We take pictures as a way to remember. We want to remember the way that something or someone looked, acted, or achieved. We take them to show others something that we witnessed firsthand and pass along the experience. If you want to take better pictures of your memories, then read this article and the tips contained within it.
Be selective about the elements that you include in your photo. Go ahead and remove anything from the picture that doesn’t belong there or makes the frame seem unbalanced. Use panning shots that keep your subject in focus but blur the background if you can’t remove all unwanted distractions from your shot.
Take successive photos of your subject if there is a chance that it might move. Certain subjects, such as wild animals, won’t just wait patiently for you to take your photo. In this case, take one shot quickly so that you have something to work with. Then, if the subject hasn’t moved, take more shots with better positioning and composition.
Use a tripod for maximum camera stability. For random shots of your kids or buildings, a bit of camera shake isn’t a big deal, but for once-in-a-lifetime shots that really matter, a bit of camera shake can ruin a perfect memory. If a tripod is not available, try setting the camera on a flat surface.
Keep your arms close to you while holding the camera, and position your hands on each side and the bottom of the camera. This will help create clear shots with less shaking. Holding the camera from the bottom and underneath the lens also helps prevent dropping your camera accidentally.
Do not shoot in full daylight. You are going to get some of your best photos on an overcast day. The bright sunlight can cause overexposure, loss of detail and terrible shadows. Shoot at dusk or at dawn on days that are not cloudy for optimum results in your photos.
Do not let your knowledge shape your pictures. You should base your picture around your idea and creative feel and use knowledge and your equipment help you make this idea come to life. You can experiment with techniques when you first learn them, but you will take your best pictures when you let your ideas take charge.
Although it may seem obvious, but know how to handle your camera and what happens when you press the buttons on it. Understand what happens when the shutter button is pressed and the timing of the shutter. It really depends on personal preference and there is no right or wrong way, but some things do not vary like keeping the camera perfectly still while taking a photo.
If your batteries are fully charged, you never risk missing the perfect shot. Digital cameras use up lots of power in a short period of time so make sure the battery is charged fully before you start taking pictures. If you’re really dedicated to always being ready to shoot, bring along an extra set of camera batteries.
When photographing young children, time and patience is your best friend. Children are taught to “say cheese” whenever a camera is focused on them, inevitably creating artificial, fake smiles – or worse. Ideally, a child will become comfortable being photographed when the pressure to “perform” is removed. Simply encourage them to go about their normal activities and then follow them around with your camera, clicking when they naturally smile or are obviously enjoying their surroundings.
Digital cameras almost always have a built-in flash that will go off when the external light is too dim. These are convenient for quick photos, but if you are hoping for something a little more professional, consider investing in an external flash unit for a broader range of lighting. Look at your camera and determine whether or not it features a “hot shoe” near the top; this is where the external flash unit attaches to the camera. If your camera can accommodate the external flash, bring it with you to the camera store to find the right model.
Are you aware of the “magic hours” in photography? This time period refers to the times of day known as dusk and dawn. These magical times create very soft and warm lighting conditions. There is only 45 minutes around sunrise and sunset to add this beautiful light to your shots, so plan accordingly.
Develop your creative vision. You can make an object from your everyday life look interesting if you know how to adopt a point of view that differs from what everyone sees. You can use your imagination to show usual objects in original settings or outside of their everyday use. Look at the world with a different point of view.
The beginning of this article talked about the reasons that we take pictures and their roles in our lives. Taking great photos means you have a wonderful visual for a story that you are telling. This article has given you what you need in order to take those great photos you’re after.
