Taking a step into the wondrous and creative land of photography for the very first time might feel a tad bit intimidating, but by keeping the helpful tips listed below in mind, you will soon find yourself taking photos on par with some of the best photographers in the field.
Make sure you have the right lighting before taking a photograph. Lighting is perhaps the most important factor in producing a good black and white photograph, because it affects the texture, contrast and shape of the image. Side lighting can produce some dramatic photographs as it creates shadows and highlights the edges of shapes.
Be creative when composing your shots. Photography is all about the visual effect of your shots. If it’s a mundane item in a cluttered background, chances are good that no one will care to look at your photo. Learn how to create a good photo, and then take those skills and apply them to your own creative ideas.
Many cameras allow you to set the white balance. This setting tells the camera which colors to see as highlights. When shooting in artificial light (indoors) set the while balance setting to the “artificial light” mode. It will make your photos look as if they were shot in natural light.
These are important shots to capture, so ensure your batteries are fully charged. Digital cameras consume a lot of battery life, particularly when you use the LCD screen; therefore, be sure that your batteries are charged fully before you need to use your camera. Also consider getting a spare battery for the camera so you will never be in a position where you do not have power and therefore miss something great.
Along with taking shots of people, objects, nature and animals, also take pictures of your souvenirs when you travel. For example, photograph the shop where you had originally purchased the memento, or frame the object against a memorable background. In this way, you can re-live the experiences that tell the story of your trip and the mementos you chose to bring back home with you.
Try to plan out all of your shots. You should plan out everything from the subject, to the angle, to the lighting in the area where you will be shooting. Taking a bit of time to plan all of this out, can lead to much better and more interesting photographs.
Make your subject feel comfortable, especially if you don’t know them. Many people view having their pictures taken as something that could be threatening. So be nice, initiate a conversation, then ask them if you could take their picture. Let them understand that photography is not a way of invading their privacy, but it is rather an art.
Pay attention to clothing worn by the subjects in your photographs, particularly shirts. If at all possible make sure they are free from logos and prominent commercial advertising. Logos date a photograph and remove the “classic” feeling that is treasured in years to come. They also seriously clash with natural landscaping in outdoor environments.
These tips should allow you to enter the realm of photography with confidence. Feel confident in your ability to become a great photographer.