As a new photographer, there are some things that will help you get going and improve your trade. The following ten tips will help you to get better at photography and save you a lot of headache along the way.
1. Don’t Buy Expensive Equipment When You’re Just Getting Started
Believe it or not, you can get some great pictures with a simple point and shoot camera. As you continue to take photos with inexpensive equipment, you’ll learn the type of equipment you need when you decide to replace it with more expensive ones.
2.Get A Tripod
If you have shaky hands, an inexpensive tripod will make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. When used in conjunction with the camera’s timer function, the tripod will make for great photos.
3.Take Your Camera Everywhere You Go
You never know when you’ll get a great photo opportunity. If your equipment is not too bulky, you can take it along with you wherever you go, so you’ll be ready whenever a photo op presents itself.
4.Document The Shots You’ll Like To Take
If you miss a photo opportunity at the place where you see a great one, make a note. You can use your phone to note the details, or carry a small notepad with you all the time. Refer to your notes often, so you can come back at the appropriate time to get your shots.
5.There’s Potential In The Mundane
There might be superb photo opportunities in mundane things around your home or office. Try seeing your environment with new eyes and use lighting to bring life to simple objects.
6.Appreciate The Learning Process.
There will always be something new to learn in photography. Even professional photographers learn new things all the time. Appreciate the process of learning and let your environment teach you something new.
7.Make The Most Of Free Resources
Some of the best things in life are free. Spend some time on photography forums and learn from the members there. Take out books on photography at your local library. Use free software like GIMP to get familiar with the photo editing process.
8.Play With Your Camera’s Settings
You’ll only learn the real power of your point and shoot camera if you play around with the settings. Go through the manual, it will point out all the things your camera can do. Try putting into practice all the things you read, as soon as you read it.
9.Learn The Basic Rules.
Don’t be paralyzed by the amount of information you’ll see on photography online. Pinpoint a few articles that explain the basics and focus on those. All other rules of photography are built on the foundation, so don’t sweat on the major things unless you learn the basics.
10.Take Photos Regularly.
In the beginning you should try to take a few photographs every day. Practice makes perfect after all.
About AuthorBrandon has written this article for Michael Ward Stout who heads The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.