Most people enjoy taking pictures. It is generally because those photographers know more tricks of the trade than the average joe blow, and they pour masses of effort into their shots. Below are a few of the tricks that photographers use to get good quality shots.
Snap pictures with a sense of urgency. If you dawdle, your subject may move away, the lighting might change or something else may ruin the shot that you have worked so hard to frame. It is better if your camera takes pictures quickly.
Stand close to your subjects to take better pictures. Moving in closer allows you to frame your subject, and avoids disruptive backgrounds. It can also give you a better grasp of how to capture the emotions and expressions that define a great portrait. If your subject is not close, you tend to miss many of the little details.
Apply digital techniques in order to make pictures that look like watercolors, oil paintings, graphic pencil sketches, etc. Adobe Photoshop is widely considered the industry standard for digital images, but there are numerous other companies with adequate programs. It can immediately change photos into artworks by choosing the medium required within the filter option.
Take unique pictures that are interesting to you and that you think would be highly interesting to others. Good photography takes unique style, and you want to show the world a new view through your lens. Avoid the same pictures that have been done over a thousand times. You can create great photos by using different angles and adding your creative touch.
When departing on a trip, start shooting photos the minute you walk out the door. You will be taking plenty of pictures at your destination, but the journey getting there can offer opportunities for shots as well. Document the journey; you may be able to find some interesting things at an airport.
If you want to be ready when the perfect shot presents itself, make sure you keep your batteries charged. Digital cameras with LCD screens use a ton of power, so make sure they’re fully charged prior to use. Another good idea is to carry a set of spare batteries for your camera with you so that you never miss a shot.
External Flash
Most modern digital cameras have a flash that automatically deploys when they detect low-light situations. Whereas this feature is great for quick photographer, you should consider purchasing something with an external flash in order to have more professional photographs, as well as to give you more options for lighting. Look at your camera and determine whether or not it features a “hot shoe” near the top; this is where the external flash unit attaches to the camera. If your camera can accommodate the external flash, bring it with you to the camera store to find the right model.
There are no magic bullets when it comes to great photography. Practice your shooting to gain experience, and hone your skills. If you have a digital camera, you’ll probably end up deleting some of your pictures: you don’t have to develop them all if you don’t like them. Take photographs of anything and everything, and then review them later for ideas and insights on how you might have gotten a better image.
If shooting for a wedding, warm up first by shooting artistic shots with small details in them. For example, such shots could include floral designs, or catching a candid image of someone. This can be a great opportunity to get pictures.
Have you ever had to take pictures of subjects that had been in the rain? You can create some rain in your shots even if the weather is not cooperating by using a simple spray bottle filled with water. Just give your subject a few spritzes for that freshly rained upon look.
Shoot fast when you take pictures. Be prepared to snap that image before it disappears. It takes only seconds for an animal to run away or hide. People’s smiles begin to look strained after a short period of time. That cresting wave or speeding SR-71 jet fighter that seemed to appear out of nowhere isn’t going to pause while you fiddle with your flash. Don’t worry about perfecting the settings if it means risking losing a good shot.
Be on the lookout for any type of patterns, whether man-made or natural, when composing your photographs. Any sort of pattern draws the eye to that part of the shot, which makes your photo more appealing. You can also make the patterns part of your photo by using them as a backdrop for your subject. This is particularly effective if the backdrop is slightly burred to allow your subject to stand out while still maintaining the interest.
What’s the next step you should take? Well, you need to step out into the real world and start snapping shots! As you take more pictures and spend more time reviewing them, you will quickly develop your skills.