14 basic tips for photography

You can never indeed be “done” learning photography. The greatest method to maintain becoming better is to practise frequently, make errors, and be willing to learn from others, whether they are seasoned photographers or amateurs.

1. Get comfortable holding your camera

Even while it might seem simple, many amateur photographers handle their cameras incorrectly, which results in in-camera shaking and poor pictures. The ideal approach to eliminate camera shaking is, of course, to use a tripod, but since you won’t be using one unless you’re shooting in low light, it’s crucial to hold your camera securely to prevent unneeded movement.

Even if you’ll ultimately find your own preferred method of holding the camera, you should always do so. Put your left hand beneath the lens and your right hand on the right side of the camera to support the weight of the device.

2. Shooting in RAW Format

While RAW is a file format similar to JPEG, it does not compress the picture data; instead, it preserves all of it. In addition to getting photographs of superior quality when you shoot in RAW, you’ll also have far more control over the editing process. For instance, you’ll be able to alter things like colour temperature, white balance, and contrast, as well as fix issues like overexposure or underexposure.

However, if you have the time and space, shooting in RAW may drastically improve the quality of your photographs. To go from jpeg to RAW, follow the thorough directions in your camera’s handbook if you’re unsure how to do so.

3. Learn Exposure Triangle

Exposure Triangle includes Shutter speed aperture and ISO.

Shutter speed means How long the shutter is open when you snap the shutter speed determines a photo.

Aperture means Your lens’s aperture, which regulates how much light reaches the camera’s sensor, is its opening.

The ISO setting regulates the camera’s light sensitivity. The camera will be less sensitive to light when the ISO is set low, and more sensitive to light when the ISO is set high.

4. Use the modes Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority

You may choose the aperture you want to use in Aperture Priority Mode, and the camera will then change the shutter speed to match. Therefore, you may choose a wide aperture and let the camera choose the optimal shutter speed if you’re taking a portrait and want the backdrop to be blurry.

In shutter priority mode, you choose the desired shutter speed, and the camera automatically selects the appropriate aperture. So, for instance, if you want to capture your puppy running toward you clearly, you may set a quick shutter speed and let the camera decide on the aperture.

5. For landscapes, a narrow aperture is ideal

A distinct strategy is needed for landscape photography since the foreground rocks and the distant mountains all need to be sharply in focus. So use a small aperture rather than a wide one whenever you’re photographing a situation where you want everything to be sharp.

6. Best for portraiture use a wide aperture

The easiest technique to make your subject the centre of the photograph while taking portraits, whether of people or animals, is to utilise a larger aperture. This will eliminate any background distractions while keeping your subject sharp.

7. Creativity through ISO

Due to their concern that using a high ISO may produce images that appear grainy or noisy, many photographers endeavour to never use it. Although it is true that utilising a higher ISO might result in inferior image quality, everything has its proper place and time.

If motion blur prevents you from lowering your shutter speed and using a tripod isn’t an option, it’s preferable to take a sharp shot with some noise rather than none at all since you can eliminate most of the noise in post-processing. Additionally, recent advancements in camera technology have made it feasible to take stunning photos even at ISO 1600, 3200, or 6400.

8. Check ISO before shooting

Though it’s a simple mistake to make, develop the practice of verifying and resetting your ISO settings before you begin shooting anything to prevent this unpleasant surprise. Alternately, establish a routine whereby you reset this each time you’re about to put your camera back in its bag.

9. Careful with your Flashlight

If you’re not careful, utilising the built-in flash of your camera at night or in dim lighting might result in unflattering outcomes like red eyes and sharp shadows. In general, using the on-camera light and running the risk of completely spoiling the photograph is preferable to raising the ISO and getting noisier pictures.

10. Careful with White balance

It is possible to correct the white balance in post-processing, but it can get tedious if you have hundreds of photos that require small adjustments. It is, therefore, preferable to get this setting correct in the camera. You’ll find Automatic White Balance, Daylight, Cloudy, Flash, Shade, Fluorescent, and Tungsten among the default white balance options on your camera.

11. Learn the Rules of third

The notion behind the rule of thirds is that visuals tend to be more fascinating and well-balanced when they aren’t in the centre. Consider overlaying your photographs using a grid that consists of two vertical and two horizontal lines that split each image into nine equal portions.

Instead of placing your subject or the crucial components of a scene in the center of the photograph, you would do it in accordance with the rule of thirds by placing them along with one of the four lines or at the intersections of the lines. If you’re still learning how to arrange your photos, some cameras even include a grid setting you can activate.

12. Lookout for background

Moving your subject or altering your viewpoint will often fix a distracting backdrop, but if that doesn’t work, you might be able to blur it by using a larger aperture and going as near to your subject as you can. However, if you can, try to avoid adding any colour to the backdrop, especially if your subject is out to the side of the frame and the background is clearly visible.

13. Learn Photo Editing

Investing in picture editing software that enables you to carry out fundamental editing chores like cropping, altering the exposure, white balance, and contrast, erasing blemishes, and more is necessary once you start shooting in RAW. Professional photographers typically use tools like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

14. Take note of your Mistakes

It might be unpleasant to take images that are overexposed, blurry, or poorly framed, but instead of letting them demotivate you, utilise them as a teaching tool. The next time you take a terrible picture, resist the urge to delete it right away. Instead, take some time to analyze the picture to determine what went wrong and how you could make it better.