All of us had to start somewhere with our photography, once the desire to go beyond point and shoot was realised. Where to start and how start shooting images that look great is the main question my students ask. Here are some keys to get you going.
If you're going to make a go of your photography then it's essential that you shoot regularly. Without practicing there is no chance that you will achieve any success on your photographic journey. One of the world's greatest golfers, always said that the harder he practiced the luckier he got. The same goes for your photography. Let's take a look at some basic keys to getting it right.
1. Practise, practise, practise
As I have said in the introduction, it is essential that you take the time practise regularly and with sufficient intensity. Although photography is not a numbers game you need to keep your eye to the viewfinder and practise. The key here is to form a habit. As you learn new skills they need to be included in a routine that is already in existence. You can correct mistakes and improve if you are actually doing it. Where do you ever find artists or sportspeople who don't devote hours and hours to their craft in order to improve?
2. Get in closer
Once you are practicing you can start adding new skills gradually. If there is only one tip you can learn from me then it is this one. Trying to work out who is in a photograph using a magnifying glass defeats the object of making memories. By getting in closer you see more of the person or subject and less of the non-essential elements. A full face image of a loved one reveals part of their character and who they are. In years to come you'll be glad that you learnt this one key. One of my all time favourites is a photo of my grandmother taken very close up. When I look at that image today it brings out emotions I thought that I had forgotten.
3. Exclude clutter
I alluded to this in point two when saying that you should exclude the non-essentials in your images. What doesn't need to be in the photo should be out of the photo. Plain and simple. Exclude as much of the clutter in an image as possible. When you look through your viewfinder or at your LCD screen pay careful attention to the edges of the frame. This is where the soda can, someone's foot or the microwave pops into the image. By getting in closer it does help but there are times when you can't get in too close. So, watch carefully for any objects that aren't important or just shouldn't be there.
4. Change your angle
If there is one thing I try to get my students working at, it's finding a different angle to shoot from. Knowing where to shoot from is key to getting that fantastic shot. Don't stand in front of your subject and fire away unless that is the best angle you could find. Get up higher by finding a vantage point up a tree or staircase. Get down lower by lying down or going down a flight of stairs. Don't be afraid to look foolish if you want to get that great image.
5. Use your head
Many amateur photographers rush into a scene and stop thinking as soon as they get there. By shooting randomly and taking many photos they hope for that one really cool shot. It doesn't happen that way. Photos are created using a thought process that finds the best composition based on the fundamentals of photography. Take your time and explore the scene or subject and examine the details. A rushed photographer produces average images that have next to no appeal.
6. Use your feet
A simple thought yet an elementary mistake many amateurs make. When you find a subject that you think will make a great photo, use your feet to explore the scene. Walk around before putting the viewfinder to your eye. Walk in closer, then nearer, a few feet to the left or to the right. Often when you move around you'll see a new perspective as the background or light changes in relation to the subject. Your feet aren't glued to the ground so get walking and you will get better photos.
Each of these six keys alone can give you an improved photo, but, by combining all of them you'll find that your images will improve dramatically. Don't be afraid to experiment and remember that the great artists of this world got there by practising their skills. Happy shooting!
Do you want to learn more about photography in a digital world? I've just completed a brand new e-course delivered by e-mail. Download it here for free: http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/ To learn how you can take your photography from ordinary to outstanding visit http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/21steps.htm
Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography.
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