Photography can be a very intimidating hobby to take up if you start with absolutely no knowledge on the topic. Photography requires a lot of fine skill, and the breadth of information can truly overwhelm new photographers. The following tips will help you sort out the avalanche of photography information out there, and get on with the business of shooting better photographs.
A great photography tip is to simply be prepared. There’s nothing worse than showing up to a location to shoot at the wrong time, or to realize that your camera only has half a charge left. Take steps to make sure that you’re prepared at all times.
Even if you are taking a landscape photo, make sure your shot has a focal point. Shots without a focal point can look rather empty and dull. Possible focal points for a nature landscape photo include big trees, waterfalls, and distant mountains. Another trick is to use something that stands out as your focal point, such as a patch of different colored flowers.
If you can’t use a tripod while taking photos for some reason, you should always brace your upper body on a solid surface. Hold your breath if you can while taking the shot. This will minimize shake during the exposure, resulting in clearer pictures. A tripod is always best, however.
Framing is very important when you are considering your photo’s composition. Make sure to not have distracting background items, but zoom in on your major focal point. This will make sure that people do not get distracted from the main focal point, as well as keep your photographs well styled without the background clutter.
Viewers usually look at the foreground more than anything, while photographers check the landscape and background. Compose the foreground so that it creates a striking frame to increase your depth of field.
Having the background slightly out of focus, when shooting a live subject, can really enhance your photograph. Having a background that is in full focus will take away from your subject, making it harder to direct your viewer’s focus to the right location. You can accomplish this by having your background further away from your subject.
When traveling, begin snapping pictures the moment you leave. Once you get to your location, you can find some good places to take photos, but you should take some original shots as well. Have your journey documented. For example, an airport provides lots of interesting, original subjects for taking unique pictures.
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.
If you do not have a tripod available to use for low lighting situations, try using your motor drive. Try to turn it up to high and then proceed to take a series of shots. Disregard the first shot and go ahead and keep the others that will always be sharper than the first.
These tips should give you some useful information to help you organize your thoughts on photography. Keep your research in mind and continuously work to improve your skill, and you may become a successful photographer yet.
