Although most people think that taking a picture is just as simple as pointing and shooting, there really is an art form to it. Typically, your photos never look quite as good as you imagined they would. However, once you learn the proper techniques, it really is simple to take great pictures.
A dSLR is a must have if you are seriously pursuing photography. A DSLR camera is the best one to use for taking shots as you can look at them as soon as you snap the photo. Look for a DSLR that is full frame, as this provides the largest image sensor, and therefore yields the most detailed images.
Try to create an impression of depth in your landscape photos. By placing a person or familiar object in the foreground of your photo, you will provide the viewer with a sense of scale. Choosing an aperture that is small — no larger than f/8 on a consumer level digital camera or f/16 on an SLR using a full-frame sensor — will keep everything from the background to the foreground sharp.
There are great photographers you can look to for inspiration. By taking the time to view the art created by other photographers, you will be inspired and reminded of all the different ways a subject can be shown in one single shot.
Many people think sunny days are great for photos, but direct sunlight can ruin nearly any image. Bright sunlight is harsh in photos, causing glare, squinting, poor shadows and overly washed-out light colors. It is always wise to shoot either early in the morning, or later in the evening for the best outdoor pictures.
While holding onto the camera, your arms should be closely beside the body. Hands should be beside and under the camera. Holding the camera in this way, you will reduce camera shake and make shots that are in clear focus. Putting your hands underneath the camera and lens, instead of on top, will also prevent you from accidentally dropping your camera.
It’s best to use a blurred background when taking portrait shots. If your background is focused it might take some focus off of your subject. An easy way to do this is to make sure that there is a larger distance between the subject and the background.
If you plan to travel, make sure to pack any photography equipment thoughtfully. Bring as many lenses you think you’ll need and never forget to have spare batteries and maintenance accessories. But don’t pack too much here. Only take the equipment that you will need. Anything else runs the risk of getting lost or damaged.
As a photographer, it is important that you keep your batteries well charged so you never have to miss out on the opportunity to take a great picture. You should always load your digital camera with fully-charged batteries, because it can be a real energy hog, especially when you use the LCD screen. Another great idea would be carry an extra set of batteries for the camera so you don’t miss your shot.
When traveling, photograph your souvenirs as you purchase them. Consider photographing the store that sold you the item, or just take a photo of the item against a unique background. This will allow you to create a story behind the objects you bought as souvenirs that you will enjoy when you return home.
You’ve probably been disappointed by your picture taking efforts at some point. Learning how to use a variety of lighting techniques can be help make photographs more interesting. Using these ideas will enable to you snap surprising shots that you are sure to want to show the world.
