How to Improve Your Photography

Tips to help you make better photos

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Camera
• Tripod

1. General Tips
   
   There is a lot of space to work with in each picture you take. Fill that space up with your subject. Unused space in your image should only be there because you want it there.
   
   Only center your subject intentionally and rarely.
   
   Use a lens hood when shooting in sunlight. If this isn't enough to avoid sunspots, shade the front of the lens with your free hand.
   
   Take multiple photos of the same subject. If your camera has auto-bracketing, use it. This camera mode takes multiple photos with different exposure settings to help avoid exposure problems.
   
   Digital cameras typically save your photos as a JPEG or a RAW file. A benefit of shooting RAW is you may be able to repair an exposure mistake with photo editing software.
   
   Digital cameras are not always perfect at setting the colors of what you've shot. If your camera has an appropriate white balance setting, use it; otherwise leave the white balance on automatic.
2. Stabilize Your Image
   
   Use a good sturdy tripod whenever you can, as often as you can. To avoid camera movement tighten all the settings on the tripod before taking the picture. Also consider using a wired or wireless remote trigger.
   
   Some cameras have a mirror lock up feature that helps reduce movement inside your camera. When this mode is enabled, you will need to press the shutter button twice. Press the button once, wait a few seconds to let the vibrations stop and then take the picture.
   
   If it is not possible to use a tripod then try and set your camera on a table, bench or something solid and stable. Direct your camera at your subject and shoot. Use a hat, purse or wallet to help support the camera.
   
   If you must hold your camera then try and anchor yourself by leaning against a solid object like a wall or tree. Hold your breath just before taking the shot.
3. Use the lowest ISO/ATA as possible
   
   If you're shooting in the day light then use the lowest number ISO setting on your digital camera or the lowest ATA film you have available, such as ISO 50 or 100. Use a slightly higher number like ISO 200 or 400 if your subject is moving or in shadow.
4. Landscaping
   
   In order to achieve the sharpest image possible you should use a small aperture, which translates to a high number like f/16, f/32 or larger (depending on your camera gear). If it is windy make sure that your
   shutter speed doesn't go below 1/60.
   
   Always keep a level horizon and don't position the horizon in the middle of the frame.
5. People
   
   Unless you're shooting a portrait, don't let legs, arms or the tops of heads get cut out of your picture. It's also best to avoid positioning your subject in front of things like street signs so your friend doesn't look like a stop sign is protruding from his shoulder.
   
   Huge photography rigs can intimidate people and reduce your chances of capturing that special moment. If you can get away with it, don't use a lens hood, a huge lens or extensive flash brackets as this can only increase the intimidation since it makes your gear look that much bigger.
   
   Keep your camera at your side until you need it. Only raise it when you've found a subject you like. Then, after you've taken your pictures, put the camera back at your side. Top loading camera bags make this much easier.
   
   Always focus on eyes.
   
   Use your flash to remove facial shadows, even if you're outside. Newer cameras can do the exposure work for you; otherwise, you may want to read up on using fill flash with your gear.
   
   To reduce people posing for you, shoot a 'ghost' roll of a dozen shots or so. By this time, they (especially kids) may have grown bored with you and returned to their normal business.
   
   Try shooting at your subject's height.
6. Make Your Image 'Pop'
   
   If you want your subject to pop out from the background, set your camera to 'manual' or 'aperture priority mode' and select the largest aperture available, which means the smallest number (f/2.8, f/5.6, etc). This will give you shallow depth of field so that the subject is sharp whereas the background is out of focus. Since this means you have lens depth of field, make extra sure your focus is true.
7. Good Light
   
   Be ready to shoot before sunrise and sunset. Be patient. For sunsets, don't leave until it's dark. Bring a flashlight so you can see your gear when you're setting up. This will also help if you're shooting sunsets and have to hike out in the dark.
8. Good Bad Weather
   
   Have your equipment ready in case the weather is turning bad as this can be a great opportunity for a unique image.
   
   Bring plastic lunch bags, rubber bands and a few small towels in case it rains. If it does rain, put your camera in the plastic bags (or drape the plastic bags on top of your gear) and secure them with the rubber bands. The towels can help keep the equipment dry and they can do double duty by providing extra padding in your gear bag.
9. Check List
   
   Before you're going to shoot, double check your camera settings. Make sure it is not set to ISO 3200 unless that is what you really want. Check your exposure mode, white balance setting and that your batteries
   are not about to die. Also make sure that you don't have any custom functions set that you don't want enabled, like mirror lock up or auto exposure bracketing.
   
   If you're shooting digital, your check list should always end with backing up your images as soon as you're done shooting. Saving them to your computer isn't a backup. Always keep two copies of your images.

Tips & Warnings

• Feel free to break composition tips just as long as you're breaking them on purpose.