Photography Lesson #3 - Master the emotions not the settings

in photography •  8 years ago  (edited)

Hello Steemit Followers!


Understanding the fundamentals of your camera and how each of the settings operate is overrated. Let me say that again... It's overrated!

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There is no need to learn every single setting.

If you ever hear a photographer telling you that shooting in manual is the only way, tell them they are wrong! There is nothing wrong with using the automatic setting on your camera. What's important is capturing the emotion and the moment.

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Emotion in photos will always trump what aperture or shutter speed is used. To ensure you capture emotion here are three tips I use.

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  • Make sure your camera is always in standby mode or your finger is on the on/off switch so you can quickly take a photo when the moment happens.

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  • When you are taking photos of people listen to the conversation and anticipate when a smile, laugh or reaction will occur. That's the time you want to press the shutter button.

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  • If you are at a wedding and you have lots people around you, use your vision to look in multiple directions. While looking through the viewfinder I also look at the reflection on the rear LCD screen to see what's happening behind me. If I see some emotion evolving behind me, I'll quickly turn around capture it and then return to what I was photographing. Some of my favourite photos have been captured that way.

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So next time you pick up your camera don't fumble with the settings, just turn it in and let the camera adjust everything for you. Master the emotion first then over time you will naturally progress into mastering the settings.

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All photos by me - @myday



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I see what you mean, I never really thought of it that way. But to be honest I would find it hard to catch the right moment with people. I suppose that would depend on the shutter speed of the camera. Which is why I try that sometimes but take multiple shots until I get lucky with something. So far I have only had a few instances where I made some moments.

But it's still a struggle when people don't appreciate what you did.

#Upvoted and #Reesteemed ;)

  ·  8 years ago (edited)

Yes it can be a struggle, bring in the right situation with the correct lens can make a difference. I typically use a 200 - 300mm when I first arrive and as people get used to me being around I pull out a 56 - 85mm lens. These focal lengths allow me to get close without being too close to the person.

Good advice! I was asked to take some photos at a birthday dinner on Sunday, and will remember this.

I'm glad you found the advice useful @snapperlize :)

I so totally agree with you!! Lovely set of photos to show people exactly what makes the essence of a photo. If I use my camera on manual, I would lose hundreds of candid shots of my grandchildren. I'm trying to figure out how to enter the Steem Photo Awards.

Thank you @snapperlize - great name by the way! I'm glad you agree :) If you get stuck entering just let me know. Happy to help

Thanks, will do so.

Wetwew..

Thanks, although I'm not sure what that comment means

great stuff!

Thanks @sulev :)

Great post and definetly a great tutorial for photographers. Thanks for sharing.

No problem at all @renssmit. Thanks for taking the time to comment

This post received a 3.6% upvote from @randowhale thanks to @myday! For more information, click here!

Well,
I'm still at the level where I shoot mainly landscapes and macros - taking the step towards "shooting" people is quite a big one, at least for me.
But I agree still - a technically perfect shot can be soo cold - if you have already missed the moment of joy, or if you cannot connect to the person you're photographing...

When I first started photographing people my images looked horrible. Practise make perfect, I still have so much to learn. I don't tend to stick to one genre, I like to photograph it all. Part of me thinks this approach can lead to more experiece. I'm able to understand my camera much more this way. Thanks for commenting @lundsten

Great pictures.. Resteemed

Thank you for resteeming @evelyniroh :

Great lesson with helpful information.. thanks for sharing..

No problem @djmalith. Thanks for commenting

Hey @myday !!
yes!! you are right, agree with you. nice pictures . i really enjoyed your post.
UPVOTED you.

Hey @fatema! Thanks for upvoting and I'm glad you enjoyed the post :) I appreciate you taking the time to comment too

Thank you @fatema :)

Great advice!

I'm glad you think it is @chrissymchavez :)