When I was an eager undergrad, I asked every photographer the same question. “How can I take better pictures?” I was fortunate to have many gifted and generous photographers show me the ropes. It is impossible to imagine that I could have become the photographer that I am without their invaluable advice.
Ironically, as a film producer, I am now asked the most frequently, “How can I take better pictures?”
Along with the tips I’ve learned over the years, a few outstanding photographers from Australia have agreed to share their secret techniques for elevating their photography to a new level.
1. Get Close
Robert Capa, the famed photojournalist, once said: “If your photos aren’t great enough, then you’re just not close enough.” Capa was referring to getting closer to the action. Take a few steps closer to the subject if you don’t feel that your photos are ‘popping.’ See how much better the image looks when you fill up the frame. Closer to your subject will allow you to see more of their facial expressions.
2. Shoot Every Day
Leah Robertson, a photographer, says that practising is the best way to improve your skills. “A lot. It doesn’t matter what you shoot, just as long as you do. Spend countless hours in front of your camera.
As your technical skills develop, so should your ability to use them to tell a story. To begin with, don’t stress too much over how you shoot. Experiment. In time, your style – or ‘voice’ will become apparent. It will also be more authentic.”
Leah Robertson is an extremely talented photographer based in Melbourne who specializes in music and documentaries. Her work can be seen here.
3. See the Light
Use the light to your advantage before you lift your camera. How can you make better photos using artificial or natural light? What is the interaction of the light with the scene or subject? Does it cast interesting shadows or highlight a certain area? You can use all of these things to make a simple photo look extraordinary.
4. Ask Permission
Andrea Francolini, a photographer, says that it is difficult to communicate when photographing people in different countries, particularly those with other cultures. In certain countries, taking pictures of people you’re not supposed to take photos of can quickly turn ugly. You should always ask for Permission out of respect.
“I’ve started shooting a number of schoolchildren in Pakistan. All of these are posed portraits, and the children are looking directly into the camera. My guide helps with the language, and I only smile, shake hands, give a ‘hi-five’, and show them the finished image on the back. “You would be surprised at how quickly people will open up.”
Andrea Francolini, a sports photographer based in Sydney and born in Italy, is well known. He founded My First School – a trust whose aim is to promote education in Northern Pakistan. See his work by clicking here.
5. Flash during the day
It’s a common misconception that flash should be used only at night or inside. This is not true. Switch on the flash if it’s a bright, sunny day, and you see harsh shadows cast on your subject. You can fill in the shadows by directing extra light at your subject.
6. ISO
When deciding which ISO to use, you should ask yourself the following questions:
At what time of day do you shoot? When you’re shooting outdoors during the day, you should use a lower ISO, like 100 or 200. You will need to raise the ISO if you’re shooting without a tripod at night.
Are you looking for a sharp picture or one with more movement? If you’re using a fast shutter speed to capture movement, you may need to increase the ISO in order to compensate. If you want to capture blur, you need to use a slower shutter speed.
Remember that increasing ISO will increase the size of your pixel or grain. If you do not want your photo to have a lot of digital noise, don’t choose ISO 3200 or 6.400.
7. f/4
Peter Wallis, a photographer, says that “f/4” is his “go-to” aperture. If you use a large aperture on a long lens (200mm to 400mm), you can separate the subject and the background. It makes them stand out. “Works every time.”
Peter Wallis, a Brisbane-based sports photographer extraordinaire for The Courier Mail, is an expert in the field. See his work here.
8. You’ve got to be Joking
Photographer Dean Bottrell says that a well-timed joke always produces a natural smile.
Dean Bottrell is a photographer based in Emerald who specializes primarily in portraiture. See his work by clicking here.
9. Purchase Books and Not Gear
It’s not necessary to have expensive equipment in order to take great photos. I’ve seen some amazing images taken with nothing but a smartphone. Invest in some great photography books instead of ten different lenses. You can get ideas for improving your photos by looking at the works of master photographers.
10. You should read the manual of your camera
It is important to read your camera’s manual to learn how to use it. Many people overlook this important step in their photographic journey. By reading the manual, you will learn all about the unique features of your camera.
11. Slow down
Brad Marsellos, a photographer, says: “Before pressing the shutter button, take a moment to consider what’s happening in the viewfinder.” How are you going compose the shot?” How will you light it? “Don’t just jump in without thinking about it first.”
Brad Marsellos, the Wide Bay uber-Open producer. Here, you can find his photos, videos, and thoughts on life.
12. Stop Chimping
Digital photographers are prone to developing bad habits. It’s not uncommon to see photographers taking a photo and immediately looking at the screen. You could miss out on all the important moments. You can look at your pictures later. Keep shooting. You may miss the shot, which will affect your flow. – Marina Dot Perkins
The beautiful Marina Dot Perkins is a news, wedding, and travel photographer who worked for The Canberra Times and is now based in Newcastle.
13. Framing
This technique can be used when you want to draw attention to a particular part of your photo. By framing the scene or subject with an archway or window, you can direct the viewer’s attention to the main focal point.
14. Shape with Light
Photographer Patria Jannides says, “Never take pictures with the sun directly in front of you.” It creates flat, boring light on the subject. You can make more interesting photos by shooting with the source of light to the side or back of the subject.
Patria is a gifted news photographer, long-time friend, mentor, and cheerleader. She helped me land my first paid job as a photographer.
15. Watermarks
The tip doesn’t directly relate to taking photos but does impact their appearance. The smaller the watermark, the better. Avoid using watermarks if you can.
You’re unlikely to have your images stolen unless you’re a professional. In reality, however, they will not prevent your photos from being stolen. The watermarks only detract from the amazing image you created. Once you have added the watermark, the viewer is left with the watermark. You can only prevent pictures from being taken by not publishing them online.
Open producer Luke Wong has written a blog on watermarks.
16. Be Present
Heather Faulkner, a photographer, says, “Make eye contact with your subject, listen to them, and engage in conversation.” With the eyes, lower that camera and act human. Bring your camera up to get a good shot. Remember to drop the camera, as if you were coming up for breath, to make sure that your subject is still there.
“Don’t look at them as if they were a scientific experiment. It shows respect for your subject, evens out the power dynamic, and calms him down. “You’ll get more natural pictures this way.”
Heather Faulkner is a photographer and photojournalism Major at QCA Griffith University. She is the executive director for The Argus, an online visual journalism magazine run by students. You can see her work on this page.
17. Shutter Speed
Knowing your shutter speed can make the difference between a blurry picture and a clear one. What you want depends on your goal. You will probably want to have your subject in focus if you are photographing a sporting event or a group of children playing in the yard. If you want to capture fast action, then your shutter speed should be greater than 1/500th or 1/1000th. You might also want to capture long streaks from a car tail light running through the shot. You would then change the shutter speed of your camera to long exposure. It could be for one second, 10 seconds or longer.
18. Charge your Batteries
It may seem like an easy one, but almost every photographer has made a mistake before—I’m not the only one. It is important to charge the battery as soon as possible after your photo shoot. You must remember to place it back in the camera once it is fully charged.
19. Focal Length
Justin Wilkes, a photographer, says: “Keep it Simple.” “I use two prime lenses with one camera, a 28mm and 35mm. Everything. I use my 35mm lens 70 per cent of the time and the 28mm one 30 per cent. Once you get the hang of it, prime lenses are the only way to shoot. You have to be creative and not lazy.
This means that you can take more photos and not waste time zooming in and out. Consistency is also improved. It’s a good way to keep a strong sense of consistency when you are working on a series or project.
Justin Wilkes left his job as a journalist in Sydney to report on the social and political changes in Egypt after the revolution. His photographs have been published in the New York Times magazine Time and Jakarta Globe, to name a few. See his incredible documentary work.
20. Join a Photography Community
Like ABC Open! You will be able not only to share your photos with the rest of America but also to be part of a group that gives feedback about how well you are doing. You will learn new techniques to improve your photography and maybe even meet some new friends.
