How To Master Photography

Photography is one of the more relaxing, or pleasing hobbies around, in
that there are so many options to choose from on how to take
pictures. From Still Life, to Nature and Sports there are
hundreds of catagories that many people like myself tend to enjoy
watching.
This is a picture I took at Colorado of a pinecone. When taking
an up-close picture, it is important to either hold the camera very,
very still or use a tripod. When doing so, set (or turn) your
camera lense to Macro. This setting is perfect for close-range
pictures.


After taking the picture(s), most people transfer the picture(s) to the
geputer and let them sit in a file never to be seen again. If
you do think about getting involved in Photography, you transfer your
pictures and edit them. That wy if you're thinking about
submitting your picture to a magazine or paper, it will look better
than ever. Now look at the picture in Black and White.



Which do you like better? It's up to you to choose your favorite
or get other people's feedback on what looks better or what to change.

When editing, try to remember the basics:

HOLD IT STEADY!
A problem with many photographs is that they're blurry. Avoid 'camera
shake' by holding the camera steady. Use both hands, resting your
elbows on your chest, or use a wall for support. Relax: don't tense up.
You're a marksman/woman holding a gun and it must be steady to shoot.

Put the Sun Behind You
A photograph is all about light so always think of how the light is
striking your subject. The best bet is to move around so that the sun
is behind you and to one side. This front lighting brings out color and
shades, and the slight angle (side lighting) produces some shadow to
indicate texture and form.

Get Closer
The best shots are simple so move closer and remove any clutter from
the picture. If you look at most 'people' shots they dont show the
whole body so you don't need to either. Move close, fill the frame with
just the face, or even overflow it. Give your shot some impact. Use a
zoom to crop the image tighter.


Choose a Format
Which way you hold the camera affects what
is emphasized in your shot. Use a horizontal format to show the
dramatic sweep of the mountains. Use a vertical for buildings or trees.

Include People
Photographs mainly of landscape and rocks are enjoyable to take, but
often dull to look at. Include some of your friends, gepanions,
family, or even people passing by. If there's no
one around, include yourself with the self-timer.
Have you ever got your photos back only to discover that something that
looked awe-inspiring at the time looks dull on paper? This is because
your eye needs some reference point to judge scale. Add a person, car,
or something of known size to indicate the magnitude of the scenery.


Consider Variety
You may take the greatest shots but if
they're all the same type or style, they may be dull to look at. Spice
up your collection by adding variety. Include landscapes and people
shots, close ups and wide angles, good weather and bad weather. Take
personal shots that remember the 'being there' - friends that you meet,
your hotel/campsite, transportation, street or hiking signposts.


Add Depth
Depth is an important quality of good
photographs. We want the viewer to think that they're not looking at a
flat picture, but through a window, into a three-dimensional world. Add
pointers to assist the eye. If your subject is a distant mountain, add
a person or a tree in the foreground. A wide angle lens can exaggerate
this perspective.



Use Proportion
The beauty of an image is often in its
proportions. A popular technique with artists is called the Rule of
Thirds. Imagine the frame divided into thirds, both horizontally and
vertically, like a Tic-Tac-Toe board. Now place your subject on one of
the lines or intersections.
Always centering your subject can get dull.


Look for Details
It's always tempting to use a wide angle
lens and 'get everything in'. However, this can be too much and you may
loose the impact. Instead, zoom in with a longer lens and find some
representative detail. A shot of an entire sequoia tree just looks like
a tree. But a shot of just the tree's wide base, with a person for
scale, is more powerful.

Be Creative and Have Fun!!!