Anyone can pick up a camera and take a picture – but not everyone knows how to take great photos. Fortunately, it isn't necessary to take classes or read camera manuals to get first-rate shots. Here are some simple tactics that you can use to improve your photography skills.
Shoot an experience, not a subject. Every time you pick up your camera think about what you want to shoot, rather than concentrating on a subject. Capture the moment by focusing on what is happening around you and your subject to tell a story through your photos.
Get physically close. Try leaving your zoom lens at home and instead move yourself closer to what you want to shoot. Take a few steps towards the action to take more compelling photos. You'll have a personal view of your subject, giving you the ability to better capture details in a pleasing manner.
Move around – a lot. Don't just stand in one place and take the same shots over and over again. Check out the scene from different perspectives to have a greater chance of getting interesting photos. Move to the opposite side of the room, move yourself higher or lower, and get on eye level with your subject. Experiment with different perspectives and think of new ways to capture what is happening around you.
Shoot an experience, not a subject. Every time you pick up your camera think about what you want to shoot, rather than concentrating on a subject. Capture the moment by focusing on what is happening around you and your subject to tell a story through your photos.
Get physically close. Try leaving your zoom lens at home and instead move yourself closer to what you want to shoot. Take a few steps towards the action to take more compelling photos. You'll have a personal view of your subject, giving you the ability to better capture details in a pleasing manner.
Move around – a lot. Don't just stand in one place and take the same shots over and over again. Check out the scene from different perspectives to have a greater chance of getting interesting photos. Move to the opposite side of the room, move yourself higher or lower, and get on eye level with your subject. Experiment with different perspectives and think of new ways to capture what is happening around you.
Keep the background clean. A simple, clutter-free background will help to give your photos a pleasant composition. You'll end up with photos that pop by better drawing attention to the subject or the action.
Think about lighting. If you are shooting outside, make sure that the sun is behind you. This will allow the sun to fall on your subject instead of being a blinding bright spot in your photos. If you are inside, take a look at how and where the light is hitting your subject. You may need to move yourself or your subject in order to most effectively use the light to your advantage.
Stop looking at your photos while shooting. Taking breaks to check out your shots on your camera screen will take you away from the action, meaning you could miss the special moments you are trying to capture. Focus on shooting and review your photos at a later time.
Use your camera's flash...or don't. Take shots both with and without using the flash, whether you are indoors or outside. Without the flash, you'll rely on normal environmental light, which can give you great photographs. With the flash, however, you may be able to capture subtle tones and colors and highlight the shadows in your scene. Try using your flash in bright light or turning off the flash in darker environments – your experiments may give you some amazing photos.
Think about lighting. If you are shooting outside, make sure that the sun is behind you. This will allow the sun to fall on your subject instead of being a blinding bright spot in your photos. If you are inside, take a look at how and where the light is hitting your subject. You may need to move yourself or your subject in order to most effectively use the light to your advantage.
Stop looking at your photos while shooting. Taking breaks to check out your shots on your camera screen will take you away from the action, meaning you could miss the special moments you are trying to capture. Focus on shooting and review your photos at a later time.
Use your camera's flash...or don't. Take shots both with and without using the flash, whether you are indoors or outside. Without the flash, you'll rely on normal environmental light, which can give you great photographs. With the flash, however, you may be able to capture subtle tones and colors and highlight the shadows in your scene. Try using your flash in bright light or turning off the flash in darker environments – your experiments may give you some amazing photos.
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