2/23/2012

Improve Your Photography Skills With These Excellent Tips

By George Renoir


Capturing life's special moments, in a meaningful way, is possible for anyone who goes out of their way to learn the nuances of photography. Though anyone can purchase a camera, not every person who holds one, will truly master it. Mastering the art of photography is a process that is learned and anyone who seeks out information can become a great photographer. Follow these tips to achieve your maximum potential behind the lens of your camera.

When one is taking pictures they need to remain steady. This will ensure that the camera is focused on the subject that one is taking a picture of. If one has trouble keeping the camera steady they may want to consider investing in a tripod stand to place their camera on.

When you are getting ready to show off all of the shots that you have taken to other people, make sure that you are only showing and sharing your best shots. Not everyone will be so kind if they see a practice shot, no matter if it is surrounded by good ones. Show your best to people.

You cannot take the perfect photograph if you do not have your camera, so keep it on you at all times. That amazing photo op can happen at any moment; and chances are, you are not going to have time to go back home and get your camera. Whether the sun is setting perfectly over the river or you catch a furry critter doing something photo-worthy, you need to be prepared to get the shot quickly.

You need to be aware of how sharpness works and where it appears in the image. Generally speaking, you will see the most sharpness in the middle of the lens and the image. It then begins to distort as it approaches the outside edges of the frame of your camera.

To shoot vintage-style photos, smear a dab of petroleum jelly on the outer edges of your camera lens (or use a lens filter, if you are worried about greasing up your actual lens). This technique blurs the edges of your shots, providing a fun, distorted look that mimics old-school photography.

A good photography tip is to always trust your instincts. If you suddenly have the urge to get a shot of something, go for it! Don't let doubt get in your way. You might look back at your work and decide that spontaneous shot you took represents you.

It's time for your tripod. Take it out of the closet and find the cable release. Still have those neutral density filters? Get them too. You're going for a night shoot at the school fair. You have arrived. See the pretty colored lighting at the booths and rides? You will photograph the Ferris wheel, exposing not for the overall scene but for the lights. Place the camera on the tripod and attach the cable release. Set the ISO low, at 100 or if possible, lower. Use a shutter speed of maybe fifteen seconds. Set the aperture at f/16 or smaller if your camera can do it this will make pinpoint lights look like stars. Take some test exposures and make adjustments, and use your neutral density filters if necessary. You have a finished product! Thanks to the tripod, everything is sharp except for the ghostly images of fair goers moving about, and the turning Ferris wheel appears as a circular streak of gorgeous colors. The lights at the booths shine like stars.

Now that you have been enlightened by these simple photographic tips, grab your camera and get out there. That "magic moment" is just a click away, and the world won't stop spinning. So let your imagination run free, then capture the results for posterity. Only you can tell the photographic story that unfolds from your own unique point of view.




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