Tip number 1. The first thing to do is to study in detail the instructions for your unit. You need to understand all the functions, find out what each of the buttons is for and what will happen if you turn that wheel over there. The most common question newbies have is: what mode should I use to take professional photos? Alas and ah, but one mode for all occasions does not exist. In order to learn how to take great pictures, you need to become more familiar with shutter speed and aperture. Getting to know shutter speed will give you magical shots of the city at night, and you will fall in love with aperture when you start photographing people.
Tip number 2. The next important aspect that you need to master is the ISO value (matrix light sensitivity). You need to understand that a beautiful landscape cannot be captured at high ISO values: noise will certainly arise. At night, it is advisable to take pictures from the stop or from a tripod. And if the subject is in motion, and there is nowhere to slow the shutter speed, then it is best to raise the ISO slightly so that the frame does not blur. For shooting restless children and animals.
Tip #3 The lens is also an important part of photography. It is not difficult to guess that each lens has individual characteristics that in one way or another affect the final result. If you don’t know what the letters on your lens mean (what a shame), then immediately start studying the markings. The main parameter of any lens, which most strongly affects its cost, is aperture. Before you spend extra banknotes on another lens, figure out if you really need it. Do you want to plunge into the mysterious depth of field or just enjoy good focus? Knowledge is a power that will help protect your wallet from unnecessary acquisitions.
Tip number 4. In cases where there is not enough lighting, you have to use a flash. Keep in mind that the flash already in the camera is only useful when the main light source is behind the subject or in harsh daylight. You should not try to shoot with the built-in flash indoors, otherwise you are guaranteed to get a flare on the face and a not-so-pretty shadow in the background. Although in order to achieve a certain mood of the picture, you can break all the rules, the main thing is that the photo turns out “with soul”.
Tip #5 Don’t ignore white balance. It depends on the color reproduction in your picture. If you want to photograph a sunset that can collect more than 100 likes, then learn how to properly set up this feature.
Tip #6: If your photos come out blurry, don’t immediately call your camera or lens unflattering. Maybe it’s all about you? See what you’re doing wrong, check your settings.
Tip number 7. Do not forget about the possible appearance of chromatic aberrations, which like to fit into the frame along with the sun. Also be aware of diffraction, which can ruin sharpness in macro mode. Take into account distortion with wide-angle lenses as well. Google all these phenomena and learn their definitions by heart.
Tip #8: Be mindful of filters. A gradient filter will allow you to get an incredible effect, a polarizer will show the true beauty of the blue sky, and a protective filter can protect your lens from all kinds of scratches and water.
By following all these rules, you can easily take the “correct” photo. Beauty, on the other hand, depends on emotions, ideas, moods, fantasies: they can only be developed. Be inspired by the work of other photographers, communicate with colleagues and, of course, learn.
