Tips on How to Become a Better Photographer

Photography Tips

Are you becoming frustrated with the photos you’ve taken? Cheer up. You can become a better photographer if you really want to. Try these simple fixes:

Maintain eye contact

Like in real life, direct eye contact is also important in taking pictures. To let loose the power of captivating gazes and compelling smiles, position the camera at the subject’s eye level. If you take pictures of children, move down to their level. Your subjects don’t have to stare at the camera. The eye level contact generates a special and tempting feeling that draws you into the picture.

Photo by RD Smith; 35mm, ISO 400, f/5, 1/1000 exposure.

Choose the right background

Avoid distracting backgrounds that take away from your subject. You might as well choose a plain background that allows you to show off your subject.

Try Using Your Flash

Try turning on your flash even under the sun. Bright sun produces unappealing, deep facial shadows. The flash lightens your subject’s face and makes them show up – fill flash.

Move closer

When subjects are small, a step or two nearer will do you good. Fill up the picture with your subject. But don’t get too close—the pictures will become blurry.

Not all subjects need to be in the center

Taking pictures, especially with nature or views of the outdoors, should be composed so that the subject is away from the center of the frame.

Photo by Klaus Burmeister.

Don’t forget to lock the camera’s focus

Putting your subject at the side of the picture requires you to lock the focus for sharp pictures. Auto-focus cameras focuses on anything that is in the center, so never forget to lock the focus.

Check your camera’s flash range

Taking pictures further than the camera’s flash range is a common mistake, resulting in pictures that are too dark. You can find your camera’s flash range in its manual. If you can’t find it there, don’t take chances. Never go further than ten feet away from the subject.

Be the director

Being the director by taking charge of the location, props, and arrangement.

These simple tips can help you to become a good photographer. Who knows…someday your hobby might become a profession.

About the Author:
Article written by Maggie Kesch, a wedding photographer based in Dublin.