The art of photography has evolved dramatically in recent
years, as smartphones give a chance to everyone to try to capture the world
around them. The technical characteristics of the gadgets are getting better
and better, allowing us to reflect the ambiance the way we see or want.
However, just by tapping on the screen and choosing the right filter, you
cannot create meaningful photos, the ones that contain the idea and completion,
it will be just the ˜statement of presence' somewhere, but not more.
Good photography is an efficient combination of composition
arrangement, light, colors, and shadows, along with the knowledgeable usage of
camera settings.
What Are The Pillars Of Good Photography?
1. Get used to your camera
It probably sounds like a piece of advice for dummies, yet
this is essential. You need to feel how it fits your hands and how it behaves,
otherwise, you will get distracted by the feeling of discomfort while taking
the photos.
The camera is better to be held with both hands - to support
its weight and the lens. Such a position will prevent shaking, and thus, blurry
and unclear photos.
The stability can also be reached if you lean against the
wall, crouch down, or just get a wider stance.
2. Photo format
There are major formats - JPEG and RAW. However,
professionals will always go for RAW. Its major disadvantage is the size, they
can easily take up the space of at least three JPEG photos. However, it can
easily be handled by purchasing more memory cards with a better capacity.
RAW files are extremely practical in terms of photo
post-processing. They record all the data of the images, letting you perform any
type of adjustments with the color temperature, over- or underexposure, etc.
3. Exposure trio
Exposure defines the sharpness of the photo. It consists of
three major elements: aperture, shutter, and ISO. When taking photos in Manual
Mode, you need to be able to adjust all the functions:
The aperture is the opening that controls the amount of
light that is let through the sensor:
The lower the f-number, the bigger the opening, and the more
light is received. Such settings will help to isolate the subject and bring the
focus to it. Works perfectly for portraits.
The higher the f-number, the smaller the opening, and the
less light but more depth of an image is received. It's good to be used when
you need a group photo or the whole scene to be in focus. Works perfectly for
landscapes.
The shutter speed regulates how long it stays open. A fast
shutter helps to freeze the action and capture the motion; a longer shutter
will have the action blurred.
ISO -
defines the sensitivity of the camera to light. The higher the ISO, the higher
the sensitivity. As a rule, the optimal number is 100-200 for the outdoors, and
400-800 for shooting indoors.
4. Histogram
Understanding histograms enables you to see whether you
expose the image correctly. When taking a shot, check the graph on the screen,
which gives information about the tonal range. The right side represents the
highlights and whites, while the left one presents the blacks and shadows. When
the histogram is skewed to the right side, you may have an overexposed photo,
if it's more left-sided, you are about to get an under-exposed image.
It's also worth remembering, that overexposed photos are
difficult to edit, as too much light makes everything flat. The darker images
give you more chances for correction.
5. Editing software
Reliable editing software is key to success, as taking a
photo is just the first part of the process and the post-processing helps to
bring the photos to perfection. You can add vividness and sharpness to colors,
use collage maker online,
adjust the size to a specific platform, etc. The variety of artistic solutions
is beyond reproach.
6. Tripod
it's definitely a helpful tool that provides stability for
the camera and sharpness for the photos. It lets you experiment with long
exposures, leaving the shutter open for some time, to take photos of rivers,
cityscapes, etc.
When choosing the tripod be attentive to its weight, as you
are the one to carry it, and stability, as it's the main function.
7. Creativity
It is the ability to see things and the beauty in them.
Everyone can see the tree near the bus station, but not everyone will notice
how the rays of sunshine play tricks with the color of the leaves. Everyone
sees the bench near the road, yet when you crouch down and take the shot with
the leading line, it will become a bench steeped in personal stories with warm
colors just adding coziness to it, and cool ones - a feeling of abandonment.
Good photography is about your own perspective and vision,
another viewpoint on ordinary yet unique things. When you combine it with the
sound knowledge of camera work and photo editing, you will get astounding
masterpieces at the end, the ones that reflect exactly what you wanted to show.
