If you want to take better pictures and build up your photographic skills, you could make use of some handy tips. With practice and knowledge you will be able to avoid common mistakes everyone commits when they begin with photography.
Make sure you taking lighting into account when you’re taking your photos. Will there be shadows cast upon your subject? Is your subject squinting into the sun or other bright light? Try moving around to find the best angle in the lighting to get the best photo. Try taking your photos at different vantage points so that you can see what works best.
Pay attention to natural lighting. You might need to use your flash feature or install additional sources of light, but you can use natural lighting to create interesting effects with light and shadow. Position your subject accordingly. Make sure the photograph is not too dark or too bright.
Use the right lens for the job. If you are photographing a landscape, for example, you need a wide-angle lens that will let you capture as much of the scene as possible, while sporting events generally require a telephoto lens that let you capture faraway players in high detail. Knowing what lens to choose will make it much easier to produce quality photos.
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.
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.
While taking indoor photos under fluorescent lighting, make sure the camera has the appropriate white balance settings. Fluorescent lighting usually gives off bluish and greenish light, so subjects may take on a cooler tone than you intend without compensating for the lack of red tones with your camera.
Before you take that picture, make sure it will bring out the best in your subject! Get a feel for the backgrounds of all of your shots. Be aware of things close by and in the distance. Also, use that eye of yours to see how color will contrast with the subject of your photo. If the background and subject don’t mesh well, you should find another spot!
Move in closer to your subject. When you spot something you’d like to take a picture of, snap a shot. Then move in closer and take a better shot. If you have your subject fill the frame, it will help the viewer appreciate and understand your photo. When taking the picture, continue to move closer until you are sure your picture will represent the subject.
You may want to set your camera to take lower resolution pictures so that you can fit more images onto one memory card, but realize that you are sacrificing some quality in the process. You should only apply the lowest settings if you are confident that the images will only be shown on a computer display.
Now you can see how easy it is to take better shots and produce great-looking photographs. It just requires doing research, going out and practicing, and trying to better your skills constantly. Your time learning and practicing will benefit you as you see your photos improve with time.
