There are many ways to improve your skills as a photographer. Rather than taking a course, you can brush up on your own with some basic facts about how to view your subject. Understanding how to optimize the light and the angle can dramatically improve a photo. The following are some tips to follow to take a great picture.
Choose how much of your subject you would like to view in your photo. A quality photograph should mimic a small frame that surrounds certain features of your subject. Avoid trying to get too many things within the frame. If you are trying to convey an overall impression of a scene, shoot a sequence of pictures, instead of a single image without a clear subject.
Know your camera. If you have recently purchased new equipment, or if you have had yours for a while, but never taken the time to know it’s ins and outs, then do so. Read the manual, or play with the functions extensively until you understand it. Knowing what your camera can do will give you better pictures as you can adjust to changing light and circumstances.
Use a polarizing lens filter on your camera to minimize glare from direct sunlight and to create an even distribution of light. This is essential when shooting in direct sunlight, but also can be beneficial in any lighting situation. Think of polarizing lens filters as sunglasses for your camera. They are inexpensive, easy to attach and have the added benefit of protecting your expensive lenses from scratches.
A great photography tip is to talk to as many photographers as you can to learn their tricks. Learning on your own is an excellent path, but it’s always helpful to hear about what other photographers are doing. You might learn subtle tricks that can really improve your photographs.
To enhance your skills, consider reaching out to other photographers and perhaps joining a club. You can pick up certain techniques from others, but you do need to strike out and develop your own style. When joining forces with another photographer, compare and contrast your photos of the same subjects, so you can get an idea of how images of identical objects can vary in appearance when taken through the perspective of two different people.
Consider your photo angles before you shoot. Look through your cameras view finder to see how the background and foreground interact. Check for odd shapes, or things that will detract from what you were thinking when you decided to take the shot. Taking a second to compose your craft will improve your pictures.
Play with lens distortion. Most photographs use portrait lenses or zoom lenses to focus on an object, and use a wide-angle lens for landscapes and such. By using a lens for a different use than its intended one, you will get a very original photograph. Do not let this become your style: learn when you can use an original lens.
Photography is something that can be practiced. A bit of trial and error can teach a lot. Doing a bit of research on the internet, however, can cut some of the time down, as you learn how to recognize good and bad conditions for photos. You will notice improvements right away.