Picture Perfect Memories: Photography Tips

Much is written about how to take great photographs, some of which can seem contradictory. Incorporate some ideas here on how to get the best photographic images and ones that will highlight your skills and creativity.

Figure out different ways to adjust your shutter speeds. Many photographers, especially those using a camera’s auto settings, use the fastest shutter speed for the available light to freeze all moving action in the picture, but slower speeds such a 1/30 can create interesting effects. Look at the cyclist riding past! If implemented correctly, you can end up with an image where the backdrop is blurred while the cyclist remains in focus, indicating the speed at which he propelled himself.

Don’t fall into the habit of taking all of your photographs with the camera in its standard horizontal position. Snap a picture by turning your camera vertically, and you may be surprised at the results. Don’t forget to use your zoom to accentuate the effect, either zooming in on a detail or zooming out to get the full picture.

Be wary of digital zoom, as opposed to optical zoom, when you are taking a particularly close shot. Many cameras are set up so you can get as close as you want to your subject with the zoom feature; however, the image quality will be compromised as soon as your camera makes the switch from optical zoom to digital. When digital zoom kicks in, the camera interpolates pixels to fill in the image, so the picture won’t be as sharp. There is probably a way to turn off this feature. Check your camera’s manual.

Keep in mind what your photo is intended for when you are taking it. For example, some subjects will look better photographed and framed vertically instead of horizontally. You can use editing software to change the layout from vertical to horizontal, but it is easier to just take the photo the correct way.

Try to achieve a balanced shot. Keeping a good balance of elements is the number one thing that makes photographs look aesthetically pleasing. Keep distractions out of the frame, ensure the horizon stays level, and frame your subject in an attractive, intentional way.

Take pictures that are close and personal. Zooming, moving and cropping the image to best fit the frame you are using is recommended. You want the subject of the photo to completely fill the frame. Even a beautiful, scenic background can detract from your subject. The finer details of your subject also become much more of an important and engaging part of your photo this way.

If your camera uses lithium batteries you should be aware of airport rules about having such batteries. You will not be allowed to carry extra lithium batteries in your luggage because they can overheat and cause a fire. However, you can put these batteries in your camera, and carry the camera onto the plane.

Hold the camera at eye level to people you are photographing. People will feel as if the picture is interacting with them directly. With children’s photos, you may want to get down to their eye level.

Try to select photos that are unique, those that present a new view of something familiar. Your memory card holds many more pictures than you should actually save.

These were the more prominent aspects of photography. Now you can improve upon the quality of your photographs with the help of the information from this article.

It’s the photographer’s imagination and skill that create a magnificent picture, a camera no matter how good it is is only a tool.

Picture Perfect Memories: Photography Tips