Madeleine Dalla | Projects

Photography is an art you can never learn completely. Even though there are certain rules, photography depends more on creativity. However, if you have the passion to learn photography, there are ways. Practice is the best way to improve your photography skills. You may make mistakes initially, however, they will teach you lessons you can use in your photography career. If you have just started using your DSLR camera, here are some tips that might be useful to you.

• Hold the camera properly

People think this to be obvious. However, some photographers do not know how to hold a camera properly. If the camera is not kept in its position, it will shake and end up in blurry photos. Try to hold your camera using both hands.

• Use RAW format

When you choose to shoot in jpeg, it will compress the image data. But if it is in RAW format, all the image data your camera sensor recorded will be captured. It will give high-quality images and more options to manage the post-processing.

• Learn the exposure triangle

The exposure triangle means three important exposure elements – shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. You need to balance all these three elements well to get a well-lit picture while shooting in manual mode.

• Use a wide aperture for portraits

When you go for portrait shooting, you must have a wide aperture. It helps you to focus just on your focus. It will make your image sharper and blurs out all the unwanted distractions happening in the background.

• Use narrow aperture for landscapes

Like a wider aperture is best suited for portraits, landscapes must follow a different method. In landscape photography, everything in the background needs focus. A narrow aperture will let you become sharper in your focus.

• Raise ISO if needed

Many photographers avoid higher ISOs fearing noise or grains in their photos. Even though it is true that a higher ISO may lead to low-quality photos, there are instances when you have to raise the ISO. In case of emergencies, you can take pictures at higher ISO and remove the noises in editing.

• Check the ISO before shooting

If you do not ensure the ISO, you will end up taking a lot of photos that cannot be used. Therefore, before shooting, set the ISO according to the light of the place. Make this a habit before taking a picture.

• Learn about white balance

You can capture various colors perfectly with the help of white balance. As there are various characteristics for different lights, you have to adjust the white balance so that the colors in your photo appear perfectly.

• Study the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds states that the picture will look more balanced and interesting if the subject is not placed at the center. Most cameras offer a grid option that helps photographers to place their subjects according to this rule.

• Check the background

You must check the background before shooting. Make sure to choose a clutter-free and simple background so that the attention of your viewers won’t be distracted. Try to include plain patterns and muted colors.