Tired of taking fuzzy images? Do you always cut off someone’s head in the pictures you’re taking? Is your foreground always out of focus? Many people give up on photography and claim they’re simply no good. But, like all things taking good quality images takes practice. Photography is an art and you wouldn’t expect to sit down and recreate the Mona Lisa would you? Of course not! It would take many, many attempts and you still may not capture it. While you work on expanding your online photo galleries take these five ways to improve your images into consideration right away.
1. Read Your Manual and then Find More. How many of us actually read the instruction manual when we get something new? Not very many. But this is your best resource while you’re learning how to operate your camera. Read through it front to back and practice what it’s telling you. Make note of the things you don’t understand or remain unclear and then search for additional resources to learn from.
2. Take Pictures and Lots of Them. The only way you’re really going to get better is to take more pictures. You need to practice photographing many different things in different lighting and situations. Look for new angles; stand on a chair, lay on the ground, shoot through a window. Whatever you choose don’t just stick with what you know – challenge yourself!
3. Use a Tripod. This a small investment to make but can go a long way to taking better images. Tripods stabilize your camera and allow you to adjust the settings without moving the camera itself. Even a small movement can change the settings. Not an issue with the tripod.
4. Look for Natural Light. A photographer’s best friend is good light. The right natural light can really make for the best image possible. However you’re forced to work with the light you have. Use shade, shadows and even a low cost reflector to play with the light and frame your image. Learning how to use natural light will be very helpful should you decide to ever shoot in a photography studio.
5. Limit Yourself. Just like taking lots and lots of pictures will help you hone your skills limiting yourself can do the same. Why not give yourself a month long, photo a day project. Allow yourself to only take one image each day. You’ll need to really focus on getting the shot right because you’ve only got one! If you think you may cheat, why not revert back to a film camera for the experiment? That way you’ll really only be allowed one shot! This could be a really great project for a scrapbook or dedicated web photo album.
Having all the best photo equipment in the world makes no difference if you don’t have any idea how to use it. But taking small steps every day to improve your photography skills will have you on your way to becoming a talented photographer.
1. Read Your Manual and then Find More. How many of us actually read the instruction manual when we get something new? Not very many. But this is your best resource while you’re learning how to operate your camera. Read through it front to back and practice what it’s telling you. Make note of the things you don’t understand or remain unclear and then search for additional resources to learn from.
2. Take Pictures and Lots of Them. The only way you’re really going to get better is to take more pictures. You need to practice photographing many different things in different lighting and situations. Look for new angles; stand on a chair, lay on the ground, shoot through a window. Whatever you choose don’t just stick with what you know – challenge yourself!
3. Use a Tripod. This a small investment to make but can go a long way to taking better images. Tripods stabilize your camera and allow you to adjust the settings without moving the camera itself. Even a small movement can change the settings. Not an issue with the tripod.
4. Look for Natural Light. A photographer’s best friend is good light. The right natural light can really make for the best image possible. However you’re forced to work with the light you have. Use shade, shadows and even a low cost reflector to play with the light and frame your image. Learning how to use natural light will be very helpful should you decide to ever shoot in a photography studio.
5. Limit Yourself. Just like taking lots and lots of pictures will help you hone your skills limiting yourself can do the same. Why not give yourself a month long, photo a day project. Allow yourself to only take one image each day. You’ll need to really focus on getting the shot right because you’ve only got one! If you think you may cheat, why not revert back to a film camera for the experiment? That way you’ll really only be allowed one shot! This could be a really great project for a scrapbook or dedicated web photo album.
Having all the best photo equipment in the world makes no difference if you don’t have any idea how to use it. But taking small steps every day to improve your photography skills will have you on your way to becoming a talented photographer.
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