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Photography beginners can have a challenging time trying to get to grips with their Photography equipment while creating beautiful photography.
Knowing a few professional photography tips can help you to take beautiful and professional looking shots. There are hundreds of photography styles, this article focuses on three : night portrait, head shot and full moon photography tips.
Camera Types Choose a camera that allows easy control of its settings. Consider buying a camera with manual settings. These cameras usually have the letter “M” engraved on the settings dial. Many point-and-shoot and other consumer cameras have manual settings. However, some single lens reflex (SLR) cameras also have manual settings.
Some notable advantages of single lens reflex cameras is that they allow for interchangeable lenses and provide greater flexibility in controlling the amount of light entering the camera. The best night images can be captured by using a fast shutter speed and long exposure. Shutter speed refers to the length of time the shutter curtain stays open while taking a picture. Cameras that allow control of the aperture setting are also good for night photography.
Camera Settings For night photography, use a shutter speed of about 1/30th of a second. This will allow the maximum amount of light to enter the camera when taking pictures. The recommended aperture setting for night photography is between f/1.8 and f/3.5.
Shoot With a Tripod Shooting from a tripod or stationary resting place is necessary. Shooting from a tripod helps to eliminate camera shake, which causes images to be blurry. A tripod allows you to use slower shutter speeds and increase length of exposure to capture images. Consider using long exposures to give your pictures a creative flair.
Lighting Options Light subjects using flash or other lighting options. Consider using lighting that allows you to control the amount of power of the light source. Use lighter power for some images. Avoid using a powerful flash because it provides too much light and creates harsh shadows. You can also use existing lights such as streetlights, headlights, exterior windows and flashlights as sources of lighting for your image. Use your camera’s light meter located inside the viewfinder to determine the right light settings for your photograph.
Shoot From a High Angle Shooting from a high angle allows you to take flattering head-shots. On the other hand, shooting below the subject allows you to get a good view of your subject’s chin. Subjects look thinner when shooting from above. Shooting from above allows you to avoid a double chin look and make the eyes of your subject to stand out more.
Don’t Shoot Too Close The shorter the distance between you and your subject, the greater the lens distortion. While some photographers use lens distortion to create artistic photo effects, it is not appropriate for head-shots. Shooting too close will make your subject’s nose appear larger than it is or face to look distorted. Use a zoom lens and distance yourself from your subject to prevent distortion.
Use a Softer Lens For portrait photography, consider using a camera that will not give you the sharpest picture. While sharp lenses can be great for capturing fine details, they can make unflattering portraits. Very few people would like to look at their portraits if they can see all pores and wrinkles. On the other hand, you do not want to use a lens that takes low quality or unfocused portrait photos. A slightly soft lens is ideal. Zoom lenses are usually softer than single distance lenses.
Use Diffused Lighting Diffused lighting is made by streaming light off of other subjects and making use of shadows. If you intend to shoot portrait photos, make sure your subject is in a shade. Alternatively, shoot before dusk for the best lighting conditions. However, if you have to shoot outdoors and during the day when there is harsh light from the sun, use reflectors to diffuse light. Cloudy weather provides perfect light conditions for a photo shoot. When shooting in a studio, shoot through an umbrella or use a soft box to diffuse light. Harsh light is not recommended for head-shots.
Tilt the Subject’s Head The best head-shots are often taken when the subjects head is tilted. Photos taken with the subject in a straight head position look more like school portraits. Males tilt their heads forward in most cases while females can tilt their heads forward or backwards. Tilting your head backwards makes you appear feminine.
Schedule Taking shots of the moon requires making detailed plans about the schedule of the moon phases as well as the rising and setting of the moon. Understanding the location of the moon is important because it varies in a northerly and southerly direction each day. Consult weather forecast to ensure the sky will be clear during the day of the shoot.
Settings A single lens reflex camera is ideal for taking moon shots. Moon photographs taken by a disposable camera often make the moon to appear as white specks within the night sky. When using an SLR camera, set the f-setting at f16, which is the best setting for sunlit objects. You can alter your camera’s light sensitivity setting using a technique known as bracketing. This technique involves making slight alterations to the required ISO setting in order to take other photographs to ensure the camera has the correct exposure for a moon shot.
Location Prior to the night of the full moon, spend some time outside to find the best location for photographing. Moon shots can be taken against backdrops of mountains, deserts or water bodies. Location agencies will also help you to find the photo shoot location that you have in mind.