Expert Photography offers courses, eBooks, and other resources on a variety of topics in photography. Their authors range from well-known landscape photographers to conceptual still life shooters, and many of their guides are highly praised.
If you’re new to the world of photography, this guide from Expert Photography is a great place to start. It covers basics like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in a clear, concise way.
Get to Know Your Camera
Whether you have a point-and-shoot or DSLR camera, it’s important to know how to use your device properly. This is the first step to becoming a better photographer, and it will help you achieve the results you’re looking for. If you’re unsure where to start, consider taking an online class or purchasing a book. Alternatively, you can also ask for feedback from other photographers to learn from their experience and improve your skills.
When you’re starting out, it’s a good idea to focus on your camera settings and composition. Composition is the way you arrange your image to tell a story or convey a feeling to your viewer. It’s important to have a clear understanding of different composition rules, such as the rule of thirds. However, don’t be afraid to experiment and take photos that are unique to your style.
To learn how to set your camera, begin by reading the user manual. While this may seem like a boring task, it’s essential to your photography success. By familiarizing yourself with the various settings, you’ll be able to capture any image you desire.
Next, try experimenting with your camera’s scene modes. This will help you understand how each setting works and what effect they’ll have on your final photo. Once you’ve mastered these, try switching to the P or Program mode (iA on some models) or even full manual mode. This will allow you to control your own shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings.
Additionally, learn how to read your camera’s histogram. The histogram is a graph that displays your image’s tonal range. If the graph is skewed to the right, it’s likely that your image will be overexposed. On the other hand, if it’s skewed to the left, your image will be underexposed. This information will help you determine if your image needs additional adjustments to be perfect. The key is to practice and get comfortable with your camera so that you can make adjustments without having to think about them. To avoid damaging your camera, never use clothing, towels, or wet wipes to clean it. Instead, use cleaning wipes specifically designed for cameras or microfiber cloths to avoid scratching the lens and causing damage to your image.
Be Selective
In photography, there are countless ways to capture a scene, but it’s important to be selective about the parts of your subject you choose to focus on. This technique is known as selective focus and it is an effective way to draw the viewer’s attention to a specific part of your subject, while blurring out other areas of the photo. This can be done in-camera or through image editing software.
One of the best things about selective focus is that it can be used in nearly any type of photography. However, it is particularly effective in macro photography, where attaining a deep depth of field can be challenging. It is also frequently used in portrait photography to create a sense of intimacy with your subject by making them appear the only thing that is sharp and in focus in the image.
When using selective focus, it’s important to choose a background that pairs well with your focal point. A backdrop that’s neutral or slightly textured will help to make your subject pop. Conversely, you should avoid backgrounds that are colorful or heavily patterned as these will draw the viewer’s attention away from your subject.
You should also be careful to choose the right aperture when using selective focus. While a large aperture will give you the shallow depth of field that you need to blur the background, it’s important to be aware that this can also make it harder to accurately focus your lens. This is especially true if you’re using a tripod.
As a beginner, you may find yourself tempted to use lots of props and complicated poses when photographing people. While it’s okay to experiment and try out different styles, remember that the key to great photography is simplicity. If you’re unsure how to pose your subjects or what composition rules to follow, look up some basic photography tips online. By following these expert photography tips for beginners, you’ll be well on your way to taking stunning photos in no time!
Take Your Time
Taking photos can be a time-consuming process. It is important to take your time and really see the scene before you press the shutter. This will help you to get the most out of your camera and to create a more compelling image.
You may also want to consider experimenting with different compositions before taking the shot. For example, the rule of thirds is a simple compositional guide that can make your photos more interesting. There are also many other composition guides that you can learn to improve your photography skills.
For landscapes, taking your time to really see the scene can also be beneficial. This is especially true if you are trying to capture something that conveys a sense of place, such as a wide-open field with distant mountain peaks or a still lake with jagged clifftops looming above it.
It is also important to remember that you do not need to have a lot of equipment to take good photos. In fact, less equipment but more knowledge is often better. For example, it is a good idea to invest in a few lenses that can be used for various purposes. Having just one lens can limit your creativity and prevent you from getting the most out of your camera.
Additionally, it is a good idea to share your photos with others for feedback. While this can be difficult, it is a great way to get constructive criticism on your work and to find out what your audience responds well to.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
If you are photographing people, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. If you’re not, you might get caught off guard and end up with a photo that isn’t what you wanted. For example, you should ask permission before taking a picture of someone’s face without their knowledge. This is especially true if you plan on using it in a commercial product.
Another way to stay aware is to take a step back from your subject and observe them from the distance. This will give you a better sense of what they are doing and how they are acting, which can help with the composition of your photograph. It also gives you a chance to notice any details that might not have been apparent when you were closer.
It’s also a good idea to have an eye for the background, and keep in mind the rule of thirds. This rule states that an image is more aesthetically pleasing when the focal point is placed off-center in the frame. To create this, imagine four horizontal and vertical lines that form nine even squares, and then place your subject at one of the intersection points.
While learning photography can be fun and exciting, it’s also easy to get bogged down in G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). Although new equipment is nice, it’s more important to understand the basics of photography and know how to use your camera well.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of your camera, it’s time to start experimenting with different settings. For beginners, this means moving away from the green dot full automatic mode and attempting to understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. When you change one of these variables, the other two will usually be affected as well, so it’s important to learn how to manage light effectively.
As you’re experimenting, remember to keep backups of your work. It’s not uncommon for photographers to lose some of their work, and it can be very frustrating to lose photos you’ve worked hard on. This is why it’s important to keep multiple hard drives and make regular backups.