Whether you’re just starting out with digital photography or you have more experience with the medium, there are a few things that will undoubtedly help you to take better photos.
Below you will find some of our favorite tips for digital photograph success!
- Remember the rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is one of the most important rules in photography. When used correctly it can improve your compositions and ensure that your photographs really draw the eye.
Okay, but what is the rule of thirds? This technique asks you to imagine your composition as having dour lines, two of which are horizontal and two if which are vertical, thus separating the image into 9 separate squares. You can then decide to have the focal point of your picture in the center square or slightly off-center at one of the intersectional points, depending on the look you are going for. By doing this, you can ensure that there is a focal point to draw the eye, as well as lots of other points of interest and a sense of balance in your images.
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Matte backdrops are best
If you’re going to be using photography backdrops, it’s almost always a good idea to use a matte background, Why? Because they’re less likely to produce glare or orbs, which can ruin a composition, and they will ensure that the subject of your photo pops.
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Don’t shake the camera
Camera shake is one of the biggest causes of blurred photos when using a digital camera. If you’re shooting handheld, you can avoid a shaky composition by keeping both hands on the camera – one around the lend and one around the main body of the machine. It’s also a good idea to hold the camera as close to your body as possible for extra stabilization.
Another thing that can help to prevent shaking is using the right shutter speed for the focal length of your camera lens. A shutter speed that is too slow can accentuate the effects of any movements, producing photos that are extremely blurred. A good rule of thumb is that one focal length is equal to the same minimum shutter speed in seconds, so for example, a 100mm kens should be used with a shutter speed of around 1/100th of a second.
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Buy a polarizing filter
We all know that camera equipment is expensive, but there are some things it is always worth buying and polarizing filters are one of those things. Ideally, you should invest in a circular polarizing filter that will enable you to use through the lens metering and auto exposure. This will enable you to minimize reflections from things like glass, water, and shiny metals. Not only that, but it will enhance the color of plants, flowers, and even the sky, and give your photographs the X factor. Basically, it will make your photographs look a whole lot more artistic and professional with minimal effort on your part.
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Turn the flash off
A lot of photography newbies think that turning the flash on in low-light conditions is always the best thing to do, but if you’re indoors, this is probably not the case. Having the flash turned on when you’re inside can make the subject of your compositions look pretty unnatural, especially if you’re taking portrait pictures in particular. It’s far better to increase your ISO level to a number between 800 and 1600. This, combined with using the widest aperture you are able will let more light filter through to your camera’s sensor for a clean, clear subject with a slightly artistic background blur. Want less blur? Use a tripod and turn on any image stabilization features your camera has to offer.
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Take a class
Although all of the above tips will help you to improve your photography, it is always a good idea to learn as much as you can for as long as you can. Taking a photography class is the best way to make the most of your digital camera, but if you can’t do that, there are lots of online tutorials, magazines, and resources that will enable you to educate yourself. The more you know about the features at your disposal, the better your photographs will be.
Digital photography can be a very fulfilling hobby or career, but it takes time and effort to make amazing images. So, don’t be disheartened and do work hard and practice regularly if you want to get the best possible results.
