Photography is a unique form of art in which reality and imagination overlaps. Photographers tend to see the world around them in a different way; they recognize lines, shapes, colors, and patterns more than anyone else. Every one can take photographs, but a true photographer will make them feel real, that looking at the photograph will be a way to experience what’s in it, rather than just seeing it.
If you are new to photography, you may find many things confusing, mainly, compositional rules and technical matters. It doesn’t have to be this way though, as you should take an easier approach to the learning process. Even if you read many resources about photography, you will still have to experience it, as this is the best way to remember what you are learning.
First, you should try to improve the way you compose your photos. That’s because a deliberate composition is the difference between an artistic photograph and a snapshot. Try to look at the things around you , and make them look more interesting in photos. Be creative, use unusual angles and fill your frame. Show your photos to your audience, and try to determine which ones are working best.
While taking your first photographs, get to know your camera well. It doesn’t have to be a fancy DSLR, as in this stage, compact cameras are very good to explore photography. The most important thing is to understand your camera’s capabilities. Experiment with one setting at a time so as not to confuse things. When you are done, you will have better control on your photographs, and you will use your camera more efficiently.
In photography, never let the environment be your enemy. Shooting in sunny days will create very harsh shadows that don’t look pleasant in most photographs, but if you know how to employ these shadows in your composition, your photos will be very interesting. Clouds make the sky looks interesting, and when coupled with action on the ground, they create the perfect rhythm for your photos. Also, try to capture people when they are not looking, while they are busy doing other things rather than posing to your photograph. This will make your audience get to know your subjects better.
Don’t limit yourself to a single type of photography or to using a single technique. Specialty may be a good thing, but at this early stage, it is not wise to keep yourself confined in a single place.
The most annoying problem for new photographers is blurriness, so for a start, avoid bad lighting conditions. This is because most cameras compensate for the bad lighting with longer exposure, which, with your shaky hand, will always yield blurred photos. An even better solution is to buy yourself a tripod; even all professionals use one.
If your camera allows autofocusing, use it to focus on your subjects, maintain this focus, and maintain the exposure of your photograph. It is the only way you will be able to control these setting when they are determined automatically by the camera.
Most importantly, always keep a camera with you, as you may never know when something interesting will show up. Only by doing this, you will be able to diversify your photos and further enhance your skills.
Go to CanvasPrintsOnline to get your FREE eBook
