Now that you have completed your digital photography classes at the community college, you're pretty pumped up and ready to make your mark on the industry. But there's a fine line between taking good photographs and being a great photographer; so first thing's first - building a solid foundation with long-lasting results!
1.Research before you buy: We live in a society where we have many choices - almost too many! Taking amazing photos begins with the right camera so be diligent while shopping! Here are the key considerations you need to think through before making your investment; assess your needs - find a camera the best fits what you want to photograph; set a budget - and stick to it; find a camera with extended battery life - you don't want your camera to die at an inopportune moment; consider the number of Megapixels - this is very important when photographing diverse scenery and most important, buy a system that will grow with you, like Canon or Nikon.
2.Know your equipment: Once you have made your purchase, make sure you know your camera. Read the user manual and learn all the features. Like all enthusiastic picture-takers, you want to start "playing" right away, but your point and shoot may be more temperamental and powerful than you think. Taking the time to read the manual will help decipher all those pesky little symbols, bells and whistles! As you experiment, try shooting your subjects with multiple settings to learn what effects work best for each shot.
3.Accessorize: Yes, this applies to more than just your wardrobe! Here are a few camera accessories to consider before you go out on your photo-journey: Buy a tripod; if you want sharper images and a more steady shot, this is a minimal investment with a maximum return - any professional will tell you the difference a tripod makes. Have a variety of lenses: multiple lenses will give you the ability to take the picture that you want, with the effect that you want. Power is important so make sure you have plenty of it! An extra battery and a charger is a must when taking your photo show on the road. Make sure you have plenty of memory on hand. Memory cards are essential as every camera has a different capacity for storing pictures. And the number of pics you can take at one individual photo shoot will depend not only on the storage capacity of the memory cards you buy, but also your camera's Megapixel count and the size of each image file. And last but not least, buy a protective bag or carrying case - and keep in mind our unpredictable weather!! Look into a padded, waterproof bag to protect your investment.
4.Versatility: Now you are ready to take some pictures, so be creative! Your interest may be in good ole' Mother Nature and butterflies fascinate you, but try to photograph something different every day. Continuously thinking outside of your own box and using your imagination will be the key to your success as a photographer.
5.To Zoom or Not to Zoom: Don't be afraid to get up close and personal to your subject. One of the most common mistakes is that photos are taken from too far away and that there is just too much environment or activity in one frame. This just takes away from the message you are trying to convey. Remember...less is more!
6.Be Patient: Take time to plan your shots. As you get in position for your photo, keep an eye out for people passing by, power lines, flying pests and other objects behind your subject that can ruin your photo. If the effects are not avoidable, reposition yourself or your subject. Waiting until the 1980 dented Chevy Malibu in the background has passed will make a major difference in your photo and will only cost you a moment or two!! Also, use your creative eye to avoid objects in the background that visually merge with the subject because they have the same color. Find focus on the subject and allow the subject to be free-standing.
7.Take your camera everywhere you go: "Kodak Moments" often happen when you least expect them. It's a good idea always have your camera with you - just a small camera bag and a tripod - and you won't miss some of those unexpected opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime shots. If you are caught without your camera, be sure to have a journal handy and take notes on scenes you'd like to return to with your camera.
With these tips, you'll be able to master the art of digital photography faster and easier, and you'll be a natural in no time! So, be creative, inventive, have fun - and just go shoot something!
