As digital cameras become more accessible and affordable, the number of people who take up photography as a hobby has grown tremendously. Whether you’re a casual Instagram user or a budding photo enthusiast, improving your photographic skills can greatly enhance your images and improve your workflow.
If you’re new to the art of photography or new to this camera, here are some tips to help you get started and improve your skills as an amateur photographer.
Know Your Equipment
You can’t create great photos unless you know how to use your camera and equipment.
Before you start shooting, make sure you understand how your camera’s settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture, etc.) affect your images. This will help you to create the look and feel you want in your shots by adjusting your settings accordingly.
Beyond your camera’s basic functionality, consider investing in appropriate gear to get your workflow going. If you’re travelling or photographing outdoors, bring a sturdy tripod to steady your shots.
Learn the Basics of Photography
Beyond your camera settings, it’s also important to understand the basics of photography. This will help you to create a visual narrative with your images and tell a story through your photographs. The rule of thirds is a good place to start. This rule is helpful for beginners because it suggests that you break your frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
The intersection of these lines is where you want to focus your subject and visual interest. Beyond the rule of thirds, it helps to understand the basics of exposure, color theory, and composition. This will help you to create visually appealing images from the moment you pick up your camera.
Go Out and Shoot
Once you’ve got a grasp on the basics of photography and you’ve established good habits as a photographer, it’s time to go out and shoot. Shooting regularly will help you to build your portfolio and improve your skills. You can shoot whatever you like and whenever you like, whether it be in your backyard, a beach, Charlottesville townhomes, or a mountain.
You don’t want to be too ambitious when you’re just starting. It’s good to start with something easy and manageable so that you don’t get overwhelmed.
