Learn Basic Photography
For Picture Perfect Results!
If this sounds like you, its time to learn basic photography ... Ever look at one of your garden photos and think "This garden is awesome... so why is my picture so blah! What's my problem?" There's no time like right now to learn basic photography. You have to if you want to shoot great pictures. I know you want better flower shots because... well, you're here, right? Still, if you want to skip this section, go ahead and just enjoy the pictures on my site! But I hope you'll challenge yourself. Say "bye-bye" blah snapshots and "hello" fabulous photographs....
How great is that! We all have cameras in our heads - they're called eyes! Eyes and cameras are pretty much the same beast! Same principles. Want to find out how they work? Go here. There really is no difference between a simple point and shoot or a more complicated SLR. The theory is the same whether your camera is digital or film. The same rules apply. Although some cameras do have more bells and whistles than others! Exposure is how much light falls on the film or the digital sensor. Just like Goldilocks and the three bears, it has to be "just right"! Most of the time, your camera's light meter is pretty well on target. It knows how much light is needed. But sometimes, you have to "take over the reins". In some scenes the light can fool your meter. Other times you'll want to get all artsy and creative. Then, you'll have to be in charge of your exposure. Understanding exposure isn't tough and it IS basic photography. Promise I'll keep it simple! These are the Big Three that always work together. They control the final exposure. Shutter speed F-stop or aperture ISO
Hint - Always have a notebook with you. If you're working on shutter speed, write down the number of the frame and your shutter speed. Why did you choose that speed? Did your picture turn out the way you thought it would? Write it down... If you have a photo editing program that shows you the "metadata" from your digital photos, then it's easy to see the shutter speed, iso and f-stop. If you don't, writing them down is a good learning tool. And you won't get metadata if you're shooting film so keep strict records of every photo.
Study paintings by "The Masters" and you'll learn basic photography. Compositional rules of art apply... after all, photography is an art form. Rule of thirds Diagonal lines Repeating patterns S curves - and other curves Changing perspective Filling the frame Always good advice - start at #1. Spend a day or two learning the Rule of Thirds and practice. Take lots of photos, get them up on your computer screen and study them. Be your own critic! When you think you've got it under control, go on to rule #2. Now what do you do? Right! Throw 'em up the big screen and admire your work. Then on to the next.... Finished your 6 rules? Okay, take one photo using 2 or 3 rules. Take your time - compose your picture carefully. Great, now take your best shot! You aced all 6 rules! Congratulations! I think you should share your photos - Facebook, Flickr - show them off to your friends!
Check out photography on the internet or in magazines to see how other photographers use these rules. Its a good idea to keep copies of photos you really like. Study them and see if you can explain what makes you feel good about them.
Now you've shared - let's push on and learn basic photography about camera modes. Set the mode to auto and your camera runs the show. Program mode gives you a bit more control... but professionals, like yourself, use shutter and aperture priority! Find out what they're all about. Get out your camera and dust off your manual. That way you'll get to know your camera while you try out the different modes. Auto mode Program mode Shutter priority Aperture priority
Whew, we covered a lot of information. To learn basic photography does take time. It also takes practice. So get out and enjoy yourself. When you're ready, check out more resources to improve your skills.
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