Learn Basic Photography

Take the time to learn basic photography skills and you will start taking better travel and vacation photos immediately!

Often, just a simple technique or two will turn an ordinary photo into an image you will want to share with the masses.

"We don't make a photograph just with a camera, we bring to the act of photography all the books we have read, the movies we have seen, the music we have heard, the people we have loved." - Ansel Adams

The tips below will work for everyone. From novice to advanced, these are just basic photo skills. By throwing some of these tips and tecniques in your arsenal, you can be taking bettr photos immediately!

"Here's a Photo Tip!"

Lighting is all important. Too much light, wash out! Not enough light, dark and no detail. Learn to light your subject to fit your style. Using flash, reflectors, and the position of the sun, you can "manipulate" the light to suit your needs!

Learn Basic Photography

Techniques and Tips for Photographers!

Bless the Polarizing Filter!

Every photographer shooting outdoors should utilize the benefits of a polarizer.

Polarizers reduce glare and knock down reflections. Your landscapes will have more saturated, vibrant colors. The sky will have deeper blues. In case your camera doesn't accept filters, you can use your polarized sunglasses.

Flashing Outdoors!

Use your flash to fill in the dark areas of your subject. If your subject is wearing a sun hat or sombrero, use the flash to remove shadows from the face.

It is important to know your flashes effective distance (average is 6-10 feet). If the sun is behind your subject, you will have shadows. Unless you are going for a silhouette shot, use the flash to fill in! A must learn basic photography skill.

Entering the Macro Zone!

Getting macro close to your subject opens up a whole new world. Simple subjects such as flowers, grass, wood grain, and a bag of marbles look totally different in the macro mode.

Experiment with macro and you will find the possibilities endless!

Straighten that Horizon Line!

A common photo problem is angled horizons, especially at the beach! Make a conscious effort level your horizons.

Use the rule of thirds when composing your photo. It makes you concentrate which leads to personal creativity. A must learn basic photography skill.

Use Big, Big Media Cards

When purchasing your media cards, budget out for the biggest you can swing.

This allows you room to work and get the best photos possible by shooting at the highest resolution your camera allows!

With these memory cards, you can shoot till content and still have some left for that glorious, once in a lifetime sunset!

Use Your High Resolution

The most important reason for a huge memory card is it allows you to use your camera's highest resolution settings. Using high rez allows you to make a much bigger print of that sunset you just shot!

Use a Tripod!

A tripod is an excellent tool for photography. It holds your camera steady. It is a tremendous aid in composition, and a necessity for macro work. Small amount to pay for huge dividends!

Go Manual and Adjust that Shutter Speed!

Want some great photos? Adjust your shutter speed. Slow down your shutter speed for some great special effects. You can turn moving water into satin ribbons or make stars look like they are streaking across the night sky.

Speed up your shutter to freeze motion. By using a fast shutter speed, you can capture a snake striking or an Anhinga spearing a fish dinner!

Practice varying your shutter speeds and experiment. A must learn basic photography skill. You will love the results.

Empty Out that Background!

When composing your shot, pay attention to the background. Avoid any distractions you may find.

You may have to move around a little but it will be well worth the effort in the end. Remember to use the rule of thirds. It helps you focus on the outcome.

Rule of Thirds!

It seems that the subject of a photo is more pleasing to the eye if it is placed off center rather than directly in the middle of the frame.

Imagine a tic-tac-toe board in your viewfinder (the rule of thirds, three horizontal sections and three vertical sections).

Try placing your subject on one of the points where these vertical and horizontal lines cross.

By composing your shot in this manner, you will find that your photos will seem more interesting and are more pleasing to the eye!

Eyes Open for Color!

Although I am a huge fan of black and white photography, I love subjects that are brightly colored and photos that are composed to showcase that color.

Vivid colors make your photos stand out. An example are the brightly colored homes on the Caribbean Islands! Food and flea markets have a plethora of colorful subjects.

Always be on the lookout for mass quantities of color. It's everywhere!

Change Camera Position, Change Perspective!

Move up, move down, climb a staircase or lie down and shoot up. Squat, lay your camera on the ground and take a shot. Experiment changing angles and points of view in your photography.

You will start producing some very interesting results.

Learn Basic Photography!

These are just a few basic skills a person needs to greatly improve their joy of photography. Most can be self taught with practice and experimentation!

For more on detailed information on learning digital photography basics, visit our sister site, Outdoor Digital Photography Basics.