Photography is so much more than taking a picture. It is an art and a science combined when done correctly. This article will provide some of the most important tips to ensure that you are treating this hobby with respect and therefore coming away with quality end results.
Use manual white balance to spice up your photos. It is possible to let the camera decide the proper white balance for a given environment, but sometimes the camera will get it wrong and the photo will look washed out. Using a manual white balance also allows you to take artsy photos with sepia tones, for instance.
When you are taking landscape photos, consider the sky. If the sky is rather bland and boring, do not let it dominate the photo. If the sky is lit up with wonderful colors (especially during sunrise, sunset or a storm) it is okay to let the sky dominate the photo.
Framing is a very important aspect of composing a good photo. Eliminate any objects that diminish the impact of your subject by either removing them or zooming in on your main focal point. This can keep your pictures from feeling cluttered, busy, and distracting to the eye.
Once you have spotted the subject of your picture, make sure to take your shot right away. This is especially true if your subject is a living being, such as a child or animal. Since staying in one position for a long time is hard for animals and children, you want to make sure you get the pose you want.
Learn how to use aperture on your camera. It indicates how much of the stuff that is seen in your view finder will be in focus. Low aperture means that only the foreground will be in focus and the background will be more blurred. High aperture means that everything will equally be in focus.
Use a polarizing lens filter on your camera to minimize glare from direct sunlight and to create an even distribution of light. This is essential when shooting in direct sunlight, but also can be beneficial in any lighting situation. Think of polarizing lens filters as sunglasses for your camera. They are inexpensive, easy to attach and have the added benefit of protecting your expensive lenses from scratches.
When your perfect shot is in view, stay still and hold your breath when you push the shutter. Any slight movement can ruin a shot. Just before hitting the button, take a moment to steady the camera and take a deep breath.
Whether your model is a stranger or loved one, take the time to make them feel at home. Some people look at photographers as threatening. Be polite, talk to them for a bit, then ask to take their photo. Be sure to explain why you are taking the photographs, and your love of artful expression through photography.
Take the time to improve the sharpness of your shots by adding a key piece of photographic equipment to your arsenal. This would be a tripod. This will hold your camera steady, unlike your hands, and will be an effective way to ensure that you take clear, sharp, shots of your subjects.
If you are attracted to the old-fashioned feel and look of the photos taken by film-based cameras, you can buy a film-camera at a discount price through a second-hand store and give it a try. Black and white ISO 200 film will take beautiful photos with an old time charm. After getting the film developed, consider having prints made onto a variety of papers, including fiber-based papers.
In conclusion, it is important to understand that photography involves so much more than pointing a camera and pushing a button. In order to consider what you do as art, there are certain standards that you usually need to adhere to. Hopefully you will be able to use the information in this article to your advantage.
