Introduction
So you want to take better pictures with your smartphone, DSLR or mirrorless camera?
That is pretty easy and does not require a lot of effort.
I have created these guides to explain photography in friendly way. Each lesson is followed by exercise, which often requires you to take a walkoutside with you camera. You are also encouraged to share the best photo you shoot during the exercise in the comment, so everyone can comment and share their thought on it.
There are two factors that matter in photography: time and light. Keep that in mind.
Let's get started.
Photography basics
Let's start with three basic rules, very simple and easy to remember. I guarantee - if you start using them, your photographs will be much better already.
1. Solid camera grip
Seems funny, but it is very important. Always keep your camera stable, use solid grip.
Very often you will take your pictures with average lighting, perhaps with zoomed lens, or high aperture value (f-stop, f/). This means that the time to save information about light coming into your camera sensor, through the lens, will be relatively long.
Even small movement of your camera or even your body will result in blurred image - you don't want that, do you?
- Keep your camera firmly, use both hands (one holds the body, second hold the lens)
- Use environment to get support
- If you shoot with Smartphone, use physical button on the side if possible
- Stand straight, do not lean, hold your breath
2. The rule of thirds
Composition of picture is very important. You can ensure it is interesting for the viewer if you follow the rule of thirds.
Imagine your picture frame is cut into 3 identical parts vertically and horizontally. The intersections of these split lines are called strong points. Viewer eyes are attracted to these points.
Ensure that subject or important parts or subject are close to one of four strong points. Remember, if there is nothing interesting in these strong points, viewer may (and probably will) not see that picture interesting.
Example photographs using strong points:
ISO 200, f/6.3, 1/200 sec
ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/400 sec
You can use the cut lines to place your horizon or subject too. Picture is much more interesting when line of the horizon is in 1/3 or 2/3 height of the frame - try it out.
Example photograph using horizon position with rule of thirds:
3. Limit the colors, keep background not distracting
The less colors are on the picture the better - in most cases, as colors tend to distract. Same for background - avoid distractions by selecting your background for your composition or by using open aperture to blur it (more about this on the next Photo Walk).
Example of pictures with all above rules applied:
ISO 400, f/8, 1/640 sec
ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/200 sec
Exercise #1
Go outside, take a walk with your camera. Shoot a photo following these rules:
- Keep your camera firm and steady to ensure sharp picture.
- Put your subject on one or more strong points
- Use rule of thirds to place your subject or horizon
- Avoid distraction in the background, limit the colors in your composition
Post your picture in the comment.
Next Photo Walk soon - be sure to follow me if you like it.