Both neutral and warm colors look good, since they do not stick out too much in a natural environment. If your subjects absolutely have to wear bright, bold colors, try to get them to wear at least one item that is black in order to avoid a clash of colors.
To get an interesting photograph, play around with the lighting. If the natural lighting is not perfect, do not feel the need to resort to your camera’s flash. Play with the shadows on the scene, or move your subject into the light and let the darkness eliminate the background behind them. There are many ways to play with light that might initially seem less than favorable but work out well in the end.
Like any science or art form, photography is something you could study and read about for a good portion of your life. Or, you could just apply what you have read in this article and improve your photography immediately. Keep these tips in mind the next time your camera is in your hands and you’ll see better images quickly.
