1- Don’t forget to visit the website of your camera’s manufacturer.
Do not forget to visit the web portal of the company that made your digital camera. In most cases, when there are new software or firmware updates, it would be posted on the site, and you can download it easily. Aside from that, you can also take advantage of its section, where people and technical persons would discuss certain issues.
2- Presets.
One of the best things about modern digital cameras these days, is the fact that they can allow you to have your own presets. With presets, you can identify the settings that you deem most appropriate for certain scenes. Save your presets, so that you can easily activate them when needed.
3. Taking care of your camera’s batteries.
Camera batteries need proper care in order for them to last longer. One of the best things that you can do for it is to let it get drained once or twice in a month. Once it is fully discharge though, make sure that you also charge it properly. This practice would ensure that you are extending the life of your batteries.
4. What to do with spots on the pictures.
There are times when you may see certain spots on your pictures. When this happens, it could be a sign that your lens or sensor has dust on it. Try to blow it and take another picture. However, if you want to make sure not to experience it again, you should purchase a cleaning kit for your sensor soon.
Photography tips for beginners
5. How to properly take pictures of fireworks.
Fireworks can be quite tricky to capture. However, there are certain steps that you can take to take beautiful photos of them. A couple of them would be to make use of a tripod, and make sure that your focus is set to its maximum level. Aside from that, use longer shutter speeds for it around one second to five seconds.
6. Shooting a moving object.
If you want to take pictures of a moving object, and then make sure that your camera is equipped with an auto focus tracking mode, or something similar to it. This feature will make your camera to track the moving object automatically, while constantly adjusting its focus. With that, all you have to do is to make sure that you are going to get the composition right.
7. Try to enjoy your hobby.
If you want to become good in photography, you should learn to enjoy it. Don’t be too hard on yourself, whenever you come up with shots that are not satisfactory. Getting no decent shots can actually happen even to the best photographers. When that happens, challenge yourself and practice more.
8. Using natural reflectors.
Using natural reflectors can bring out the best in your photographs. For example, if you are shooting pictures at the beach, the white sand can serve as your giant reflector. To take advantage of it, have your subject sit down on the sand. Aside from the sand, water can also serve as a good reflector.
9. Shooting pictures on a cloudy day.
If you want to take excellent portraits outdoors, then do it on a cloudy day. When it is cloudy, it would actually even out the light. This is due to the fact that the clouds can serve as your giant reflector. Aside from that, it can also control the light coming from the sun, which can allow you to take full advantage of your flash.
10. Using a broom handle instead of a light stand.
If you have an assistant with you when you are taking portraits, it is a good idea to place the flash at the end of a broom stick. Let your assistant hold it at the proper point. By doing this, you won’t have to worry about the stand getting knocked over due to the strong winds. This can help you work faster, and with more convenience.
11. Try to come up with three photos in a row.
When shooting pictures of children, you should try to take three or more photos in a row. This way, you would be able to capture their movements, which can become quite funny or interesting. After taking the photos, you can simply put them all in a film strip, which you can do with a software program. The pictures when presented well should tell a story about the kids.
12. Don’t let your model wait for you.
Having a model wait for you is not a good way to start. This can make him or her lose that energy, which you would need in coming up with beautiful portraits. Thus, before your model arrives at your place, you should do your preparations beforehand. Have it done hours before, so that you can start immediately minutes after your model would show up.
13. Pay attention to the background.
Keep in mind that the subject of your photo should be the one that would capture the attention of the people viewing it. Therefore, you should be mindful of the background. With a background that can distract a viewer’s attention, your subject’s smile or pose may be neglected. Thus, choose the background well, so that the focus would remain on the subject of your photo.
14. Don’t delete photos while inside the camera.
While the pictures are still inside the camera, it is not wise to delete them yet, especially if you are unsure. This is because the LCD screen may not provide you with the right way to judge the shot, due to the fact that it is not big enough. Therefore, it is best to transfer the photos to your computer first, before selecting the ones that you want to delete.
15. How to have perfect candid shots.
Candid shots that are took in the perfect moment would help you achieve what you want to portray. It is quite challenging though, but one way to do it perfectly would be to predict the next movement or action of your subject. For example, if you want to portray the faces of the members of a soccer team after winning the game, then take pictures of them just when the competition is about to end.
16. Shooting group portraits.
To bring out the best in a group portrait, try not to have their heads in a straight line. In other words, try to vary the heights of their heads so that the picture would become more natural and interesting. For example, if you are taking a family picture outside, situate them near a group of large boulders, so that they would sit on different levels.
17. Spacing in group portraits.
When the right spacing is observed, a group portrait would look more beautiful. Although people would want to have more space in between them when they pose for a group picture, it is still better to put them closer together. Try to explain this to them, so that they would be able to understand.
