Use the following simple 6 basic photo tips to
catapult your photography to the next level and build your confidence. These 6 easy to apply points will provide you the biggest bang for the buck … love
to hear your feedback!
Photo Tip #1: Utilize the Rule of Thirds as a
Starting Point for Your Composition
Don't use the Rule of Thirds as a
set rule; more as a guideline or starting point for a more interesting and
pleasing photographic composition. In Landscape Photography it is best to place the
horizon in accordance to the importance of the sky; with dramatic sky
formations placing the horizon in the lower third will give the sky more
preference, for images with stronger foregrounds and weaker cloud or sky
formations a horizon in the upper third of the image is more preferred. Usually
locating the horizon in the middle makes a photo ordinary and static. An
exception to the just said would be a grand landscape lake reflection. It is easy to apply the same approach
to Flower Photography where
laying the focus or point of interest within the flower at one of the four
intersections has great impact by leaving room for the viewer to explore the
image but also to be drawn back to the focus point.
Photo Tip #2: Apply the appropriate Depth
of Field to your Photograph
Depth of Field or DoF relates to the
parts of a photograph that are in full focus and show acceptable details. We,
as photographers, have control over the amount of depth of field in a
photograph and depending on our photographic or artistic goals we may vary 1 or
all of the 4 factors that determine a shallow or extensive depth of field: Focal
Length, Subject Distance or Magnification, Choice of Focus Point, Aperture or
f-stop camera setting >>> Learn More.
Photo Tip #3: Use a Sturdy Tripod for Better
Sharpness and Higher Picture Quality
Besides cameras and lenses, a solid
tripod is one of the most important investments for a nature photographer. High
quality nature photography is rarely achieved when hand holding your camera. A
tripod is essential for low light photography during the morning, evening and
twilight, for shooting wildlife, for macro photography and for experimenting
with impressionistic or abstract photography. It not only steadies your
shooting equipment for maximum image quality, it also will help you discover
the world of photography. You are more likely to step back, think and compose a
photograph. Prior to shutter release one should always ask yourself: do I have
a straight horizon, do I have sufficient depth of field or shall I close the
camera aperture setting to maximize depth of field, how will this setting
impact my photograph, are there distracting elements in the foreground or
background of my composition, do I even have a composition?
Photo Tip #4: Set up your Camera for Exposure
Bracketing
Exposure is one of the most
important camera and lens functions that a photographer needs to understand and
master when pursuing photography. A correct exposed photograph conveys an image
of clarity that retains details and colors in all areas of interest including
light or dark areas. Correct exposure is always subjective and while I prefer a
slightly underexposed image that boosts colors and saturation, others may not.
Correct exposure is a fine
combination of ISO, shutter speed, aperture and lens settings. Understanding
how these 4 elements come together is crucial for exceptional photography.
One way to evaluate correct exposure
is the use of a histogram. With the help of the histogram we can determine and easily
check for a correct exposure and adjust accordingly. Understanding a histogram
may be overwhelming for some and there is an easier way to study and understand
the impact of the 4 elements on exposure. Check your camera manual and set it
up for exposure bracketing. 1 stop or even 2 stop brackets will do to study the
impact. Exposure bracketing will allow for the camera to record 3 photos each
time you take a picture. Start out by choosing a 1 stop bracket. The first
picture will be taken at the base setting, the second photo will be under
exposed by 1 stop and the third will be over exposed by 1 stop. Not happy with
your results, close down the gap to 1/3 or 2/3 stops and retake the photograph.
Digital photography is a great learning tool because mega pixels are free and a
hands-on approach always works better than all the theory in the world. During
post processing one can select the best exposure in accordance to the personal
experience and scenery.
I almost always photograph in
Aperture Priority Mode and at my lowest ISO setting which then provides me with
the appropriate exposure time. Since I usually use a tripod I do not need to
worry about slow exposure times. In more difficult lighting conditions I select
exposure bracketing to ensure I achieve a correct exposure >>>
Learn More.
Photo Tip #5: Shoot, shoot, shoot and Turn Home
Field to Your Advantage
Explore your local gardens, parks,
wildlife sanctuaries or nearby National Parks to work and enhance your
photography skills. Once perfected locally one can pursue nature photography
out of the comfort zone and away from home. Invest the saved money into a
sturdy tripod and higher quality lenses. Keep shooting and practicing at your
own pace and time, allow errors and learn from them; be inspired by others and
develop your own photographic style. Learning by doing is key and learning not
only from our mistakes but also from our successes is very beneficial as it is
in every other job and industry >>> Learn More.
Photo Tip #6: Take Advantage of Exceptional
Lighting Condition
Photography
is often referred to as painting with light. When we talk about painting
with light we talk about the process of creating a photograph.
Photography derives from the Greek where photo means light and graph
stands for painting. It is up to us photographers to evaluate the quality,
quantity, direction and how we can manipulate light to our advantage for
exceptional photography >>>
Learn More.
