Photography is one of those hobbies that everyone would love to try out one day, but it’s tough to know where to get started. That’s because there are so many little details and rules that you should understand before you become any kind of expert in photography. However, one of the best rules that you should know is that there really are no rules when it comes to your creativity. Sure, there are some principles that you should understand and details on your camera that are pretty essential to get, but your creativity is endless. So the best piece of advice that anyone will give you when you’re considering going into photography is to just get out there and see what you can capture. You’ll learn as you go!
However, there are some tricks that we have for you to keep in mind when you’re out there capturing your first shots. Keep reading down below to learn them and see what amazing pieces of art you can create with your camera or your smartphone.
1. Go for A Mixture of Artificial and Natural Light for City Night Shots
When it comes to taking night shots, this can be one of the most tricky things for you to understand how to do. They are pretty tough to get unless you have this first trick up your sleeve, which is timing your photo so that the artificial and natural light are even. This is going to help create an evenly exposed shot that won’t look too overexposed because of the artificial light.
You’re going to want to start this process by taking a spot meter of the area where there’s artificial light and the sky. Lighting can make or break a picture. When the sky is still a bit brighter, use the spot metered setting for the artificial light to snap your shot. Just keep taking enough photos that you have one that is perfectly balanced and exposed.
2. Use Apps to Help Out Your Smartphone’s Camera
Most of us don’t have a high-quality DSLR camera to take super professional photos with. That’s just a fact of life since they are so much more expensive than the smartphone we have in our pockets. However, our smartphone cameras can sometimes not be enough for what we’re trying to capture. The good news in this situation is that camera apps on our smartphones have come a super long way in recent years.
Sure, you’re not going to get the quality of a DSLR from your smartphone, but you can get close with smartphone apps that will give you some of the customization options previously only seen on DSLRs. Try out some of the apps you see in the App Store and check how they work for your photos!
3. Burst Mode Is the Way to Go
One of the top tips for taking photos on either a traditional camera or your smartphone is going for burst mode. This is the mode where you hold down the shutter button and take multiple shots one after another. This is going to help you ensure you get that shot you’re really going for. If you’re taking photos of moving scenery, this is a great way to make sure you get at least one shot that looks good. Plus, this is available on both traditional cameras and on your smartphone, so it doesn’t matter which one you’re using.
4. Try Not Looking at The Viewfinder for Once If You Want Candid Shots
If you’re looking to take more candid street photos without anyone noticing, then this next tip is for you. Try to turn your camera on silent mode so the people around you don’t notice that you’re taking photos. If you’re walking down the street, just hang your camera around your shoulder and press down on the shutter button as you’re strolling down. You’re going to be surprised what you’ll capture in the daily life of where you’re shooting! These are often the best photos because you’re not as worried about composition and getting everything perfect.
5. Try Out Some Inexpensive Macro Filters
If you’re looking to take some cool macro photos of flowers or other smaller items, then you might not know where to start. You might not have enough money to buy expensive macro lenses, but still want to get the desired effect. You can easily get these effects by buying some inexpensive macro filters you can find at the store or online.
6. Always Take Some Photos During Golden Hours
If you want some really amazing photos, you’ve got to go out and take some photos during the golden hours of the day. These are the first hours of the morning or last hours of the evening, when the sun is right over the horizon. This is going to give your photos that beautiful, golden glowing effect that you see on so many professional photos. This can either be used as a backlight or a front light because that light is just not comparable to regular sunlight during the day. You can easily search online when the golden hours are going to be in your specific location in the world so you can plan your shoots accordingly.
7. Add A Plastic Bag On Your Lens for A Blur Effect
If you’re looking to achieve a more blurred and hazed effect on your photos, here’s a cool trick that you might not have heard of before. You can crumple up a plastic bag and wrap it around your lens with a rubber band. Tear at the center with your hands and you’ll create the stretch marks that will create the effect you’re looking for. This might look a little funny for those checking out your camera, but it’s a fantastic DIY method to create some great and unique photos. Try it out on your next shoot!
And there you have it! These are the coolest tips and tricks that you should think about if you’re looking to up your photography game or if you’re just getting into the trade. Good luck out there!
