How To Capture Good Pictures

August 26, 2017

Cover photo credit: balletzaida Dancer @ashleylewofficial

There is a common misconception among newcomers about why a professional photographer produces such amazing quality product. Mistakenly, the opinion of majority tends to think that the expensive gear is what makes a great picture. And the more expensive the gear the better the quality.

No.

Expensive cameras and lighting do enhance the quality of the picture (that is why it is more expensive). Yet the difference that it introduces is only about 10% of a quality. The first 90% is the priceless experience and skill that the camera man possesses. Regardless of your type of camera, if there is no skill, no time and effort put in, no technique developed, the outcome will be, simply put, utter crap. In this article we will focus on different habits that you as a photographer have to adapt in order to acquire that skill and 90% of the quality.

Take Your Camera With You.

What can come out of the camera if it sits on a shelf? You are right – nothing. So why wouldn’t you take it with you – just put in your backpack with a few extra batteries and a sd card. Nowadays, a great quality cameras have become so small and light that it should not be a problem to carry it around. There is a ton of unique moments and opportunities that surround you wherever you go so having the camera handy will help to catch it.

Lots, LOTS Of Pictures

With every picture taken comes the learning and understanding of mechanics of your camera as well as physics of light and good framing. So take a lot of pictures everywhere and at any time. Do not miss the sunrise and the sunset – golden hour will give a head start with and amazing light. Each bad photo will motivate you to research and find out why it did not come out great.

Go Local: Zoos, Gardens, Beaches.

Capturing wild life might have some implications. First of all you would need a telephoto lens which usually does not have in a standard camera+lens kit. Secondly, it is not always possible to get close to the wildlife. Visiting local zoos or gardens or beaches might the right solution! It should not be a problem to photograph animals through the fence and some zoo section might be pretty spacious which creates great opportunity for you. Going to the beach is also a great opportunity to take photos of various birds who always fly closer to shore scavenging for food. Besides animals, there is a lot of flare that you can get your eye on. Everybody likes vivid flowers. Why not to take a picture?

Go Local: Photography Clubs

The help of the community is the best help you can get. That is why it is very important to involve oneself into a local community of photographers. Search online closest photography clubs and get enrolled. Many of them are free and some have a very small initiation fee. Get to know local professionals and their style. Many of them would be inspirational to you and would be eager to share some tips and techniques which will eventually skyrocket your learning curve.

Photography Workshops

Either online courses or local events, photography workshops are a great source to learn fast and solid from the professional who served the industry for many years. Most workshops would cost $15-40 which a great investment on a grand scheme of progress. Here at FD PhotoStudio we have monthly workshops dedicated to a studio equipment basics and hands on experience. It is a great opportunity for you to get prepared for the studio shoot.

Change Positions.

Shooting while standing upright is the easiest and the laziest approach a newcomer might have. Professional photographers are never in the same position twice. Getting down on your knees, laying down, leaning forward, left and write is a common routine for the photographer. Depending on the position and the angle, the feel of the photo changes tremendously. If you shoot from above, the subject on the picture seems minimized and inferior. Shooting from below gives the subject authority, bravery and power.

Use A Tipod

A tripod like a lens or a camera body must considered a must have tool in any photographer’s arsenal. Without it, taking a long exposure shots becomes impossible as it introduces a lot of blur caused by shaking. Also, if you work with HDR it is important to have the same exact frame and angle for multiple photos with different aperture so you later can pile them together and get stunning results.

Shoot in RAW

Even the entry level DSLR should have the option of shooting images in a raw format. Shooting in this format gives you an advantage later in post processing. With raw format you will have advantage to manipulate exposure, saturation and other parameters without introducing to many unwanted artifacts such as noise/grain.

Travel

Once all local options are exhausted it is time to pack up for an adventure! Here is California, we have a truly unique opportunity to change landscapes of extreme range within a day of driving. Spending time in deserts, forests, beaches, mountains brings a great opportunity, to exercise, and engage in personal development and recreational activity. And of course take amazing photos!

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How To Capture Good Pictures

Take Your Camera With You.

Lots, LOTS Of Pictures

Go Local: Zoos, Gardens, Beaches.

Go Local: Photography Clubs

Photography Workshops

Change Positions.

Use A Tipod

Shoot in RAW

Travel

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Chicago Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?