Let's be honest; there's a huge difference between a selfie and a professional photo. But with just a few simple tricks you can start turning your point and shoot snapshots into memorable works of art.
1. Move Your Flash
Position your flash. Having your flash right above your lens is the quickest way to a photo that looks like it was taken in the county jail. Direct flash is harsh, unflattering, and creates deep, dark shadows. And it's easy to fix; just move your flash. Most modern flashes have a technology call TTL (Through The Lens), which lets your DSLR control it at a distance, provided the flash has a line of sight to the camera. The specifics of how this work change from camera to camera, but for the most part the camera body will tell your flash what to do. If you have an older flash, you can pick up a PC cable for around $20 and hardwire your flash to the camera. Some DSLRs have a dedicated PC port for that cable, others will attach to your hot shoe. And you don't have to move your flash halfway across the room. Just shifting it a few feet to one side will help your photos immensely.
2. Learn to Love Depth of Field
Photography depth of field. Depth of Field is what make things in the background or foreground of your photograph blurry. There are all kinds of complicated equations on how to predict which f-stop and exposure to use with what ISO setting, but it's much simpler to use your depth of field. DSLRs have an aperture-priority setting. Once your camera's on it, all you have to do is select your f-stop and your camera will fill in the blanks. A good rule of thumb: the lower the f-stop number (like 1.8), the more stuff will be blurred in front of and in back of what you're shooting. the higher the f-stop (like 22), the more stuff will be in focus. So, small numbers for flowers, big numbers for mountains.
3. Tripod, Tripod, Tripod
Invest in a tripod. Invest in a tripod. If you don't have one, go right out and buy one. Your photos and your sanity will thank you later. You may think you have surgeon-steady hands, but when your shutter speed gets too low the steadiest hands in the business won't help you. With tripods, you pay for what you get. A cheaper tripod can be fine, but they won't be as sturdy. Not everyone can spring for a top of the line model with the bells and whistles, so if you have to skimp on the tripod, invest in a trigger release. A trigger release will let you trigger your camera from a distance and not have to worry about your hand giving your camera the jitters on a flimsy tripod. Otherwise, go for a tripod that raises to your height comfortably and doesn't shudder when you bump it. You'll thank us for it.
4. Embrace Your Mistakes
Sometime a mistake can be the best thing to happen to your photography. You may have intended to take a perfectly exposed photo your daughter by the lake, but ended up putting the light meter in the wrong place. Presto! Instant artistic silhouette shot! Shutter speed too low for that action shot? You may have ended up with a great shot that evokes movement more than a frozen frame. Maybe you readjust a setting and make it more blurry!It's all in how you look at the photo and what your "mistake" gets you thinking about.
Above all, go to someone who knows photography, look at other great photos and consider what makes them special, ask questions and keep experimenting.
When your new masterpieces are ready, come to us for the best in modern photo printing, photo art and gifts. YOu can also come visit our stores in San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago.
Have fun kicking your photography up to the next level.
Above all, go to someone who knows photography, look at other great photos and consider what makes them special, ask questions and keep experimenting.
When your new masterpieces are ready, come to us for the best in modern photo printing, photo art and gifts. YOu can also come visit our stores in San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago.
Have fun kicking your photography up to the next level.
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