Whatever level you are at, whether you are a beginner or have high-end DSLR equipment, here are some photography tips that will enhance your skills.
Get Closer
Getting closer to your subject will allow you to fill the frame with it.
Eliminate the background if it does not add anything to the photo. Sometimes, what’s behind, beside, or beside your subject can add to the story, such as a travel location or friends. But when it’s not needed, don’t include it. Attempt to get closer to your subject or use a zoom lens. Put an emphasis on the details, expressions, and textures which make your subject unique.
Background Awareness
You need to check your image for distracting lines, cluttered backgrounds, reflections or objects coming out of your subject’s head. The simplest things can make an otherwise excellent photo look unattractive. Examine every part of the frame before pressing the shutter. You may need to reposition yourself or the subject if you see something you would not like in your photo.
If you usually frame your subject by looking through the viewfinder, you might consider checking Live View first. With a glance at this larger display, you can see what the final image will look like once the shutter is clicked. By moving your eyes from the camera to the LCD view, you’ll sometimes get a fresh, more objective perspective.
Focus, Lock, Recompose
Nikon cameras are capable of locking focus on subjects. To use:
- frame your image,
- focus on your subject,
- then press the shutter release halfway down and hold it there.
It’s now possible to reframe or reposition your shot for a more pleasing composition while maintaining the subject’s focus.
Rule of Thirds
Choose a stationary subject against a clean background. When looking through the viewfinder, divide your framed scene into thirds, or use the vertical and horizontal gridlines on the camera to help you compose your shot. Make your first photograph by placing your subject dead center.
After that, move the camera slightly to make your subject appear where the lines intersect at the upper left corner, then click the shutter. For a third image, move the camera so that your subject is at the bottom right corner of the frame.
Now, examine each image on the LCD. The general rule is to divide your scene into thirds and then place your subject at the intersection of the thirds to create a pleasing image. Photos with the subject in the middle of the frame often lack interest.
After selecting your subject, lock the camera’s focus, then reframe your photo by moving the camera to reposition your subject at one of the intersection points.
Steady The Camera
A camera should be properly held to reduce camera shake and ensure sharp images. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. The lens of your camera may stick out from its body. In this case, use your left hand to hold the lens from underneath. Then, place the index finger of your right hand on the shutter as you firmly grip the camera body.
If you’re using a point-and-shoot camera, make sure you have a firm grip. The wrist strap will help you avoid dropping the camera.
Sharper images can be obtained when you use Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization system. Please make sure this is enabled on your camera. Make sure you’re grounded. Brace your elbows at your sides (if possible), breathe deeply, and click.
Get To Eye Level
Consider taking your photos down to the individual level, unless you’re trying to demonstrate perspectives of height variations. When photographing smaller subjects, take photos at their eye level.
You can photograph children at their level by using the vari-angle LCD on your camera or by positioning yourself at their height. When you drop to a new level, you are more likely to notice lighting issues or shadows falling into the frame, which may be otherwise difficult to catch and correct.
Your image will not only look more pleasing with a more realistic head-to-toe balance, but the grins will appear wider, and you will have more control over what appears as a background.
Learn To Pan
With panning, you can add drama and movement to a still image. The most common use of panning is for photographing motion that will pass directly in front of the camera, such as a horse race or merry-go-round.
Choose a slow shutter speed, like 1/15 second, with your camera in Shutter Priority (S) mode. Keeping the shutter release depressed, follow your subject as you move the camera in the same direction. Different shutter speeds will yield different effects – it may take several tries to get the desired result.
Use Fill Flash
There’s nothing wrong with more light. Flashes are often beneficial to outdoor photography, even if it seems contradictory. The majority of light outdoors comes from the sun, which most often comes from overhead and casts shadows on faces.
The flash of your camera can be set up either by popping up the flash or by enabling the flash setting in your camera’s menu. Essentially, this fills in the shadows with your flash. See what the result looks like after taking the photo. You may wish to reposition your camera ever so slightly to capture a few pictures. A few subtle differences will become apparent, and you’ll take a few better photos.
Be Prepared
We’ve all said, “If I had my camera, I would have taken more pictures.”
Just imagine all the additional great images you could add to your portfolio, social media profile, or art wall. Keep your camera with you at all times so that you can take advantage of unexpected photo opportunities.
Make sure the batteries are charged and the memory card is ready.
Practice
Create a photo journal; make assignments for yourself and shoot every day. In the spirit of Photo-A-Day, consider developing your own daily photo challenge and posting your photos on social media regularly. Your family and friends will become your biggest fans if they see you post an image every day. To stay motivated, nothing beats a thumbs up and a positive comment.
Looking back after 365 days of shooting and posting will give you a clearer view of how your skills have developed. Follow these tips for photographing better, and you’ll be well on your way to stardom and the adoration of your friends and family. Posting to social media every few days wouldn’t hurt; keep posting what you shoot.