How to Be a Curious Photographer

Curiosity can be the perfect tool to put new life into your photos. Once you get the basics down, get curious and you will get better photos. As a photographer, you should ask questions and seek new ways to look at things. This approach will keep your snapshots anything but dull and will help professional work get a style of its own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• SLR camera
• Digital camera
• Macro lens
• Batteries
• Digital photo card

1. Be prepared to invest. Get more out of your photography by investing in equipment suited to the job you need it for. Get test prints before buying. An inexpensive camera cannot be expected to meet professional qualifications, so expect to pay extra to get a professional SLR (single lens reflex - which offers through the lens viewing) camera body and interchangeable lenses. Top brands like Nikon continue to provide superb makes and models in both digital and film models.
2. Get curious. Push the limits. Look and shoot at things from another angle. Try shooting under different light and atmospheric conditions.
3. Get close. Everything looks immensely different up close. Get in as tight as possible. Zoom down and use a macro lens to pick up details that you won't see otherwise. A portrait photograph doesn't always have to be just a full face or body. Get up close and focus on one aspect of the person's personality or features.
4. Try something new. Experiment. Tricks like using slow sync flash can produce some fun and interesting effects to add spice to a landscape, portrait or other photo.
5. Get the family involved. Younger children and babies may not enjoy having their photo taken, but all children are curious to see what they look like. Help the kids relax by making them curious. Take a few casual photos to show them before you take the portrait photo you want.
6. Check it first. Be sure all equipment is in good working order and all parts are on hand. Always carry extra charged and fresh batteries, extra photo cards and test all equipment before going somewhere to take photos. A good photographer is always prepared.
7. Keep the child amused. There are no guarantees when working with animals or children. Have plenty of props to attract the child's attention and to give the photo warmth. Fun holiday props can be used for specific holiday shots. Remember to be patient and work with the child's mood. Smile and hopefully they will give that photo-perfect smile right back.

Tips & Warnings

• A good photographer will be curious and size up the situation. Apply your curiosity and approach the subject from a different angle. You may be surprised at what shows up behind the lens.
• The eyes have it. There is nothing more breathtaking than a photo of a child's face. So zoom in and get close. The eyes should be sharp and focused to draw the viewer in.