As you know, this blog is dedicated to all those passionate about photography, especially to fans who want to learn how to make really beautiful images and express themselves through this medium.
These are common questions that are often asked by people who are beginning to take their first steps in this artistic discipline.
If you are here to learn photography, you are in the right place. The first thing you should do is take control of your camera.
Learn its main features and have basic knowledge about exposure and composition.
I recommend you read the following post: Basic guide on: Exposure time, diaphragm opening and Iso.
At first you will find it difficult to get the desired results, just because you don’t know how to use the camera in manual mode yet. But don’t worry, that’s why I’ve created this space, to help you get to know your photographic equipment and get the most out of it.
The mind of an amateur photographer is always consumed by doubts about what photographic equipment to use and how to take advantage of it.
Knowing the characteristics of cameras and lenses is essential. And let’s not forget the accessories such as: the tripod and photographic filters
I recommend you go through the page Best Photography Workshops where I show you a list of courses specially designed to help you get to know your camera and create good photographs.
One of the main reasons that can lead you to abandon photography is that you cannot obtain the expected results. This can be frustrating.
Look at the creations of professional photographers and compare them with your own and the first thing that comes to mind is that you will not be able to reach that level. Actually this is not true. We are all capable of creating splendid photos.
It is not the camera that makes you a better photographer
The point is that it is not the camera that generates beautiful images. Perseverance, perseverance and experience are necessary, which are gained over time. Photographers must have a broader vision when we want to start taking professional photos. My advice is to focus on the results you want to get.
Some common mistakes amateur photographers make
backlight photography
Photographing against the light or what is the same with the sun in front, creates reflections on the objective, consequently we will have burned photos, with streaks and stains of various types. It is better to photograph with the sun behind us or to the side (especially in summer because the sun is stronger and more intense).
Background:
Those who are at the beginning when framing people or objects have a tendency to focus only on the object in the foreground without paying attention to what is in the background, that is, the background. If you play a bit with the aperture you can get interesting backgrounds.
Flash Usage:
The use of the built-in flash is quite limited, and if you want your photos to be attractive, better use an external flash and use it well.
Evaluate the exposure time:
The exposure time varies based on what you want to photograph, for moving objects it is better to use short times, for night photography it is advisable to use a tripod and longer exposure times. In the article the exposure time I talk more about that topic
Focus :
To avoid blurry photos, good focus is needed, if you are not sure use autofocus.
Long distance photography:
You cannot pretend to take panoramic photos if you do not have the correct material, for this, get a wide angle. In the article The focal length I explain better.
Improve the framing of your photos:
It is an error that must be absolutely avoided, a correct composition will make your photos more harmonious and interesting. Visit the following post: Framing and composition and go deeper into the subject
note: photo taken from the web.
Read your camera manual
One of the biggest questions for amateur photographers is learning to use the camera. Everything is written in the instruction manual. Many people think that this book is just the “instruction book” and think that it is useless to read it, thinking that they can discover everything by themselves with the passage of time.
In reality, many camera features are difficult to discover and understand. It is essential to read the manual and take a look from time to time especially when you are learning to photograph.
Use the highest quality
In the camera menu it is possible to set the quality with which to take the photos. Many use medium quality so they can take more pictures and get the most out of the memory card.
This is a huge mistake, because it’s like buying a Ferrari and changing the engine. Therefore always use the highest quality. If you want to take more photos, buy an extra memory card.
Get inspired by other photographers
Visit the photography websites of other colleagues. Look at as many images as you can for inspiration. You can “copy” some ideas, this is an excellent method to learn. All fans “copy a little.”
Edit your photos
Use some photo retouching program. Whoever says that a good photographer does not use retouching programs is ignorant. Post-production in digital photography is fundamental, because the same steps are carried out as were done in the analog period.
Lighten, darken, increase or decrease contrasts. It is a legal process. What is not legal is adding or removing elements that completely change the subject of the photo. (For example, it is not ethically correct to add a leg to a dog and justify yourself by saying that you have found a dog with 5 legs and have photographed it.)
Learn to use white balance
It is the most important function, which can make a photo attractive or not. If you take photos of a person outdoors on a cloudy day, the photo may have blue tones. With white balance, you can improve color casts making a higher quality image.
Take lots of photos
You don’t learn to photograph from one day to the next, and you don’t learn just by reading photography books or taking courses. Taking good photos requires patience and experience is created by taking a large number of photos in every situation you find yourself in.
Look for situations in which you can take interesting photos, for example: a sports competition, a concert, when you go for a walk in the mountains or on the beach.
The mistake that many make is to buy a reflex thinking that it is the right way to learn to photograph. Actually, perhaps with a compact camera with advanced functions, it could be the right way to learn to take photos, since you can always carry the camera with you.
The correct exposure
On more advanced DSLRs and compacts, exposure compensation can be set to make photos lighter or darker. It is important to use this function well and avoid as much as possible having totally white or totally black parts in the photos. This can be avoided by looking closely at the histogram of the photo.
Look for interesting subjects
Stop photographing flowers, dogs, cats etc… get out of your comfort zone, look for other alternative subjects. Surely around you you will find an infinity of interesting objects.
Lower the ISO, but not too much
The ISO allows you to shoot even in low light. But unfortunately, the higher the ISO, the more noise is present in the photo. Try to use the ISO at the minimum indispensable value. This does not mean always using “ISO 100”. I want to say that you should not uselessly exaggerate when using this function.
Find the right light
Photographing a lake on a day in which the sky is completely calm and blue is totally different from photographing it on a cloudy day, the same is true when you photograph a person indoors during the day than when you photograph them indoors at dusk. Finding the right light and the most suitable time to photograph is essential. I recommend you read: light in photography
Read, observe and study
The best way to take hold and enter this universe on the right foot is to have an analytical approach and know your camera like the back of your hand.
You can buy some basic photography manuals to be able to move smoothly, but at the same time continue to research, first to try different techniques and then to improve and keep up with the constant updates in the field.
I always say this in every photography course I sell, from the first lesson: the first manual to study is the one for your camera.
Knowing the secrets of your instrument is the first step to being a good photographer. It can be easy, but the settings and modes for each tool or lens are separate, so good familiarity and quickness of action is essential.
In addition to manuals, the Internet is full of easily accessible free tutorials and courses like the articles I publish on this blog.
You have to be a sponge and look at as many documents as possible about it, in order to fix the concepts in your mind and not get stuck on a single source (which could be wrong or mediocre.
But basically it is important to read and consult information from different sources to better memorize the concepts.
Often the same concept explained in two different ways, or by different people, is memorized in an equally different way.
Take every opportunity to read something about it. Whether it’s a trip (for example, a street photography tutorial), a beach vacation (seascapes and night photography), an afternoon with friends (portraits)
Try all the techniques you like
It is advisable to try all the different photographic techniques to understand what you like the most and what you are good at.
You can be sure that you love one genre more than anything else, but my advice is to give it a try, even if you have doubts about it.
Many photographers have moved from one type of photography to another after a few years and not because they have stopped loving one genre, but simply because they have evolved according to their personal growth. Here you go for the best nude photography techniques.
Also, being versatile could make you more professionally attractive, prepared and able to respond to different job requests.
One or more techniques belong to each genre, their control is the daily bread for any self-respecting photographer. Don’t get obsessed with a single technique, even if you are eager to sign your photos with a unique and characteristic style. Rather learn more techniques and try to mold your style to them.
The most famous and well-known photographic genres that you can practice
- The portrait, whose theme is faces and figurative art
- Glamor photography, linked to fashion and the world of fashion
- Photojournalism aims to document and inform
- Macro photography, which has as its object small objects specially enlarged
- Artistic or erotic nude
- Street photography is urban photography and its elements
- Food photography that collects food and food, very much in vogue in recent years.
- Landscape photography and the natural environment
- Wedding photography linked to religious ceremonies and events in general
- Night photography that, as the word itself suggests, refers to shots at night
- Sports photography, very difficult and requires a superior technique.
Conclusions
As always, I hope this post will be of help to you. If you have any other suggestions, I invite you to use the comments. Remember that you can become part of the f2.8 photography Club, a space created to learn.
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