Best Photography Tips – Do Vs Take

Website design By BotEap.comIn October 1978, the cover of National Geographic showed a self-portrait of a gorilla using a camera. I’m serious, you can look it up if you want. The cover photo was a self-portrait, taken by a gorilla, and by the standards of the time, it was actually pretty good!

Website design By BotEap.comEvery year, 100 million Americans also take some pretty great photos. OK, it’s true that not all of them are so good. . . but with autofocus and extremely high megapixels, it’s pretty safe to say that more people are taking better pictures than ever before. So the obvious question is where does that leave us “serious” photographers?

Website design By BotEap.comFor those of us who know that “pretty good” is not good enough; we must try harder; we must create with more artistic flair and emotional impact. The desire to go beyond the basics is what separates us from . . . the gorillas of the world. Technologically advanced cameras are now so readily available that anyone can buy one at their local Wal-Mart as easily as they buy food.

Website design By BotEap.comHaving a great camera does not make a great photographer. Learning how to create a great photo is not as simple as you might think. There may be thousands; if not hundreds of thousands of books and magazines that will teach you the art of photography. But learning the trade alone is like running a race with only one shoe. Photography is both an art and a craft.

Website design By BotEap.comThe trade is quite well known; Shutter speeds, f-stops, filters and the like are an extremely important key to any photographer’s success. Of course; the craft of photography is only half the story, it’s the easy half that even a great ape could learn (but not everyone does).

Website design By BotEap.comThe other half, the one that even those who seek do not always find, is the art of photography. There is a common misunderstanding that leads people to believe that “art is what pleases the eye.” While this may be partly true, it is also incomplete. A New York Times art critic once said, “The function of art is to clarify, intensify, or broaden our experience of life.”

Website design By BotEap.comVisit any National Park, go to a scenic overlook and just sit back and watch. Many people will go up, jump off, take their photo and walk away again. This person is taking a picture. Simply put; he will take what is in front of him and rule out all creative possibilities, because he has what he wants.

Website design By BotEap.comOn the other hand, wait a bit longer and you’ll see someone getting out of their car slowly. She cautiously approaches the scene with silent reverence. Her eyes will explore like a small child in a toy store. He can crouch or crane his neck to see beyond what his body normally allows. This person is making a photographer. His mind is open to creative possibilities.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you want to take better photos, instead of just taking more photos, there are a few basic steps to remember.

Website design By BotEap.com1. Photograph what you like the most. Photography is like a love story, it should not be taken lightly. You don’t share your heart with every person you meet; Likewise, don’t waste your passion on areas of little interest. I, for one, would never be good at aerial photography; Mainly because of fear of heights.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Prepare. Learn all you can. Books and magazines are only part of the resources available to you. Internet websites, podcasts, art galleries, and photo shows allow you to expand your own vision. It is very difficult for someone to think outside the box who has not even tried to open the lid. Give your mind something to be creative with.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Become one with your subject. When the opportunity comes; let your eyes dance over the subject, catch the lights and shadows. The art of seeing photographically means going beyond the surface. Take a break; Look at it from every possible angle. Whether your subject is alive or not, treat them like your best friend. That’s where the passion comes from.

Website design By BotEap.com4. Think about your shots. What emotions do you feel when you look through your viewfinder or at that digital screen? If you can put your feelings into words, the next step is to put those words on film (or digital media). Have a goal in mind when you go to take your photos and you will get fantastic creative images, not just taking average shots.

Website design By BotEap.com5. Multiply the possibilities. The right subject at the right time is what great photography is all about. Shoot your subject multiple times from several different angles. If this is a once in a lifetime opportunity; leave nothing to chance, take multiple exposures too. Remember, your camera always wants to average light. If you want better than average results, push your gear and your mind.

Website design By BotEap.com6. Take notes. A pencil is the cheapest photographic equipment you can carry. If an image is a hit or a miss, it means nothing unless you can do it again. Don’t change too many things at once, at least you’ll end up with no idea what made the image work. Document your efforts and don’t be afraid to learn from your failures as well as your successes.

Website design By BotEap.comTaking a photo is like drawing water from a well. If the well is dry, it doesn’t matter how many times you raise or lower the bucket. Your job is to keep those creative juices flowing. As you fill the well, with knowledge and experience, more inspiration will surface. What gives you style or makes your work unique is what you bring to the surface. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it.