With cameras being so complex these days, it can be a little challenging taking a professional photo. Whether you’re photographing people or nature, finding the appropriate lighting, focus, posing and framing can feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve simplified the process for you. Here are 5 top tips that will help you master taking professional photos.
Understand Lighting
Understanding lighting is key. It’s the foundation of photography. Before your photo shoot, take some time observing the light and angles. For portraits, lighting coming from the front will create a soft, beautiful setting. Some photographers love to shoot just before sunset because the light casts a warm glow on the subject. Too much light, on the other hand, can create harsh shadows that can be challenging to work with.
Lighting can be used in a variety of ways that can completely change the mood of your photos. Don’t limit yourself on taking the best shot by relying solely on lighting for your photographs. Luckily, there is plenty of lighting equipment on the market like a light reflector or diffuser that will come in handy when the lighting is not in your favor.
Create Depth & Perspective
You’ll notice that many professional photos, especially outdoor shots, tend to show depth which actually enhances the entire photograph. The simplest way to convey depth is to also include elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background.
An easy way to create perspective is to shoot the subject from above and below. You can also simply change the distance between you and the subject and the angle to completely change the mood and meaning of your images. Take a few practice shots from different angles and distances in a variety of compositions and choose your favorite.
Focus & Frame Your Shot
Most camera lenses these days focus either manually or automatically. With a manual focus, you have total control. Autofocus is when the camera adjusts for you which is convenient; however, it may not always focus on the particular subject you’re trying to shoot.
To master the fundamentals of composition, you’ll need to choose a strong focal point. When planning out your shot, think of what you want the viewer to focus on when they’re looking at your photograph. You also want to frame your shot perfectly. Negative space around your photo can make your subject pop, while distracting “noise” in the background can completely disrupt the composition you’re going for.
Learn How To Edit Like A Professional
For beginners, start learning how to edit with editing software like Lightroom. Learning the basics will help you become a better photographer and edit like a professional. Photoshop is another popular editing software, but a little more advanced. Making these minor adjustments like cropping, touch-ups, adjusting the brightness and other tweaks can truly transform your photos.
Upgrade Your Gear
Once you are ready to add to your photography gear, the first piece you should definitely consider purchasing is a tripod. A tripod allows you to shoot a variety of angles and techniques you simply can’t do with handheld shots.
If your budget allows, a few other equipment options available that can enhance your professional photos include a variety of lenses, a cleaning kit, extra batteries, and memory cards, weatherproof camera bag, rain covers, lighting equipment, and software.