10 Essential Tips to Level Up Your Photography
Take the time to get to know your camera. Before getting down to the nitty-gritty of different photography techniques, it’s essential to first get to know your camera. Learn its basic functions, such as how to adjust the aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and practice in different modes to find out what works best for you.
(Re)familiarize yourself with the Rule of Thirds. One of the most fundamental composition techniques in the photography manual is the Rule of Thirds. You’ll need to become super familiar with this by studying how others have used it and, eventually, by trying it out on your own.
Start making your own vision boards. Keeping a collection of photos that interest you can help you both stay inspired and develop your own unique style as you take note from what appeals to you in others’ work. Pretty much everyone will tell you this: emulate what works, and add your own personal touches.
Shoot in manual mode; don’t rely on automatic. Once you’ve learned the basics of your camera, it’s time to take control. If you’re just starting out, don’t be afraid to practice in automatic mode; once you’re confident, switch to manual and make the most of your creative freedom.
Don’t forget the basics of light. Light is the lifeblood of a great photograph! Explore how different light conditions affect your results, and how to use artificial light to your benefit.
Find a subject that speaks to you. With thousands of photo opportunities around us, it may be hard to find one that speaks to you – but focus on your passions and what makes you unique from others, to create your own distinct visuals.
Train yourself to observe your environment. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to photography; to create truly unique photos, dedicate yourself to studying your environment and the details it has to offer.
Use the editing process to make your images shine. With the help of post-production software, you can tweak your images and get the most out of your photographs. Don’t be too heavy handed though; stay true to your original vision when making edits.
Focus on the details. Photography is just as much about the tiny details as the overall composition. Train your eyes to notice minute details like the texture of a leaf or the sparkle in someone’s eye – this is the beauty of nature after all!
Make sure your vision is clear. A successful photographer needs to have a clear idea of the subject, theme and mood they want to portray in their photographs. Putting your ideas down on paper and referring to them later will help keep you focused on your original vision.
