Photography is more than just point-and-shoot to get an image. It takes skills and certain techniques to come up with a captivating, quality, beyond standard images. This takes practice and learning new techniques. The seven techniques below will definitely make you a photography pro!
Get a New Angle
A new angle means exploring different types of photography. This will expose you to new challenges and new techniques that come with the type of photography you chose to explore.
Aerial photography for example will give you an aspect of subject in motion and the skill that comes with it. This will in turn enhance your skill on shooting a moving subject. Artistic photography on the other hand, will expose you to the methods used to come up with images that focus mainly on creativity and shots that are extremely pleasing to the eye.
The combined effort will give birth to a set of skill that will make you a versatile photographer.
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Start Small-Aim Big
There are many cameras’ in the market. The digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLR) are known for delivering remarkably sharp, spectacular images with high resolution. The point and shoot (P&S) on the other hand is standard, with special features being zoom lenses, automatic focus and preset modes.
It is never about the camera, a skilled photographer can apply skills to come up with an image captivating to the eye, or as per the initial intention. Starting small with affordable camera then moving on to a better camera is the way to go.
Learning to work with all types of camera (manual and automatic controls) is essential for any photographer.
Understand the Basics of Light
Photography depends on light. It is the foundation upon which great photography is built. However, knowing that alone is not enough. You need to know the basics of light and understand them.
Exposure, for instance, is the overall brightness or darkness of a scene. This information is critical when deciding whether to create a neutral exposure (one that is similar to how we see it with our eyes) or not.
Knowledge that light travels in a direction might seem cliché, but useful in its application. When taking a photograph, use the direction of light as it is, or block or redirect it to change to suit your purpose.
Why is this important?
Things look quite differently depending on which direction we view from- front lit, black lit or side lit. This technique will certainly improve your skills as a photographer.
See the Light- What does it look like?
As a photographer, you are lucky to have to see the subject before it becomes an image. This means that you can use the photographic imagination to predict its outcome (or use the viewfinder). Before making an exposure, examine the light. Where is the source? Is it bright or dark? How is the contrast?
Look at the areas of light and shadow. Can you use them compositionally? Light generally affects the highlight (the brightest part of an image) and the shadow (darkest part of the image). Contrast also depends on light.
This information will help you know how to control the light, if need be. Use a scrim to block unwanted light or a reflector to add some light. You are in control.
Play with the Depth of Field
This technique will give a new look to your image. The depth of field is the area in a projected image, forward to aft of the focal plane, which do also appear to be in focus in the image. The DOF determines whether the background is highlighted or faded out.
By playing with the lens focal length, and focus distance, you can bring the background into focus and give it purpose, or get rid of it altogether. If for example you are shooting an image on famine, and decide to use a person, you might want to make an image with a shallow DOF to also show carcass of an animal for emphasis.
Have Your Lens at Your Tips
Different lenses have different use. Standard lens for example is produces an image similar to what the human eye sees. Wide angle lens has a wide angle if view-perfect for capturing outdoor landscape.
Use lenses with a purpose in mind.
Critique and Edit
Examine your images and critique them or get a friend to do it. Learn from your mistakes and achievement. When all is said and done, edit it to give it a perfect touch!
Author Bio:
Hi, I’m George. I have been a camera enthusiast from 2008. Cameraseals is my personal blog where I share most of my interests and experiences from using cameras.
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