Expression Sessions – How to Take Pictures Like a Pro
In photography, equipment is not and will never be as essential as technique. A photographer
without technique is like a chef with some spiffy utensils who doesn’t know how to cook. Learn
to master photography techniques and you are well on your way to taking pictures like a pro!
1. Capture photos in high resolution
Do not comprise photo quality over memory space. Take all the pixels you can capture because
this translates to better image quality. You don’t want a great shot that can’t be enlarged without
it getting blurred and pixelated, do you? So make sure to set the highest resolution before
shooting away.
2. Keep your eyes peeled for details
Tiny details can make or break a shot, so it is important to get into the habit of checking all the
details of your shot. Be certain that the background is clean and has all the necessary elements
that would complete the theme, and see to it that the subject has the right hair and makeup, and
appropriate clothes and jewellery for your shoot.
And unless damaged or broken items are part of the shot you are going for, keep still-life
subjects and backgrounds in tip top condition.
3. Level the horizon
On a few occasions, a slant horizon may creatively enhance an image, but generally, it should be
level, particularly if a body of water is involved. If you have an electronic level view, you can
use that to level the horizon. If you don’t, then make use of a tripod’s gauge or attach a level
gauge to your cam’s hotshoe. You can also straighten the horizon in Photoshop if you can’t take
another shot or didn’t notice sooner that it’s not leveled.
4. Use manual focus
Most cameras automatically focus in the center, but it’s not always where your subject is going
to be positioned. Plus, center is rarely the best spot (remember the rule of thirds.) As a result, you
end up with out of focus, blurry pictures. To remedy this, use manual focus so you have better
control over what to focus and what not.
5. Take lighting into account
If you’re shooting outdoors, the time of day matters. When the sun is below the horizon, it
creates warm light and soft shadows. When it is at its highest peak, it gives out harsh light and
dense shadows.
In order to take a well balanced photograph, you have to have good lighting. Which means you
either have to wait for the right time to shoot, or create lighting using flashguns, reflectors, studio
lights, or diffusers.
6. Aim for a dynamic composition
Strive to highlight perfect symmetry in your photos. To do so, follow the rule of thirds. Your
subject does not always have to be in the center of the frame. The rule of thirds suggests that the
subject should be positioned at one of the 4 points of your frame’s grid for a strong and visually
interesting perspective.
References:
http://makezine.com/projects/10-pro-photography-tips/
http://www.photoventure.com/2014/05/20/10-easy-ways-to-make-your-photos-look-more-
professional/
You can check Expression Session WhereIs listing or directly visit
http://expressionsessions.com.au/