Tips & Hints to Develop Your Photography Skill

Photography Tips

Many people are interested in photography but are unsure if they have the skills to become good at it. It is important to keep in mind that it is especially helpful to learn anything and everything possible about setting up your shot. This article will give you a few tips and hints to improve your photography skills.

Photo by Fredrik Holmberg; ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/250-second exposure.

• Understand that smiling photographs aren’t the only kind of pictures. Real stories are told when people are allowed to express themselves authentically. The most memorable photographs in history are those that tell stories and convey emotions, such as “Migrant Mother” or “Vietnam Napalm.” No matter if your pictures change someone’s life or are simply an everyday happening, the emotions should be nothing less than real.

Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” (via flickr/U.S. Embassy The Hague)

Photo by Sandeepachetan; ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/1000-second exposure.

• Learn to properly hold your camera. If you do not hold the camera steady, your picture will not come out perfectly. Make sure that your arms remain next to your body while the cameras lens is supported by both of your hands.

Photo by Thomas Hawk; ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/50-second exposure.

• Figure out the best blend of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. That combination will decide your picture’s exposure. It is possible to use overexposed photos in some cases, but generally these should be avoided. Try experimenting with these features, and see how they interact together and what combinations you like.
• A silhouette can look lovely in any picture. A number of methods exist for silhouette creation, but a lot of photographers just use sunsets. If the difference in lighting between the subject and background is significant, with the background being brighter, it will create a silhouette. Create a silhouette shot by putting your subject in front of a sunny window or by setting up a flash off-camera, behind the subject.

Photo by Leo Hidalgo; ISO 400, 1/160-second exposure.

• Choose to set your own white balance manually. Cameras often set the white balance themselves, but if you want the most control, do it yourself. If you change the white balance, you can remove yellow tints that are caused by certain light bulbs or your can change the mood.
• Share only your very best, most interesting shots. Just because you took 1,000 photos does not mean you need to share each and every one.
• A tripod is a must if you want high quality pictures. Even small movements can affect your images, particularly if the subjects are in motion or the photographs are being taken at a low shutter speed The little bit of money spent on a tripod can remove the blur that can occur in your images. A quality tripod will make your pictures much more professional looking.
• Write down interesting spots to photograph. Occasionally you will be without your camera and you will run across a great, photogenic place. Just make a note to return there later when you have your camera. If you carry a small pad in your pocket or purse, you can write down the details of your location so that you will have an easier time remembering it.

Photo by Chad McDonald.

• A faster shutter speed is needed when taking photos in low level lighting. This prevents blurs from showing up on your pictures. Experiment with settings in the 1/200 to 1/250 of a second range.
• Always start out by holding your camera at your subject’s eye level. This gives the picture personality that will draw people into it. If young ones are your focus, then don’t hesitate to put yourself in their line of view by getting down on your knees or stooping to their height.

Photo by Amanda Tipton.

You can apply these tips to help you succeed at your photographic ventures. But this article can help only if you apply what you have learned to your photography sessions.

About the Author:
David Lupica is a wedding photographer in San Diego California (san-diego-wedding-photographer net). Wedding photography combines both an artistic and a journalist approach to the art, and it’s vitally important to be well versed in both.