Sometimes as a new photographer we don't know how to properly create good images. Sometimes as an experienced photographer we get caught in ruts and our photos are boring. Here are eight quick tips to lead you to better photos.
1. Get in close
A lot of us, especially when we start out want to take pictures that are full length. Pictures that show the full body. Then when we get better we start getting in closer. Some of my favorite images show only the eyes or a portion of the face. Robert Cappa said "If your photographs aren't good enough, you’re not close enough".
No matter what you choose to photograph make sure you fill the frame with your subject and don't waste space.
2. See the Light
Whether you are shooting use the light from the sun or artificial light, pay attention to where your light source is coming from. Pay attention to how you can use that light to create a better image.
3. Use Flash During the Day
This is something that is lost on most beginning photographers. But often times when photographing in the daylight, it creates heavy shadows on the face. By using a flash even in bright light, it will fill in those shadows and create a much nice image.
4. Use f/4
We often times want to have a blurred or completely in focus background. This leads us to shoot at f/2.8 or f/8 way to often. Instead of shooting wide open or with everything in focus try f/4. It provides a nice blurred background and also helps us to keep our subject completely in focus by not having such a shallow depth of field that f/2.8 creates.
5. Golden Hour
Shoot your pictures during the golden hours of the day. The light is softer and create much more warm and vibrant colors. This is often times when wild life is active as well, so it applies to all types of photography from landscapes to portraits.
6. Focus on the eyes
As humans we are instinctive drawn to eyes in most cultures. Its the first thing we see. So focus on your subjects eyes. Wildlife or portraits having tac sharp eyes is important. We tend to just focus on whatever is in the center of the frame. Often times this can be the chest or maybe the tip of the nose. This can mean that the eyes are not on the exact plane of focus, and maybe be just slightly out of focus.
Instead try focusing on the eyes, and then recomposing your shot once you have the perfect focus locked in.
7. Be aware of you Background
We have all seen the Instagram fails of bathroom selfies that went wrong. You know the one where the dog or child is in the background of the picture doing something inappropriate. Those should be a lesson to all photographers to be aware of your background.
Not just when it comes to people or animals, but look for things like trash cans or dead plants, or telephone poles anything that may distract from you subject. Often times just moving a few feet one way or the other and taking shot can make for a much more interesting picture.
8. Shoot Everyday
The only way to get better is to practice. Everyday. It does not matter what you are shooting. Shoot pictures of your plants, your dogs or a local sporting event. Just get out and take pictures.
The more you shooting the better you will be at understanding your camera strengths and weaknesses. It will also help you to assess lighting and how to make adjustments on the fly.
The more you practice, the better you will be!
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