Enhance your professional or personal portfolio.
- Quality equipment is an investment.
- Choose your focal point
- Rule of Thirds
- Change your angles
- Frame your photos carefully
- Use ideal lighting
- Filters and settings
- Take lots of pictures
- Simple backgrounds are best for portraits.
- Editing takes time
It’s a rewarding hobby to take photos. You will see the quality of your images improve as you develop your skills. It can be overwhelming to get started or improve your photography. By following these simple tips, you will learn how to take great photos and immediately see improvements.
1. Quality equipment is essential
If your equipment is not up to par, it isn’t easy to get high-quality photos. Choose a camera with many customization options. Be sure that your camera accessories are durable and can withstand the elements. If you are looking to take unusual photos, buy specialized lenses, such as waterproof lenses that can be used underwater. Consider what effects you might want to add to your photos, and then look for the software and equipment that will make it possible.
2. Choose your focal point
Focus on your subject. Be sure that your camera also keeps your subject in sharp focus. If you can, get as close to the subject as possible. This is especially important if it’s someone. You can move in closer until the subject fills up the frame. Some digital cameras or smartphone cameras can help by locking on to the subject. You can then blur the background to keep a sharp, clear view.
3. The Rule of Thirds
You should divide the shot into three equal sections, both horizontally and vertically. Place your subject or the most important details off-centre and leave the remaining two-thirds of the space open. This creates an interesting photo and draws the viewer’s attention to the entire composition rather than the centre. It can help highlight a unique background or convey a more dynamic feeling than a centred photo. Most digital cameras, including those on mobile phones, have a feature that displays a grid above your view.
4. Change your angles
Moving around instead of shooting the subject directly can often give you a better perspective, producing some interesting perspectives. Take pictures at high, low, or skewed angles to create a good depth of field. A tripod that is either stationary or movable can help you get the right angle.
5. Frame your photos carefully
You can take better photos by using the framing technique. This technique involves finding a frame that will draw the viewer’s eye to the subject. Doors, walls, cliffs and arches are all good choices. The frame can be placed close to the camera to add depth and act as a background. When you fill the frame with the subject, it can create its framing. This is especially true if you are taking a portrait.
6. Ideal lighting is important
Natural lighting makes for great photos. The “golden hour” is the time before sunrise or in the early morning when you can capture great photos. If you are unable to manage natural light, then consider artificial lighting. Studio lights and ring lights allow you to adjust the brightness according to your needs. Use these lighting options instead of a flash, which can cause color to be washed out and result in lower-quality shots. This is particularly true when taking photos indoors.
7. Filters and settings
Many cameras have adjustable settings or pre-set filters that produce interesting effects. Before you take the shot, experiment with aperture, contrast and exposure. Lens filters can be purchased to reduce reflections and glares, enhance colours, and give your photos more impact. Find out the settings of your phone’s camera if you want to know how to take great pictures. You might find that your phone camera can produce many of the same results as a digital camera.
8. Multiple shots
Take a few extra photos, even if you believe you have a good shot. Try different angles and poses when you are photographing a model. Also, don’t hesitate to use rapid-fire photography. Try taking the same picture but using different effects or settings. Even around your home, try taking pictures of objects you would not normally photograph. You will learn to use your equipment and develop your unique style.
9. Simple backgrounds make good portraits
When taking photos, pay attention to the background. A busy background can make a photo look cluttered and distracting. Use simple backgrounds when taking pictures of people to focus all attention on the model. You can blur the background during editing to make it appear more simple.
10. Editing takes time
After you’ve taken your photos, enhance them with some thoughtful editing. You can edit pictures on some cameras, but you may find it easier to do so on your computer. Use a smartphone application or photo-editing software to experiment with colours, effects and cropping. You can adjust various aspects of the photo until it looks right. The final product can be printed on a photo printer or shared online.
If you’re willing to try new techniques and know some simple tips, getting started in photography does not have to be stressful. The use of new angles, editing techniques, focus points, and the right framing will all help you to create more professional shots. Follow these tips and tricks for improving your photography skills.
