As a new photographer, these are some of the ideas that have helped get me going. Update: Also check out our
Klassik Pictures Page.
1. Don’t go crazy buying the most expensive equipment right away.
It’s possible to get very nice photos with an inexpensive point and shoot.
See these examples on Flickr. The more photos you take, the more you’ll know about what kind of camera to get when it’s time to upgrade.
2. Consider a tripod.
On the other hand, an inexpensive tripod is worth getting, especially
if you have shaky hands like mine. When I got a tripod, my
satisfaction with my shots skyrocketed. For even more stability, use
your camera’s timer function with a tripod (read our
introduction to tripods).
3. Keep your camera with you all the time.
Photo ops often come when you least expect it. If you can keep your
equipment relatively simple – just a small camera bag and a tripod – you
might be able to take advantage of some of those unexpected
opportunities. Or, if your phone has a camera, use it to take “notes”
on scenes you’d like to return to with your regular camera.
4. Make a list of shots you’d like to get.
For those times you can’t carry your camera around, keep a small
notebook to jot down places you’d like to come back and photograph.
Make sure to note any important details, like the lighting, so you can
come back at the same time of day or when the weather’s right. If you
don’t want to carry a notebook, send yourself an email using your cell
phone with
Jott.com.
5. Don’t overlook mundane subjects for photography.
You might not see anything interesting to photograph in your living
room or your backyard, but try looking at familiar surroundings with
fresh eyes. You might catch an interesting trick of the light or find
some unexpected wildflowers in your yard. Often a simple subject makes
the best shot.
6. Enjoy the learning process.
The best part of having a hobby like photography is never running out
of things to learn. Inspiration is all around you. Look at everything
with the eyes of a photographer and you’ll see opportunities you never
noticed before.
7. Take advantage of free resources to learn.
Browse through Flickr or websites like the Digital Photography School Forum
for inspiration and tips. Also, your local library probably has a
wealth of books on all types of photography. If you’re interested in
learning about post-processing, give free software like the GIMP a try.
8. Experiment with your camera’s settings.
Your point and shoot may be more flexible and powerful than you know.
Read the manual for help deciphering all those little symbols. As you
explore, try shooting your subjects with multiple settings to learn
what effects you like. When you’re looking at your photos on a
computer, you can check the EXIF data (usually in the file’s properties) to recall the settings you used.
9. Learn the basic rules.
The amount of information about photography online can be overwhelming. Start with a few articles on composition.
Be open to what more experienced photographers have to say about
technique. You have to know the rules before you can break them.
10. Take photos regularly.
Try to photograph something every day. If you can’t do that, make
sure you take time to practice regularly, so you don’t forget what
you’ve learned. An excellent way to motivate yourself is by doing weekly assignments.
11. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
If you’re using a digital camera, the cost of errors is free. Go
crazy – you might end up with something you like. You’ll certainly
learn a lot in the process.
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