There is something magical about the art of taking photographs. The ability to capture light, shadow and shape in a way that can be shared with others is a gift. However, not many people have the knack to make those moments into a lasting image and to bring out the beauty in everyday objects. So how do you do it? Below are some tips that will help you learn photography skills in no time.
Table of Contents
1. Learn a camera model.
Before learning how to take pictures, it is always a good idea to get yourself a decent camera. This will be the main tool you need to learn the techniques of photography. If you are looking for a new camera to buy, then you should have a look at DSLR cameras as they are considered one of the best.
2. Find the best place.
Taking the perfect photo is about finding the right place. The lighting, distance from subject and composition are the most important factors to consider. As you are about to take your first photo, you will need to consider these aspects. The following tips will help you out.
a) Lighting.
The best time of day to take pictures is early morning or late afternoon. This is when there is enough natural light and the shadows are the right length. When there is bright sunlight, the shadows will be too short and your photos will appear blurry. In the late evening, the light is low and the shadows are long. This will make the picture dark and unattractive.
b) Composition.
In order to get the best composition, make sure that the subject is not in the middle of the frame or too close to the edge of the frame. Try not to position the subject in front of any distracting elements, such as windows or trees. Your subjects should be equally distributed across the frame.
c) Distance.
Make sure that you use a wide angle lens. This is the only way to ensure that you can fit all the elements in the picture. The rule of thumb is that the wider the lens, the farther away the subject needs to be from the camera.
3. Use the right settings.
Once you have your camera, find a suitable setting for each type of shot you want to take. You will need to consider the distance to your subject and whether you need to use a tripod or a handhold. For example, if you are taking a portrait, you will need to set your camera to portrait mode and your shutter speed at 1/160sec.
4. Be patient.
The biggest mistake people make is trying to shoot pictures before they have had time to focus on the scene. Remember, it takes several minutes to adjust the settings, so it is better to spend some time experimenting and focusing on composition. Once you have the settings sorted, you can take your shots.
5. Use manual settings.
This is a great way to create some unique and interesting photos. Manual settings let you control every aspect of the shot. For example, you can set the ISO (or sensitivity) of the camera to allow more light into the camera. This will produce clearer and brighter pictures. Another example would be the aperture (f-stop), which controls the depth of field, the area of the picture that appears in focus. Using an aperture of f/2 will allow more light to pass through the lens, producing a sharper image.
6. Take plenty of shots.
Even though you might have used manual settings, it’s not enough to shoot just once. Try changing the settings and take several shots from the same spot. By doing this, you will find the settings that you are comfortable with and will be able to experiment without getting bored.
7. Keep practising.
There are plenty of tutorials and free lessons online that can help you learn about the different techniques of photography. There are also plenty of books and magazines that will give you inspiration.
8. Learn how to edit.
In the digital age, the editing process is the most exciting part of photography. By learning to edit, you can remove unwanted parts of the picture, make it look more appealing, and even turn your shots into a piece of art. The best way to learn is by trial and error.
9. Shoot in RAW format.
This format allows you to edit the picture later. Most cameras only allow you to convert the image to JPEG, which is a lossy format. By shooting in RAW, you can change the settings and then save the image in a non-compressed format. This makes the file size smaller and enables you to make adjustments to the image in post-processing.
10. Save your images on a memory card.
All of the images you take will be saved on the memory card in your camera. If you are going to be away from your computer, then it is a good idea to store the card in a safe place. You can also use an external hard drive to transfer all the images you have taken to your computer.
11. Experiment.
The best way to learn is by doing. Take the camera out and have a go at photographing people, landscapes, pets and objects. Once you are comfortable with the settings, then try to take pictures of the world around you.
12. Have fun!
When you are enjoying your photography, the world will become a little bit brighter. You will stop thinking of how you are going to do the next thing and you will enjoy your work. When you are happy with your pictures, take them to a friend or relative and ask for their advice. If you do this, it will help you improve your photography skills.
13. Buy a new camera.
If you are starting to get frustrated with your current camera, it may be time to invest in a new one. New technology is constantly being developed, so it is a good idea to keep up to date with the latest gadgets. You will also find lots of great websites that have helpful tips for taking great photographs.