Many people think that buying an expensive new camera can help take better photos. The truth is that the technique is much more important than the equipment: anyone can achieve good results regardless of the type of camera, with the right practice and avoiding the most common mistakes.
Steps
Part 1 of 8: Learning to Know Your Camera
Step 1. Read your camera manual, and learn what each control, item, button and menu does
You should at least be able to turn on the flash, use automatic options, such as the zoom, and the shutter button. Some cameras come with a paper manual for beginners, but they also offer the option to get a more comprehensive manual for free directly on the manufacturer's website.
Part 2 of 8: Getting Started
Step 1. Set the camera resolution to take high quality photos with the highest possible resolution
Lower resolution images may cause problems later in digital editing and printing - you will not be able to crop them as you would with higher resolution photos. Upgrade your memory card and buy a larger one. If you can't afford it or don't want to buy it, use the "good" quality setting, if your camera has one, to shoot at a lower resolution.
Step 2. Start with automatic settings
The most useful setting is "Program" or "P" on DSLRs. Ignore the advice that suggests using the camera completely manually: the progress of the last fifty years in the field of autofocus has not been in vain. If your photos are out of focus or with incorrect exposure, then start manually operating some functions.
Part 3 of 8: Finding Photo Opportunities
Step 1. Always carry your camera with you
Once you always have your camera with you, you will start looking at the world in a different way, always looking for opportunities to take beautiful photographs. Thanks to this tip you will take more photos, and with practice you will become a better photographer. If you take pictures of friends and family, they will get used to the fact that you always have the camera; this will help them feel less embarrassed or intimidated when you portray them, allowing you to take more natural and less "posed" photos.
Remember to bring spare batteries or the charger if you are using a digital camera
Step 2. Go outside
Find the motivation to go outside and take photos in natural light. This way you will learn about the lighting levels at different times of the day. While many people find that the "golden hours" (the last two hours of light) offer the best lighting conditions to take a photo, it doesn't mean you can't take photos in full light. If it is a sunny day, a shaded open space can create soft and pleasant lighting (especially for people). Go out, especially when people usually eat, watch television, or sleep. The lighting will often be dramatic and unusual for people who never get a chance to see it!.
Part 4 of 8: Using Your Camera
Step 1. Keep the lens free of caps, straps or other obstacles
This is trivial advice, sure, but all of these obstructions (which are often not noticed) can ruin a photograph. The problem has been reduced by modern digital cameras that offer photo preview, and it is even less with SLR cameras. However, many still make these mistakes, especially if they are in a hurry to shoot.
Step 2. Set the white balance
Put simply, the human eye automatically compensates for different types of lighting; white looks white to us in almost all lighting conditions. A digital camera compensates for this problem by varying the shades of colors.
For example, the incandescent light mode (tungsten) compensates for the redness caused by this type of lighting by shifting the colors towards blue (cold). White balance is a critical and underrated setting by digital photography beginners. Find out how to configure it and the meaning of the various settings. If there is no artificial light, the "Shade" (or "Cloudy") setting is almost always effective; creates very warm colors. If the colors are too red, it will be very easy to correct them later with software. "Auto", the default for most models, is effective in some cases, but produces colors that are too cold in others.
Step 3. Set a lower ISO speed if circumstances allow
This is less of a problem for SLR models, but especially important for point-and-click digital cameras (which usually have tiny sensors that produce more noise). A lower ISO (a lower number) makes photos less noisy; however, it also forces you to lower the exposure time, for example, preventing you from taking pictures of moving subjects. For still subjects in good lighting (or even in poor light if you use a tripod and remote control), use the lowest ISO value available in your camera.
Part 5 of 8: Taking Beautiful Photographs
Step 1. Compose the shot carefully
Visualize the photo in your mind before framing it in the preview. Consider the following rules, and especially the last one.
- Use the rule of thirds, which suggests framing the main points of interest in the scene along the lines that divide the photo into "thirds". Try not to "cut the photo in half" from the horizon or other lines.
- Eliminate distracting backgrounds and cluttered objects. Change your position to avoid trees in the background that appear to be sticking out of subjects' heads. Change your angle to avoid window reflections across the street. If you are taking pictures on vacation, ask the family to stop for a moment and leave all the things they are carrying and take off any backpacks or fanny packs as well. Keep the clutter well away from the photo frame and you will get much better looking and tidy photos. If you can blur the background when taking a portrait, do it. And so on.
Step 2. Try to ignore the previous advice if the photo doesn't suit you
Consider the above advice as "rules", which work in most cases, but must always be subject to your interpretation - not absolute laws. If you respect them to the letter, you will only get boring photos. For example, a messy background and objects in focus can add context, contrast, and color; perfect symmetry in a photo can create a dramatic effect, and so on. Every rule can and should be broken to get a better artistic effect. This is how the best photos are taken.
Step 3. Fill the frame with the subject
Don't be afraid to get close to the subject. On the other hand, if you are using an SLR with many megapixels, you can always crop the image in post-production with the help of software.
Step 4. Try an interesting angle
Instead of shooting in front of the subject, try shooting it from above or below. Choose an angle that makes colors stand out as much as possible and minimizes shadows. To make objects appear longer or taller, low angle shots can help. You may also want to make an object appear smaller or give the impression that you are standing on top of it; to achieve this effect, bring the camera over the subject. Unusual angles make photos more interesting.
Step 5. Focus
Focus errors are the most common problem with photos. Use the camera's autofocus if available - you can usually use this feature by pressing the shutter button halfway. Use the camera's "macro" mode for close-ups. Do not use manual focus if automatic focus is fine; as with exposure, autofocus is almost always better than manual focus.
Step 6. Find the balance between ISO, shutter speed and aperture
ISO is the camera's sensitivity to light, the shutter speed determines the time it takes to take the picture (which consequently affects the light entering the lens) and the aperture (denoted by "F" followed by a number) is the measure of the dilation of the camera diaphragm. Not all cameras have these settings, which are almost unique to digital cameras. By balancing these configurations and keeping them as close to average values as possible, you can avoid the noise generated by high ISO values, the blur produced by slow shutter speeds, and the side effects of depth of field caused by too much aperture. Depending on the result you want to achieve, you should change these settings, to get good lighting levels without giving up the desired effects. For example, let's say you want to take a photo of a bird coming out of the water. You will need a fast shutter speed to bring the image into focus, but you will also need to increase the aperture (so reduce the number after the "F") or increase the ISO to compensate for the lower lighting. A high ISO value would make the photo look grainy, but a wide aperture is ideal, as it also produces a nice blur effect in the background that draws attention to the bird. By balancing these elements, you can take the best possible photo.
Part 6 of 8: Avoiding Blurred Photos
Step 1. Stay still
Many people are surprised to have blurry photographs when taking close-ups or panoramic shots. To minimize blur, if you're using a full-sized camera with a zoom lens, hold the body of the camera with one hand (finger on the shutter) and hold the lens steady with the other hand. Keep your elbows close to your body and try to stay as still as possible. If your camera or lens has an image stabilization feature, use it (it's called IS on Canon and VR on Nikon models).
Step 2. Consider using a tripod
If your hands are shaking or if you use large (and slow) telephoto lenses, if you are trying to take photos in low light conditions, if you need to take multiple identical photos in a row (as is the case with HDR photography), or if you are taking panoramic photos, tripods are very useful. For long exposures (more than a second), it may be useful to activate the shutter with a cable or remote control; or you can use the camera's timer feature if you don't have the other tools available.
Step 3. Consider not using a tripod, especially if you don't already have one
A tripod prevents you from moving freely and quickly changing the frame of the image. It's also a heavy burden to carry, which will make you want to go out and take pictures.
As a basic rule, consider using a tripod if the shutter speed is equal to or less than the focal length. For example, if you have a 300mm lens, the shutter speed should be faster than 1 / 300th of a second.. If you can avoid using a tripod by using higher ISOs (and consequently, higher shutter speeds but also more digital noise), using the camera's image stabilization features, or simply moving to a spot with better lighting, do so
Step 4. If you find yourself in a situation where a tripod would be useful, but you don't have one, try one of the following methods to reduce camera shake:
- Enable image stabilization (only some digital cameras have this option) or lens stabilization (usually only some expensive lenses have it).
- Zoom out (or use a wider lens) and get closer. This reduces the effect of a small change in the direction of the camera, and generally increases the maximum aperture for a shorter exposure.
- Hold the camera firmly, be careful not to hold it by moving parts (e.g. the lens focus ring). This will reduce camera shake that follows a movement of your hand.
- Press the shutter button slowly, with a smooth, gentle motion, and don't stop until after the photo has been taken. Put your index finger over the camera. Press the button with the phalangin of your finger for a more constant movement; you will push the whole top of the machine.
- Place the camera on something (if you are afraid of scratching, place it on your hand and rest your arms against your body or sit and rest them on your lap).
- Hold the camera up on something (perhaps its bag or strap) and use the timer to avoid moving it while pressing the button. This often leads to the possibility of the camera falling, so make sure the distance to the ground isn't too much. Avoid this advice with expensive cameras or accessories such as the flash, which could break or detach from the camera. If you think you will often have to rest the camera on something, you may want to bring a pillow or soft bag with you - special pillows are available or you can use dry bean bags.
Step 5. Relax as you press the shutter button
Also, try not to hold the camera too long; the arms would weaken and the hands would tremble more. Practice bringing the camera to eye level, focusing and adjusting exposure, then shooting in one quick and smooth action.
Part 7 of 8: Using the Flash
Step 1. Avoid red eyes
This effect is due to the dilation of the eyes in low light conditions. When you have dilated pupils, the flash illuminates the blood vessels in the eyeball, which turn red. If you have to use the flash in low light, ask people not to look directly into the camera, or consider using a "bounce flash". Aiming the flash over your subjects' heads, especially if the walls are light, will avoid red eyes. If you don't have a flash that can be adjusted this way, use the camera's red-eye cancellation feature, if available, which will cause the flash to blink a couple of times before the shot, causing the pupils to contract and consequently reduce the eye effect. reds. The best solution, however, is not to take pictures in conditions where you need the flash; find a spot with better lighting.
Step 2. Use the flash wisely and don't do it unnecessarily
The flash, in low light conditions, can often cause bad reflections, or give a washed-out appearance to the subject of the photo; the second problem often arises when you portray people. On other occasions, however, it can be useful for eliminating shadows; to eliminate the effect of "raccoon eyes" in full daylight, for example (if you have sufficient flash sync speed). If you can avoid using the flash by going outdoors, stop the camera (being able to use a slower shutter speed without blurring the photo), or set a higher ISO (being able to use higher shutter speeds), do so.
If the flash will not be the main source of light in the photo, set it to give the correct exposure at an aperture about one degree wider than you will use for the exposure (depending on the intensity of the ambient lighting and shutter speed, which cannot be faster than the flash sync speed). You can do this by choosing a specific grade with a manual or thyristor flash, or by using "flash exposure compensation" with a modern quality camera
Part 8 of 8: Staying Organized and Gaining Experience
Step 1. Look at your photos and select the best ones
Look for what settings made your shots better and continue on that path. Don't be afraid to delete the photos you don't like. Have no mercy; if a shot isn't excellent, discard it. If you, like almost everyone, shoot with a digital camera, it won't cost you anything except time. Before deleting them, remember that you can learn a lot from bad photos; find out why they aren't beautiful, and don't repeat your mistakes.
Step 2. Practice
Take lots of photos - try to fill your memory card as full as possible or use as much film as possible. Avoid switching to film before learning how to take great pictures with a simple digital camera; so you can make mistakes and learn without wasting money. The more photos you take, the better you get and the more your photos will be appreciated.
- Shoot from new or different angles, and find new subjects to portray. You can take great photos of even the most boring elements of everyday life, if you are creative enough.
- Know the limits of your camera; learns its performance in different lighting conditions, the accuracy of autofocus at different distances, the ability to portray moving objects and so on.
Advice
- When taking pictures of children, get down to their level! Photos of children from above are usually not pretty. Don't be lazy and bend those knees.
- Download photos from your camera's memory card and always make backups to avoid unpleasant surprises and loss of material.
- The camera doesn't count. Almost any camera is capable of taking good quality photographs, under the right conditions; even modern cell phones are capable of taking good shots in optimal natural light conditions. Before buying very expensive equipment, find out about its features and limitations. Don't jump right into high megapixel values right away! We have seen that there are also many other technical aspects that matter!
- To find an interesting angle in a tourist spot, look at where everyone else stops to shoot, and go to a different spot. Don't take trivial photos.
- Don't be afraid to take too many photos. Shoot until you know you've got the best photo possible! It usually takes time to find the perfect shot, and your subject is worth the time it takes. When you find something that interests you, consider it a treasure and give it your attention.
- If the car has a shoulder strap, use it! Hold it in a way that helps stabilize the car. Also, this can prevent accidental falls.
- If you work digitally, remember that it is always better to take an underexposed photograph, and then make corrections with the use of special software to retrieve the details. For film, the opposite is true: shadowed details lack the quality of digital cameras, but overly lit parts are rare, even with noticeable overexposure.
- Keep a notebook handy to take notes on what worked well and what didn't. Reread your notes often as you practice.
- Install an image editing program and learn how to use it. It will allow you to correct color balance, change lighting, crop photos and much more. Most cameras offer such a program that can make basic changes. For more complex tasks, you can consider purchasing Photoshop, downloading and installing the free GIMP program, or using Paint. NET (https://www.paint.net/), a free editing program for Windows users.
- Browse magazines such as National Geographic to draw inspiration from, such as the image stories of the most famous photojournalists, or visit sites like Flickr or deviantART. Go to the Flickr search camera site to see shots taken with various types of cameras. Look at the camera data, but remember not to spend so much time on the net that you don't want to jump into the fray.
Warnings
- It is always good to ask for permission before taking pictures of people, animals or even things.
- Be careful when taking photos of statues, works of art and even works of architecture; even if they are in public places, in many jurisdictions this constitutes a violation of the copyrights of the work.
