catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

Basic Photography Tips

By Editorial Staff

photography tipsContributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn

The cell phone camera allows virtually everyone to take pictures of virtually everything, but that doesn’t make you a photographer.

You still need to use a good camera and follow basic photography tips to take photographs that are suitable for framing. Today’s cameras are easier than ever to use, but it still takes practice to be comfortable framing a shot and taking advantage of the camera’s many built-in technical features. These basic photography tips won’t make you a pro, but they’ll help you take pictures you can be proud of.


Before you continue reading about the Basic Photography Tips there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

10. Read, Practice and Experiment

Read, Practice and Experiment

Even if you’re an experienced picture taker, every camera is different. Read the instruction manual carefully and practice the techniques until you feel comfortable with them. A course in basic photography can answer questions the manual overlooks. Once you feel at ease with your camera, experiment by taking shots several different ways. For additional help, share your experience with other photographers.

9. Stop With The Cheese

 Stop With The Cheese

It’s easy to spot forced smiles so stop giving the order to “say cheese.”. If you want your subjects to smile, talk to them in a friendly way and make them feel at ease. Remind them of a funny movie or TV show or tell a quick joke. Take a shot or two without smiles – you’ll relieve the pressure and you might find your subject looks better that way.

8. Choose A Simple Background

 Choose A Simple Background

Draw attention to your subject by keeping the background plain and simple. Watch for odd shapes like buildings, trees or furniture and take a quick look to make sure no people, pets or cars are moving in the direction of your focal point.

7. Take Pictures By The Dozens

Take Pictures By The Dozens

Digital cameras allow you to take dozens, even hundreds of photos and view them on a PC before having to print a single one. Taking a lot of shots is good training and helps you avoid missing the best scene or angle. You will also have plenty of shot to practice editing and enhancing.

6. Get Up Close

Get Up Close

Once you are comfortable with your camera’s optimal focal depth, try to get closer to your subject. Facial expressions are more clear and subtle details jump out when you move in tight. This can also help you get better lighting.

5. Go Off Center

 Go Off Center

Symmetry is boring. Make your pictures more interesting by positioning your main subject off-center. It can give life to your photograph by forcing the viewer’s eye to move and it can bring out unusual or unnoticed details in the background.

4. Go Vertical

 Go Vertical

Vertical shots are not just for photographing buildings or basketball players. Vertical shots alter the background and change the perceptive. Practice taking vertical shots until you are comfortable holding your camera that way and can quickly switch back and forth from horizontal.

3. Give Directions

Give Directions

If you depend on your subjects to pose themselves, you’ll end up with a plot of pictures of people standing around. Take time to study your subjects and their surroundings, them move people and objects around – you’ll often find better lighting and your subjects will have fun and smile more naturally.

2. Be An Outdoor Flasher

 Be An Outdoor Flasher

Your camera’s flash is a useful tool that shouldn’t be kept indoors. Use the flash outside in bright sunlight to remove shadows, especially on faces. When it’s cloudy, a flash will brighten your subjects and give better contrast to the background.

1. Speed Up And Slow Down

Speed Up And Slow Down

Popular Savings Offers

If your camera has an adjustable shutter speed, practice using it to enhance your photos. Slow down the speed and place your camera on a tripod or table to take interesting shots of subjects in motion, like runners or flowing water. Use a fast shutter speed to capture speedy objects and practice moving your camera as you shoot to get the blurred background that depicts speed and motion, especially in sports.

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.