Tips On Photography
Here Are Some Tips On Photography
Introduction:
A few tips on basic photography can help improve your photographs immeasurably. Learning to be a good photographer isn't hard. Good habits, a keen eye and a camera are all you need.
Light, Camera, Action!
Light is obviously essential for any photograph, but, also obviously the quality of light varies throughout the day. The best times of day to photograph are usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Be careful of the midday sun as it is often too harsh and you will end up with washed-out colours and dark, black shadows.
Observe carefully the position of the sun. You will often find that the best results are when the sun is behind you, fully lighting your subject.
Fill the Frame
Get up close and personal with your subjects. Your subject should fill the image. Don't have vast areas of nothing when, by moving closer or zooming in you could get a much more interesting result.
Keep an eye on what is behind your subject. If it is too 'busy' it will detract from the subject.
Hold It
Get the camera as still and steady as possible. Lock your elbows in by your side and watch your breathing. If you have a tripod use it. If not find something to brace yourself against. You will find your photographs come out crisp and sharp. This is especially true if you have a camera with a long (powerful) zoom lens.
Getting Started: Buying a Camera
35mm are the most common type of camera. This is for good reason. There is a huge range of 35mm cameras, accessories and films. If you are going to buy a 35 mm camera you should consider buying an SLR or Single Lens Reflex. SLR camera systems give you great control and superb results, but are also often large, heavy and expensive.
Digital cameras are almost perfect for travelling. A good digital camera will now offer you great quality, lots of storage, the ability to email photographs as you travel, make backups of all your photos that you can post on CD-ROMs quickly and cheaply and much more. Digital storage media is now cheap, comes in good capacities and is more resistant to heat and x-rays than film. Ensure that the camera you choose has a rechargeable battery and consider getting a spare.
APS cameras have only been around for a few years. They are smaller and lighter than their 35mm equivalents. But the small size comes at a price. The image quality isn't as good as 35mm film, APS film isn't as widely available, there isn't the variety of film available (for example slide and black and white films) and not all labs can print it. I recommend looking at a digital camera rather than APS.
So how do you choose which camera is right for you?
The key to getting the right camera is doing a bit of research, and fortunately one of the best places to do this is on the Internet. One of the most comprehensive sites is PhotographyReview.com. Make sure you read several reviews. If you are considering digital, and I suggest if you don't want a film-based SLR that you do, then have a look at Digital Photography Review, a site with some amazingly detailed run-downs on digital cameras. Whichever format you decide on please buy a good brand. There is a reason that Canon and Nikon are popular - they make great gear. Olympus, Fuji, Sony and others are also good.
Lenses are a critical component, and good quality lens will ensure your photographs have better color, less flare and more crispness. Photodo.com has a technical review of hundreds of lenses. A common mistake is to spend most of your budget on an SLR camera body and skimp with cheap lenses. Don't! The optics are the place that make the real difference, so budget them in. A professional quality 2nd-hand lens in good condition is far better than most brand-new standard lenses.
Think of the features you need now, but also try and find a camera that will grow with you. Once you have made a short list go to a shop and handle the gear. Sometimes a camera will look great on paper or the internet but feel horrible, be too big, too small or just plain ugly in real life.
Once you have found camera that suits your needs and budget, ring around and see what other shops will offer you; not only in price but warranty and service. Most camera shops will be able to drop their prices. Often all you need to do is ask.
MORE TO COME LATER ... I GUESS IT IS GONNA BE ENOUGH FOR THE FIRST LESSON FOR NOW
