10 Tips for New Photographers

April 9, 2021

Miss Brianna Marie

Photography BML | WIsconsin

Website: www.photographybybml.mypixieset.com/
Blog: www.briannasbandwagon.com
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Get to know your Camera

The first thing you should know when you start photography is to know your camera. This includes the settings and how your camera operates the different modes and functions it has. I learned by watching another photographer when I was doing a photoshoot.  It was one of my friends and she explained the different settings to me. That's how I knew the settings on my camera. I suggest you get to know your camera so you can operate it really well and know all the ins and outs to be able to take a good photo.


Rule of Thirds

When you're taking a picture, you generally would think that you'd want the subject in the center of the picture but that's not always the case. The rule of thirds is dividing your frame into thirds and then making the focus point off to the side.  Now, this is not gonna be true for all the pictures you take but it is a really good way to spice up your photos. 


Use what you have

I think this is not talked about enough with photographers, but believe it or not, you don't need to spend a fortune on gear or even a camera. When I first started I thought the more expensive the gear is, the better my photos turn out.  That is not the case: you can have expensive gear but if you don't know how to work it, how are you ever gonna be able to take good pictures. The gear doesn't take your pictures for you. People know keyboards don't write novels by themselves and that a paintbrush doesn't create an artist's work for them. So why do people think cameras drive around and take pictures all by themselves?


Different Perspectives

Angles are what makes a photo interesting. You shouldn't always take a photo in the same position.  Try out new angles. For example, go underneath things or crawl around. Photography can get unique with just the different perspectives you can capture and it will make a difference in your photos.


Be familiar with the Exposure Triangle

The settings are a learning curve for some in photography. However, learn the exposure triangle. I will try and briefly sum up the exposure triangle. It includes three things: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. When all those things are balanced, you get the desired photo. 

Be familiar with different types of lighting

Get to know about lighting. That involves photographing several times a day at different times. I have an app called alpenglow and it's breaking down the time of the sun's rays. This is helpful to visually see how light affects your images. Then you can evaluate and modify your technique so you can use light to your advantage. 


Take your camera everywhere

Take your camera everywhere and become obsessed with taking photos. Also, take pictures of everything. Practice makes perfect. 


Reflect on past Photos

Going along with practice you should also look back at your photos. Even photos you took years ago, analyze them and see how you've grown. Identify the flaws and see what you can improve the next time. Think of it like watching a play in a sports event again like analyzing your moves but for photography. 


Back up your photos. 

This is so important! I've been there where I thought I've lost photos because I don't back up my computer. That's every photographer's nightmare, not finding the images you thought you had. I have two external hard drives. There will be that day when your computer won't have anymore and that's why you need external hard drives.


Post-processing

Learn post-processing-at least the basic techniques. Now I'm not saying go out and purchase photoshop right away. However, just basic things. Learning to find your style does take time and practice. There's a bunch of youtube videos out there that can help you learn. I joined photography Facebook groups that critique my photos and give feedback. 


I hope you take your photography to the max all with these wonderful tips.


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