(by Peter Bergdahl)
Taking great photographs often depends on practice
and experimentation. If you are not satisfied with the results of your
recent photographs there are some beginning photography tips that can
you can use to quickly improve your photographs.
Beginning Photography Tips #1 - Fill the frame
One
of the reasons that many people are not satisfied with their pictures
is the fact that the subject is so distant within the frame of the
photograph that is difficult to see them. In such cases, the subject is
typically lost within the scene.
The following beginning photography tips will help you to fill the frame with your subject and create far more interest:
1. Use your optical zoom lens. This is a great way to achieve close-up shots.
2. Move closely in order to make sure you are positioned as effectively as possible to achieve a close-up shot.
Beginning Photography Tips #2 - The rule of thirds
The
rule of thirds is one of the most important beginning photography tips
you should be aware of in order to achieve good results. Some digital
cameras today have the ability to place a 3x3 grid over the scene which
can help this process. Even if your camera does not have the ability;
however, you can image the grid, divided by width and length.
Your
subject should ideally be placed on the intersection of two lines but
this is in no way mandatory. There is nothing magic with the
intersections and the most important thing with the rule of thirds is
that it helps you avoid centering the subject in all your photographs.
If you place the subject out of the center of the photograph, you will
find that you can achieve more visual interest in your photographs.
Beginning Photography Tips #3 - Unclutter the scene
Another
reason why some photographs do not tend to turn out well is that they
are too cluttered. It can be difficult for the main subject to stand
out in the photograph is the background and surroundings are too
cluttered.
Try to choose settings where the background is simple
and uncluttered. This will help your subject to stand out and prevent
it from blending in with everything else in the background.
Beginning Photography Tips #4 - Fill flash
In
some cases you may notice that there simply is not enough light from
the existing light source. In this case you may need to supplement the
light source. A solution to this problem is the fill flash. This is not
a true flash as a flash would generally be used at night.
A fill
flash works to provide supplementing lighting, or to fill in light in
the part of the photograph where the shadows are too strong. This can
make a dramatic and immediate difference in your photos.
A
typical example is if you take a close-up photograph of a flower in
very strong daylight and contrast. In this case you are likely to get
fairly strong shadows in some parts of the flower. A fill flash can
give these shadows a "kiss" of light to brighten them slightly.
Most
cameras on the market today have a fill flash feature. You do not even
need to use full manual mode in order to take advantage of the fill
flash feature. The exact way in which you use the fill flash feature
will depend on your camera model, so you should check your owner's
manual.
Many cameras have a lightening bolt near the main button.
By pressing this button you should be able to go through the different
flash options.
Beginning Photography Tips #5 - Practice
Many
people make the assumption that buying a lot of expensive equipment
right away will automatically produce great photographs. While more
advanced equipment can provide you with more options, it cannot take
the place of practice and experience.
Even a point and shoot
camera can be used to take great photos when you spend some time
experimenting and practicing. The more time you spend taking pictures
the more you will learn and the better photos you will be able to
produce.
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