Photography Tips & Techniques
W
onder what could be done to improve the photographs?
In this session, I will periodically share with you photography tips and techniques to help enhance and improve your photos.
You can also contribute by writing to me and share your experiences and tips.
With your permission, I will upload your views for sharing and we shall make this a fun and learning site for all!
You can also write to me if you have questions on photograph. I am most happy to see your mail and will do my best to get back to your questions. =)
Tip#60: It’s 60% Skill & 40% Equipment
In terms of photography, many are overly concerned with what equipment to get. The more important thing to consider is, what kind of photography you are doing and your budget.
Having said that, the equipment you have generally only contributes 40% of the photograph. The other 60% depends on the photography skills you possess. Things like what techniques you apply to the photographs making them eye-catching as well as being at the right place right time, anticipating the moments are more critical.
The photographs below are taken using a compact camera (Nikon Coolpix). Using the correct photography techniques and fundamentals, you can still deliver good quality photographs!
Tip#59: Using People for Framing
In photography, we need to be creative and flexible. Instead of keep looking for structures to do framing, you can use whoever is around you to do so. You will be surprised how this simple technique delivers amazing results!
Tip#58: How to Avoid Blurry Photographs
New article submitted to Ezinearticles, titled “How to Avoid Blurry Photographs“.
I understood the frustration of many photographers. Thus in this articles, I will share what the key reasons are and different ways to resolve this problem.
Tip#57: Common Lens Distortions
Most zoom lens suffers from barrel distortion and pincushion distortion. Barrel distortion is usually obvious at wide-angles while pincushion distortion at telephoto ranges.
The picture below illustrates the 2 different types of distortions.
Although such distortions are inevitable for most zoom lens, they can be easily corrected using photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop.
You can easily do so by: Filter -> Distort -> Lens Correction
Tip#56: Photographers Should Not Be Shy
I have many asking me, what to do for street photography. Should they cover and conceal for a shot or to ask for permission?
How would you feel when someone is taking photos of you secretly?
For me, I prefer engaging with my subjects. Talk to them and ask them for permission. You may have an unexpected reward by doing that! I believe being a photographer, I should not be shy or fear rejections. We must be bold to try new things and potentially deliver different results!
Tips#55: Level Your Landscape Shots
Believe many enjoy doing landscape photography, capturing the beauty and essence of mother nature. One important note in landscape photography is your viewers must feel comfortable when looking at your photographs. How do you feel looking at the photograph below?
I am sure you will tend to tilt your head to your right when viewing this photograph. Although it is arguable that this is creativity, it is recommendable (at least in my opinion) to shoot landscape with horizon levelled. Now please look at the photograph below.
How do you feel now? I am sure you enjoy the second photography better, don’t you?
Thus, it is recommended to shoot landscape with your horizon levelled. Having your horizon tilted may deliver “unnatural” feelings or results. But then again, who says there is a restriction in Art?? Most importantly…..HAVE FUN!!!
Tips#54: Playing with Colors to Create Vintage Feel
Nowadays with digital photography, you are able to use any photo editing software to aid create a different “feel” to the photographs.
One of my favorite is to play with colors to achieve a “vintage feel”.
Take at a look at the photos above. The one of the left is the original and the one on the right is the edited version for a vintage feel. Does it look like the photo was taken 10 years ago when it was actually few months back?
It is very easy to create this effect using Photoshop with steps as follow:
1) Reduce saturation (to around -60)
2) Increase contrast (by quite a lot!)
3) Using Color Balance option, push the slider towards Red (How much? Up to you)
4) Reduce the brightness if you find the photo too bright after the adjustment above
And there you go! You can turn back time! =)
Tips#53: Playing with Shutter Speed
I believe many are using Manual, Aperture Priority or Program mode most of the time. Well, do not forget you still have another option, which is Shutter Speed Priority.
Next time when encounter situations where some parts of the subject is moving and the other is not, you can play with Shutter Speed priority and achieve results similar to above photograph.
Notice the dragonfly (left hand side) on the windmill is sharp while the fans are blurred rendering attractive colors? The same goes for the windmill on the right. I selected the shutter speed to be 1/15sec for the photograph above.
You can also apply this technique with buildings as background and commuters walking to and fro (from left to right and vice versa) as foreground. The result will be CooL and amazing! =)
Shutter Speed priority can also come in handy for panning shots. You can see Tips & Techniques, Tips#3 to learn how to take panning shots.
Tips#52: First Thing First in Photography
I frequently have questions asking what does it take to photograph amazing photographs. What techniques to deploy in order to impress viewers. What equipment to use so as to capture mind-blowing photographs.
My answer is simple. What is the first thing you need to learn and understand in photography other than the basic photography fundamentals? In Chinese, there is a saying “A high skyscraper starts from a strong foundation”.
In my humble opinion, learning which techniques to deploy should not be beginners’ priority. Rather, you should understand and learn how your camera function and work. Fully understand how to change important settings like switching between shooting modes, metering modes, ISO, etc.
There is no point learning difficult techniques, but you do not know how to change the settings in your camera to correctly adopt the technique. Does this make sense to you?
Hope you understand the important point I am delivering and trust me, it is very beneficial to spend 2hours to read your camera manuals. With this knowledge, you will be able to learn difficult technique like a piece of cake!
Tips#51: How to Hold You SLR Camera Correctly
It is important that you hold your SLR camera firmly so as to prevent camera shake causing blurry photographs.
Check out my new article on “How to Hold Your SLR Camera Correctly” at Ezinearticles.
Tips#50: Excellent Depth of Field Using Your Macro Lens
Macro lens are not only good for photographing close-up, it also delivers good shallow depth of field images.
Believe this is a good news for photographers who enjoy having shallow depth of field setup in their photographs.
Get creative with your macro lens and explore for yourself what else you can do with it, other than photographing close-ups.
Do you still remember the criteria to achieve shallow depth of field? Simply refer to Tips#37 if you forgotten.
Tips#49: How to Take Good Outdoor Portraits
I have many queries on what is the best way to photograph portraits outdoor, with the sun hanging high up in the sky.
The next question will be, is it better to have the sun in front or behind the model?
I believe there is no right or wrong answer in photography. Just which outcome is more smoothing to your viewers’ eyes.
What works well for me is to have the sun behind my model. Turn your model such that the light is even on his/her face. This way, you will observe rim-light on your model’s hair and shoulders. But to achieve this, ensure the background is in shade.
You can easily see what I meant from the photos on the left.
With the sun in front of the model, the light may be too harsh and your model will most likely be squinting his/her eyes. Not too pleasing to me.
Tips#48: Making Use of Shadows
Who says shadows are a nuisance in photographs?
You can make good use of shadows to tell your viewers another side of the story or to create depth in your photographs.
Looking at the photograph on your right, you can see how I use shadows to create dark and highlight side of a simple building. Does it not create a “3D” effect to it?
Also from the shadow, you can estimate the time when this photograph was taken.
So lets go out and “play” with shadows!
Tips#47: Fuzzy Photographs
I know we always learnt that photographs should be clear and sharp so as to attract viewers’ attention.
But in my opinion, this is not always true.
You can still capture viewers’ attention using photographs with mystic or fuzzy feel.
You will definitely stand-out from the crowd if you try to make your photographs different from the masses.
Tips#46: Look Up for Details
As photographers, we have to be observant and to pay attention to details.
Sometimes it can be very rewarding just by taking a closer look.
I noticed most photographers often look down or at eye level while scouting for interest subject to shoot.
Do not forget to look up at the ceiling where your rewards await you.
Tips#45: How to Capture Perfect Jump Shots
I often have people asking me why are they not able to take a perfect jump shot.
I observed from their photos that either the subjects in the photo finished jumping or have yet to jump.
To make matter worst, many of such photos are blurred.
Below are a few simple steps to achieve the perfect jump shots you want:
1) On your camera, ensure that your shutter speed is 1/80sec or faster. Too slow a shutter speed will likely produce blur photos because you must not forget that your subjects are moving. Therefore you need to freeze the motion.
2) Before asking your subjects to jump, you need to pre-focus on their faces and lock it by 1/2 pressing the shutter button.
3) If possible, you may want to squat or lay low to achieve a bottom up angle so as to magnify the effect.
4) When above are done, give clear instructions to your subjects so that they can synchronize the jump.
5) Snap when they are all in mid air. See! Its that simple. =)
Tips#44: What Mode to Use
Looking at Basic Photography Fundamentals, you know there are a number of modes to be used for shooting.
I got many questions asking what or which is the best mode to use?
My opinion is there is no best mode, but which modes to suit your requirements.
Most of the time I will be using Aperture Priority mode, but will switch to Manual for flash photography and studio.
Aperture Priority mode allows me to change the aperture quickly and easily, while the camera will select the appropriate shutter speed to balance the exposure.
This will allow me speed and accuracy, especially when shooting portraits or animals.
I heard many said that in order to be perceived as professional, you have to use Manual mode.
I thought this belief is irrelevant as many top award winning photographers shoot using Aperture Priority or Program mode.
As such, focus on capturing the moments, which is an important aspect in photography!
Tips#43: You Can Be Abstract
Photography being a form of art, can take on any shape and form.
Some times you can capture an image from a very different angle or perspective.
You can try making your photographs abstract, achieving an “abnormal” feel to it.
Or when taking a conventional building with conventional angles, you can some times be creative and catch your viewers off guard! =P
Tips#42: Best Time to Take Photographs
When it comes to shooting in the evening, I reckon the best time to do it is between 7.15pm to 7.45pm.
This is what we call the twilight period.
This timing is of course with respect to Singapore time and timing varies from countries and seasons.
Don’t you think the main subject stands out beautifully against the eye-catching dark blue background?
Now go out to practise and have lots of fun!
Tips #41: Create Depth In Your Photographs
One of the very good techniques is to create “depth” in your photographs.
Such technique will never fail to capture your viewers’ eyes and attention.
Have an object of interest in the fore-ground and background.
This will very likely create the depth I am talking about and your photographs will not be as “flat” as it used to be.
In this case, your aperture needs to be small (e.g f/9 and above) so that viewers can see what is in the background.
You can also apply specific photo-editing technique to further enhance the depth.
My photo on the left hand side can be one of the example I am trying to illustrate.
The yellow line is the foregorund, leading your eyes to the background, which is a car.
Now go out to practise and have lots of fun!
Tips #40: Simplicity Is Beauty
Realized that new photographers like to squeeze many items into a frame.
This may make the photographs “confusing” as viewers may not know what in the photo is the main subject.
Without knowing where and which is the main subject, viewers may not be able to totally understand what the photographer is trying to express in the photograph.
Thus it is good to make the photographs clean and simple, clearly identifying the main subject/s.
In photography, it does not mean the more the merrier.
Most of the time it is the opposite that is true.
Take the photograph above as an example.
Instead of taking the whole structure, I decided to just take a portion (the roof) of it, displaying the attractive color against the blue sky as the background.
Tips #39: There Are Always Subjects To Shoot
I always hear from many that there are no interesting subejcts to shoot after a few years in photography.
I will beg to differ and always will.
There are always interesting subjects to shoot and it depends on your own creativity and willingness to shoot.
Try locking yourself in your room for 1 hour and I am sure you are able to capture very interesting photographs.
Pay attention to the details and let creativity takes over.
After your room, try your toliet!
Now you have no more excuses, do you?
Tips #38: How To Shoot In Low Light Condition without Flash and Tripod?
I understand as photographers, we frequently meet into situations where there is not much ambience light.
To make matter worst, we do not have a flash gun or tripod with us.
We may be able to get around this situation by:
1. Selecting a high ISO. Beware of the noise level if the ISO is too high.
2. Selecting a wide aperture. A fast lens is highly recommended in this situation.
3. Selecting spot metering to ensure your main subject of interest in properly exposed.
We may still be able to achieve good photographs with the steps above.
But do bear in mind that the shutter speed must be high enough to avoid blurring due to camera shake.
Please see Photography Tips and Techniques, tips#18 if you are not sure what blurring due to camera shake is.
Tips #37: What Determines Depth of Field?
I am sure many know what Depth of Field (DoF) is.
But I frequently have questions on what determines the amount of DoF.
Bascially DoF depends on 3 of the following:
1) Aperture
2) Distance between main subject and camera
3) Focal length
Thus, for a shallow DoF, you will need a large aperture, minimal distance between main subject and your camera, lastly a longer focal length.
Well, you should know what to do if an extended DoF is required right?
Tips #36: You Can Still Shoot Right After The Rain!
Many photographers got disappointed with the gloomy weather after the rain. Some even cancelled their photography trips due to absent of the clear blue.
Don’t to too disappointed as there are still many shooting opportunities after the rain!
Photography is not just limited to blue sky, sunrise and sunset.
After the rain, lookout for rain drops on windows and road.
Watch for puddles of water on the pavement for reflections.
Take at look at some of the photographs below to have an idea.
Hopefully after reading this, you will be looking forward for rain to come!
Tips #35: My Default Settings for Optimal Results!
Frequently I have answers on what are the camera settings for begineers to achieve optimal results.
This has never been an easy question to answer.
Different lighting, environments and conditions requires different settings for best results.
Nevertheless I always have some default settings to start off with, for your reference:
1)Picture Format: RAW, to deliver best quality photos with more dynamic editing possible.
2) White Balance: Sunlight, as I prefer warmer photos. (Anyway you can still change the color temperature if shooting in RAW)
3) Metering: Spot Metering, for more accurate exposures of my main subjects. Beginners may first start with Center-weighted, which also delivers good results.
4) Focus: Single point focus, as I want to be in full control on what to focus. Having the camera’s intelligent to decide for me is a bad idea.
5) Shooting mode: Aperture priority, so that I can control the amount of “Depth of Field”. Begineers can use Program mode which is perfectly alright, as long as you can enjoy photography!
If any of the photography jargon sounds alien to you, do check out “Basic Photography Fundamentals” to find out more.
Tips #34: Having Fun With Long Exposures Hand-held!
There are many ways to shoot at night, having fun with long exposures.
Not necessary that you will always need to a tripod when shooting with long exposures.
You can explore shooting hand-held, exploring abundance of creativities in photography!
One of the best subject to shoot is lighted moving object, with examples shown above.
Get away othe worry of having blurred photographs as this may bring out a different perspective out of the scene.
Now your mission is to get creative and continue to have fun with photography!
Tips #33: What & Where To Focus On When Taking Portraits?
Being a freelance photographer, I got a handful of assignments shooting portraits.
As such, it is essential that I am equipped with relevant skills to produce good photographs in order to satisfy my clients’ needs.
Many people ask me where should they focus on when shooting portraits.
The simple answer is to focus on their EYES.
It is important that their eyes are in focus and sharp.
This is because that is the first thing viewers will see when they look at the photos.
Don’t believe? Do this simple experiment yourself than.
Remember to check that you got their eyes in focus before the session ends.
You can easily do so by zooming into the eyes when viewing the photos in your camera LCD.
Immediately re-shoot if necessary.
Tips #32: What Aperture Garners The Sharpest Image From The Lens
Basically most lenses do not give the sharpest image with their aperture wide open.
As a general rule of thumb, many lenses provide the sharpest image at aperture around f8 to f11. (Do note this may differ for zoom lenses at different focal length. )
You may think that the smallest aperture should give the sharpest image the lens can provide.
This may not be true due to effects of diffraction.
Hopefully this photography tips can help you decide what aperture to use for best quality results!
Tips #31: How to Photograph a Full Moon
Not only are werewolves happy with full moon, many photographers are very much excited too.
Most are unsatisfied with the results, as the full moon will most likely look like a patch of circular dish.
With correct steps and settings, you will be able to achieve amazing results like what you see below.
1) Lens with long focal length. At least 300mm recommended,
2) Set ISO to 400
3) Set to “Spot Metering”
4) Dial exposure compensation to EV-3 or lower
What you need to do now is focus and meter at the center of the moon and start snapping!
Tips #30: Converging Verticals When Shooting Architectures
I believe you have notice certain level of distortion when shooting tall buildings from ground level.
The lines seems to converge at the far end, which make the outer edges of the building look like leaning in towards each other.
There are a few ways to overcome this distortion:
1) If possible, find another building opposite and get up to a level where you can shoot at mid-height of your target building.
2) Get a tilt-and-shift lens. This solution do not come cheap.
3) Using PhotoShop: Filter > Distort > Lens Correction. But there is a limit to how much you can correct.
Tips #29: What is Chromatic Aberration and How To Reduce It
Chromatic Aberration also commonly known as color fringing, is the unwanted color (red/cyan, blue/yellow, green/magenta) that appears around your image’s high contrast edges.
There are ways to minimize this effect and one of the cheaper ways is by using photo-editing softwares.
If not, many high quality lenses like ED(Extra-low dispersion) lenses from Nikon or UD(Ultra-low dispersion) lenses from Canon can do the job.
But these lenses may not come cheap.
Well at least you are assured with good qulity images for the price you paid for.
Tips #28: Tilt Your Camera For More Dramatic Effects
There are no such thing as a boring photograph as long as you know how to input some creativity into them.
Sometimes, you can tilt your camera a little to produce a more dramatic effect as shown in the photographs below.
The photographs will look “normal” if taken with a level horizon.
But wouldn’t the results be more interesting by just tilting your camera when shooting?
*This technique may not be suitable if you are taking landscape.
Tips #27: Making Use of Reflections
You can have more attractive and eye-catching photographs by shooting in an unconventional way, i.e making use of reflections.
Instead of shooting straight on at your subject, you may wish to lookout for reflective surfaces like pubble of water, mirror, glass and etc.
Looking at objects from a different angle and persepctive will make your photograph standout and unique.
Grab your camera now and start shooting!
Tips #26: How to Take Portraits At Night Like a Professional
Have you ever wonder why the background of your night portrait shots so dark like the photograph shown on the left?
The subject is properly exposed by the flash but the background is in pitch dark.
Viewers looking at the photographs do not know where the photographs were taken!
There is a few easy ways to get over this and produce results like a professional as what you see on your right.
Now the viewers know where exactly is the photograph taken!
One of the ways to achieve results like this is to set your flash selection to “Slow Sync Flash”.
Switch your camera to Aperture Priority with aperture between F4 to F8.
You do not need a high ISO setting for this shoot.
There you go! You are ready to take night portraits like a professional now!
Tips #25: Get Creative With Lights and Long Exposure
Night photography is not just about flash and tripod.
Have you ever heard that the fun just begins when the sun set? The same applies to photography as well!
You can also easily produce creative photographs like the look you see on your left.
All you need is just your camera and lights as your main subject/s.
1) Set your camera to Shutter Priority,
2) Adjust shutter speed to 1sec,
2) Lower your ISO to 400 or below,
3) Aim and focus at your targeted light source/s,
4) Release the shutter.
You have 1 second to maneuver your camera to create photographs up to your creativity and imagination.
What are you waiting for? Get your camera now and start getting creative!
Tips #24: Get Creative With Flash
Flash is not as boring as what many thought.
You can produce very creative photographs with your flash using either your built in flash or external flash gun.
You can also easily create a “fuzzy” photograph like what you see on your left with the following steps:
1) Make sure there are other light source at the background,
2) Pop up the built in flash,
3) Switch your camera mode to Shutter Priority and set it to 1 second,
4) Set your flash mode to “Slow Sync – Rear curtain”,
5) Focus on your subject and release the shutter,
6) Move your camera slightly and keep it still just before the flash fires off.
There you go! All you need next is more practise to get the creative shots you always wanted!
Tips #23: Ways To Use Your Flash
Flash will be required if we want to freeze a subject under low light condition.
Believe you have heard of different ways to use a flash like, direct, bounce, diffused, reflected, etc.
I will now share with you the effects on the different usage and you can judge for yourself which one you like.
Using a Reflector: This is also another common technique used by many event photographers. You can easily self made the reflector using a white cardboard, and attach it to the back of your external flash gun as shown in the picture below. Try this simple technique out and you will be amazed by the results!
Diffused-Flash: For this technique, a diffuser (which can be easily found in most camera shops) is capped over the flash head. This will help diffuse the flash light to produce a “softer” effect on your subjects producing natural and evenly lighted results. This is one of the techniques commonly used by many photographers, including myself.
Bounce-Flash: The flash head is tilted at an angle for the flash light to hit and bounce off the ceiling, before reaching your subject. Notice that the shadow is not so harsh and the color is of subject is smoothing and soft. You will need an external flash gun to achieve this popular technique.
Built-In-Flash: Many DSLR cameras have built-in-flash which is very handy when needed. You can observe that the color is quite “wash-out” and there is harsh shadow formed behind the subject.
Direct Light Using External Flash Gun: External flash gun provides higher power ratings.As such, the shadow created will be even more harsh with very “wash-out” color. But pointing the flash gun directly at your subject may be necessary if you need more power, i.e when the subject is very far from your camera.
Tips #22: How To Take Good Photographs Of Your Products Part II
Have you wonder why your product photographs appear greyish and dull, despite having a light tent and 3 table lamps?
This is especially so if your background is white in color.
When metering your products against a white background, your camera may “thought” that the scene is overexposed.
You can easily overcome this by setting your Exposure Compensation (EV) to at least +0.7 or higher.
Try it now and see the difference!
Tips #21: How To Take Good Photographs Of Your Products Part I
Are you both frustarted and curious why does the photograph of your products do not stand out like those taken by the professionals?
There is no secret to product photography and you just need to read on!
It is important that the light is well distributed and diffused.
Try to avoid harsh and direct light shining on your products.
This will cause the color of your products to be washed out and may create unwanted shadows like the one below.
A light tent will be an answer to achieve a well distributed and diffused light.
You can get a light tent from most photography shops or even DIY your own.
Table lamps can be a good light source.
As a guide, I will recommend 2 table lamps, positioned on the sides of your light tent.
Place your products in the light tent and you will observe that the results are excellent!
Tips #20: How To Improve Your Photographs
Have you ever wondered why your photographs fail to attract viewers’ eyes and you are not so sure on what to improve?
There are 3 simple and basic criteria to help make your photographs more attractive.
1) Proper exposure: It is important that your photographs are properly exposed, so that your viewers’ eyes will feel comfortable looking at your photographs (not unless for some creative shots where under or over-exposure is deliberate). To better achieve this, it will be helpful to understand the relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. You can read more of this from “Basic Fundamentals“.
2) Sharp Image: Unless deliberate, it will be better if your images turn out sharp (especially at the point/area you focus). For example, in portrait shots, it is important that the eyes of the model are sharp and in focus. Camera shake and incorrect focusing technique are the common problems encountered by many beginners. If the shutter speed is too slow, try using a tripod or leaning on something to ensure that the camera is firm and steady. Ensure that you “focus lock” your camera if there is a need to recompose after focusing.
3) Composition: It is worth exploring shooting at different angles to achieve a more attractive photograph. Rule of Third (Tip #9) is a powerful tool and a common technique used by many photographs. Combining Rule of Third with different angles approach can produce very interesting photographs which can stand out from the rest!
I believe you can achieve fantastic results with the 3 basic criteria mentioned above.
Photography skills cannot be improved by just reading. Grab your camera now and start shooting!
Tips #19: Avoid Shadow Cast Caused By Lens Hood
Although lens hood is an essential equipment which helps to minimize glare and lens flare, it can sometime pose some unwanted problem if you are not careful.
Believe the example below is not unfamiliar to you.
Notice the shadow casted at the bottom of the photograph?
This arises when you are using your camera built in flash together with the lens hood attached.
This problem is more prominent when using a wide angle lens.
Thus the shadow is actually casted by the lens hood.
To get over this problem, you can either use an external flash gun or remove the lens hood when using built in flash.
Tips #18: How To Avoid Blurry Photographs Caused By Camera Shake
Have you wonder why some of your favorite photographs blurry and you are sure that the focus point was spot on and locked.
There are many reasons for this and camera shake is the common problem.
Camera shake arises when the focal length is equal or more than the denominator of your shutter speed value.
For example, if your focal length is 50mm, your shutter speed must be faster than 1/50 sec to avoid camera shake.
Observe the photo on the left, it was taken at focal length 85mm with shutter speed of 1/8 sec.
With these settings, you can see that camera shake is obvious.
The photo on the right was taken at focal length 85mm with shutter speed 1/125 sec and thus avoiding camera shake.
When you notice that your shutter speed is too slow, you can either use a higher ISO or use a bigger aperture to overcome camera shake problem.
You can visit “Basic Photography Fundamentals” to understand the relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed.
Try it out yourself and say goodbye to blurry photographs!
Tip #17: How To Check For Sharpness From Your DSLR LCD
One of the advantage of using a DSLR is the ability to view your photographs right after taking them.
One of the common problems encountered is the photographs looks fine in the DSLR LCD, but are blur when viewed from the computer monitor.
This is mainly due to the limited resolution and size of the DSLR LCD.
One easy way to overcome this problem is to zoom into the photographs to the area of focus when viewing.
For example after taking a portrait, zoom into the eyes of the model to ensure that they are sharp.
By applying these simple steps, you can check your photographs for sharpness on the spot and retake immediately if required.
Tip #16: Simple Steps to Shoot Panoramas
With today’s technology, it is relatively easy to shoot panoramas.
Below are some simple steps you could try and have some fun:
Step 1: Use the lowest ISO rating possible for good quality picture.
Step 2: Set White Balance adapting to the lighting condition/situation. Avoid using Auto White Balance for consistency.
Step 3: Set your camera to Manual mode and do your metering for a correct exposure.
Step 4: Look through your viewfinder and compose your sence (at the middle section of the panorama).
With that, focus on the sence using AF and switch to Manual focus.
This would render a consistent focal plane in your panorama picture.
Step 5: Once ready, start shooting before light condition changes with efficient overlapping between each shots.
Else stitching the shots together using softwares would be difficult.
It is important that the lens is pivoted at the same point between shots to avoid perspective distortion when stitching. Would recommend you to shift only your body leaving the front of the lens pvioted at the same point.
With the pictures taken, you can easily perform stitching using PhotoShop or other softwares you are familiar with!
Tip #15: Making Use of Long Exposure At Night
It is very easy to capture the nice and beautiful light trails as shown in the photographs below!
You will need a sturdy tripod and a cable release to attain a sharp image.
Moving vehicles with headlights on, could be your target subject of interest.
1) Once subject of interest is located, mount your camera to the tripod and attach the cable release.
2) Select the lowest ISO your camera could offer.
3) Focus on a prominent point, example a building, bridge, etc.
(The selected aperture under this condition would be small, thus need not worry too much on acquiring a shallow depth of field which would blur the surroundings)
4) You could set your camera to Manual, Aperture Priorty/Av mode or Shutter Priority/Tv mode. As long as you could obtain a shutter speed of around 20 to 30 seconds.
5) Start shooting and keep practising!
Tip #14: Taking From Different Angles
Many begineers will normally start off with taking photographys at their eye level.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but a change in perpective may garner a more favourable outcome.
Thus when you are out there taking photographys, try getting low by kneeling down or get on top of a buildings to take your subject of interest from different angles and perspective!
Tip #13: The Auto-Focus(AF) System
Have you ever wonder why sometimes your AF System does not seems to work?
The problem is AF system uses the difference in contrast to work.
Thus the AF system is unable to focus on uniform tone such as clear blue sky or a wall with only white background, unless there is a point or subject for AF system to focus on.
Now that you know why this problem arises, wouldn’t it will be easier for you to work around it?
Tip #12: Tips For Night Photography
There are alot of nice scenes to capture especially if you are living in a city where there are many cars, street lamps, lightings on buildings, etc.
In general rule of thumb, below are a few things to take note in order to capture a satisfied night photograph.
a) A firm tripod is a MUST!
b) Use the lowest available ISO setting to maintain superior image quality
c) Use small aperture (at least f/9)
With above settings, it is not surprising that you have garner a slow shutter speed for a proper exposure.
Take this chance to include light trails to make your photographs more interesting.
Tip #11: Framing
Framing is a good technique (which myself is in favour of) to make your photographs more interesting.
It is like adding a photo frame around your subject of interest.
In this way, viewers can easily identify which part of the photograph you which to emphaize on.
It is up to your creativity to locate the possible frames available around your subject of interest.
Thus, do keep your eyes wide open during your next outdoor shooting trip!
Tip #10: Restore Color Saturation During A Bright And Sunny Day
During a bright sunny day, you may observed that the details, as well as color saturation and intensity of the subjects of interest will be greatly washed out due to glare.
This is when a polarizing filter will come in handy where polarised light would be block, restoring the subject’s color intensity.
Do note that the use of polarizing filter will reduce light entering the lens by 1 to 2 stops.
Thus, do take note of the resultant shutter speed to avoid blurring due to camera shake.
Tip #9: Applying Rule Of Thirds
When taking a picture, composition is the next important thing to bring out the picture and attracts viewers’ eyes.
Meaning how to place the subjects in the picture to make it looks more interesting and attractive.
Believe you always heard Rule of Thirds, and what that means? Please see the picture below for illustration.
You will choose to place your subjects along the red lines in the picture.
Try avoid placing the subject of interest in the center, as that will make the photo less attract and dull.
Below are a few pictures showing you example of Rule of Thirds.
Although is this a common and powerful tool used by many photographers, it does not mean you have to apply it 100%.
It is all up to your creativity and needs.
Tip #8: Shoot With A Photography Buddy
It is recommendable to go outdoor shooting with a buddy.
There are many advantage to it, example, your buddy could help to give feedbacks on your photographys, keep you accompany and motivates you along the way and many more.
Have you ever thought of asking your buddy to be the main subject in your photographs?
Have you ever come across a nice scenery with beautiful sunset and when you take the picture, you felt something is amiss?
This is where your buddy can help to enhance and make your photographs more eye-catching by becoming part of the composition! Try it!
Tip #7: Let Colors Work For You
To make a photo eye-catching, you can make use of colors to work for you!
Contrasting colors compliments and works well if applied correctly.
For exmaple, you can have red with green, yellow with blue, etc.
So keep your eyes open to look out for contrasting and saturated colors!
Tip #6: How To Achieve A Silhouette
A silhouette simply means the subject of interest in dark, giving only the outline and shadow.
Such technique could add a special touch to your photographs and make them more interesting, having a sense of mystery in it. 
To achieve this, just ensure that the light source is behind the subject of interest and you are metering at the environment or light source behind the main subject.
Avoid having the sun or metering at the sun behind the main subject, as you may not only end up under-exposing your photograph and more importantly, damage the sensor of your camera!
Tip #5: How To Achieve A Deep Blue Sky
Have you ever wonder how to some photos from postcard, travel images, etc produce very nice, deep blue sky?
How do photographers cut down unwanted reflections from the subjects?
Well, this can be easily achieve by using a polarizing filter.
With this filter, you are able to cut down reflections which in turn produce a more saturated image which adds a special touch to your photographs.
When attached to your lens, you can rotate the outer ring of the filter and observe different results depending on how much you rotate.
Generally, the polarizing filter is most effective when the sun is 90° angle to your subject.
The filter will have minimal or no effect when the sun is directly behind your main subject.
Tip #4: Taking Waterfall With “Silky” Effect
To achieve “silky” effect when taking waterfall is simple.
The only additional accessories you need is a tripod and the most a ND (Neutral Density) filter.
Firstly, mount your camera to your tripod.
A tripod is required as the shutter speed got to be long. Select the lowest possible ISO.
Set your camera to Aperture Priority and adjust the aperture until you get a shutter speed of around 1 second.
If your shutter speed is too short, you may not achieve the “silky” effect.
If shutter speed is too long, very likely you will risk overexposure and blurring due to movement in surrounding.
ND filter is used when the light condition is too strong and unable to achieve shutter speed of about 1 second even with the smallest aperture.
I will not recommend using Shutter Priority, select shutter speed of 1 seconds and let the camera decide on the aperture.
This is because due to lens limitations, you may not be able to get the desire aperture to achieve the correct exposure.
Tip #3: Panning
Ensure that the shutter speed is less then the focal length to achieve “camera shake”.
I will recommend usingShutter Priority/Tv mode with shutter speed set to 1/15sec.
Of course, you need the subject of interest to be moving from your left to right or vice versa, and not directly towards or away from you.
Aim the camera at the subject of interest.
Ensure the main subject is at the center of your view finder and follow its movement while pressing the “shoot” button.
Ensure that your camera shooting mode is set to Continuous.
You will get the subject of interest sharp and the surrounding blur.
This technique needs alot of practice and luck!. Enjoy!
Tip #2: Reflection
Using this technique can help to produce very nice and interesting pictures.
Be on alert to look out for puddle of still water and calm river.
Tip #1: Differential Focusing
For this technique, the subject of interest is sharp, leaving others (usually another subject behind or in front of the subject of interest) blur.
In this way, viewer’s attention will be caught by the subject of interest with lesser distraction from the back and foreground.
You ought to have a large aperture to achieve this and focus only on the subject of interest.
Normally this technique can be easily achieve with longer focal length.
