Beginner Photography Tips
As a full time professional photographer, I come across a great many amateur photographers. They frequently ask me questions related to photography. They have questions about lenses, lighting, exposure, etc. From the way that they phrase their questions, it is clear that photography is merely a very part-time hobby and they have not taken the time to study photography. In the few minutes I have to talk with them, I try to answer their questions in a way that will not confuse them. The intent of this article is to provide beginner photography tips.
Photography can be very technical and complex. I have studied different photographic techniques and equipment for years. Yet, I know that I will always feel that I do not know enough. That being said, when someone wants to take up photography as a hobby, there are some basic concepts that they should learn. Therefore, the intent of this article is to provide a basic framework of those things that you should learn to get a good foundation. The saying you don’t know what you don’t know is never truer. Once you have a basic understanding of this info you will find photography so much more enjoyable. The quality of your photographs will be enhanced in ways you never thought possible.
Beginner Photography Tips 1: Select the best camera.
Decide what camera is best for you. A DLSR or a point and shoot? How large do you intend to make the prints or do you only intend to keep the files on your computer? Do you intend to use different lenses? What do you like to photograph? Sports? Family members? I firmly believe that just because you can afford to buy the top of the line DSLR from Nikon does not mean you should buy one! My first professional grade Nikon DSLR was quite complicated and it took me a full 6 months to learn how to use it correctly. Too often I have clients that own a similar camera. Upon learning this the first thing I ask is, “Do you shoot on P or M.” They always use P (the programmed exposure). If you only intend to use the P exposure then you would do just fine with the least expensive Nikon or Cannon DSLR. Carefully evaluate the various cameras that are available so you purchase the camera that is best for you. There is a good resource listed at the end of this article to assist you to select the correct camera.
Beginner Photography Tips 2: Read the camera instruction manual
I know, I know- no one reads the instruction manual to anything! However, this should be the exception! Read your camera’s instruction manual over and over until you understand how your camera works. You will be amazed at what you will learn. Even though I have used a professional Nikon DSLR for over ten years, I still carry the instruction manual in my backpack and refer to it when needed.
Beginner Photography Tips 3: Learn the basics of photography
Learn the following:
- ISO
- Aperture
- Shutter Speed
- White Balance
- Metering and Metering Modes
- What is meant by under and over exposure
- Focus and focal length
- Composition
- Rule of Thirds
- Leading lines
- Negative space
- Posing
- Lighting with on camera and off camera flash
- Natural Light Photography
Of course this is only the most rudimentary of information you will need to begin to feel competent in using you new camera. I found an excellent source for this information and so much more at the Photography Life website. There is so much info at this website that it will take you weeks to study it all. However, if photography is your passion (as it is mine) it will not be a chore. It will feed your soul!
Cynthia McIntyre is full time professional portrait photographer with portrait studio in Tampa Florida, Connecticut and Westchester county New York. For more info visit her main website www.CynthiaMcIntyre.com
