5 Quick DSLR Camera Shooting Tips
Whether you just got a new digital camera for Christmas or your New Year's resolution is to take up the hobby of photography, here are five quick tips that will improve your photography skills:
Shoot with the 'Rule of Thirds'
This is probably the most basic lesson a budding new photographer should learn, that is, the 'rule of thirds'. The rule helps to balance your shots, as it is generally held that are eyes go first to one of the four intersections when analyzing a picture. Thus, we are helping our image look more natural, as it gives the impression of being better balanced. Of course rules are meant to be broken, but this rule is a great guide when starting out and it can significantly advance your 'creative eye'.
I use this rule all the time. I have the rule of third's guides set up on my camera, which almost all cameras allow you to do these days. This helps me take the guessing work out of my shots and get the exact balanced shot I am looking for.
Master the Exposure Triangle
When we first start digital shooting, we may be just comfortable using our auto setting, however as we get more accustomed to our camera's settings, we should start venturing out by using the customized settings. In order to do this, it is recommended that you learn 'the exposure triangle'.
The exposure triangle has three elements: ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed. ISO is your camera's sensor sensitivity to light. Aperture is the size of the opening in the lens (which allows light in). Shutter Speed is the amount of time the shutter is open when taking a shot. There is a lot to learn about these three elements; I suggest you study them in detail as you grow as a photographer. However, the basic concept is that when you change one element it impacts the others. The art is finding the right balance, so that you have excellent exposure. Adjusting either element will depend on what you are shooting and what effect you are after. For instance, in darker conditions you will want to likely up your ISO, and open your exposure, so that you allow more light in, thus making your camera pick up the subject(s) you are shooting.
Get a Tripod
It might not be your first thought to buy a tripod when you are starting off, but a tripod can add many more possibilities to your shots. For one, it will allow you to keep better focus on your subject(s), as it will reduce shake, thus improving the clarity of your images. If you want to do some creative shots, such as giving the effect of slowing down the motion of a waterfall, a tripod is essential, as you can keep your shot steady when shooting with a slower shutter speed. Really you cannot loose by getting a tripod, as it is essential for clear well shot pictures.
Invest in a Powerful Editing Program
It seems many who start off focus primarily on the shooting aspect, which is important, but by no means the only skill that is needed. Although editing cannot magically make badly shot images great, it can greatly enhance your images. By using a quality editing program, you can go a long way in improving your images. It makes a good image, great.
Of course editing images can be a complex affair. I have spent almost a year learning Adobe Lightroom and feel like I am only scratching the surface. However, learning even simple adjustments can greatly improve the final product. I suggest either using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or Aperture. If these programs seem too advanced, you might want to start off with a program like IPhoto, which still allows you to make many of the adjustments you will need. Where I learned how to use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, was from Lynda.com. They have many great video tutorials on these two programs alone.
Practice, Practice, & Practice Some More
It will come as no surprise, that practice makes you a better photographer. By simply shooting and learning the ins and out of your camera and gear, it will greatly improve your skills. There is no better way to improve your skills, then by trial and error. I find as you read about photography and get more head knowledge, experimenting with this new information will significantly improve the way you shoot. As they say, 'practice makes perfect'.