Photography is an art that most people have an affinity for. Since the emergence of this art form, people have always been drawn towards it as a hobby. But with the progression of time, photography has become more of a profession, and a successful one, too. Like any other art form, dexterity in capturing images doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be patient and improve your skills greatly to make a mark in the photographic community.
“Had a Great Time Photowalking in Sacramento Friday Night” captured by Thomas Hawk
Everyone dreams of being known as one of the best photographers around, but few have the talent to make it big. If you think you do not have the required skill, you are greatly underestimating yourself. With enough dedication and determination, you can also capture images of professional quality. But before you venture into this world, you need to know a few things about photography that are extremely important.
1. Exposure
This is one of the most fundamental elements of photography. How much light you use in your photos is extremely important in ensuring how you pictures will come out. To capture stunning images, you have to ensure that there is a balance and that your photos are not subjected to underexposure or overexposure.
Photo by Gagan Moorthy; ISO 100, f/11.0
2. Color
The mood of your photos greatly depends on color. Slight variation in colors can evoke different emotions, from happy to calm to gloomy. You need to understand when your pictures should be colorful and when they should be more subdued.
Photo by Nicolas Raymond; ISO 200, f/11.0, 8-second exposure.
Photo by Mark Wassell
3. Story
Every one of your photos should be able to tell a story about what the picture is all about. Like professionals who see a moment in any ordinary situation, you will also have to take images in any situation that convey what you are trying to show.
Photo by Jerry OConnor; ISO 100, f/22.0, 1/125-second exposure.
4. Composition
Sometimes you may want to highlight a certain object in the picture, so you have to make the picture in a way that when anyone else sees it, they are instantly drawn toward the highlighted object. Suppose you have taken a picture of a crowd and you need to focus on a single person—you will need great composition skills.
“The man in the crowd” captured by Hernán Piñera
5. Balance
For capturing stunning images, you need to combine all of the above factors. If you don’t coordinate all the aspects of photography, you will never be able to take professional images. The key to capturing professional-quality photos is striking a balance and being able to combine all of these elements subconsciously. It should become automatic.
Photo by ™ Pacheco
Mastering photography is difficult, but if you give 100 percent and have a little bit of patience, you will also be able to capture breathtaking images. It’s true that you can gain much by emulating others, which is why you should also follow the work of successful photographers and try to understand their techniques. You will learn a lot by studying their pictures and applying their principles to your photography.
About the Author:
Dylan Flint is a passionate photographer having honed his skills by joining landscape photography courses and photographic workshops.
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I miss the most important factor for a good picture, Intent.
Funny how the sky in Nick Moulds London is exactly the same as his pic in Venice.