subject: Beginners Photography - Discover These Simple Habits For Better Photographs! [print this page] Moving from an average to a good photographer does need not be a quantum leap. To many beginners, photography starts out as a casual hobby, and at these moments it is easy to get into habits that are difficult to change later on. But there are seemingly obvious tips that can quickly push you along the road to better photography. So, within a short time, you can easily go from average, to good...and even on to great. Let's look at three easy to apply ideas.
This first point sounds obvious, I realise, but always take your camera out with you! When I began to take photography seriously, I realised I had missed too many opportunities, simply by not having my camera to hand. One time, my wife and I were taking a stroll back from a shopping expedition through a local park. Quite by chance, she noticed a kingfisher hovering near the riverside, with its wings a blur of motion. "Pity you haven't got your camera with you" she exclaimed helpfully! From that day forward I vowed never to get caught out again. Nowadays, I may look like some sort of camera geek - or even a tourist - but I don't care.
Take lots of pictures. To some beginners, photography means getting every picture right, as in film photography days. Whilst this is a good discipline to try to adhere to, you should not fear experimentation also. So, get out there and go crazy. On a day out, at the zoo for example, don't come back with 50 photos - take 500! Don't expect every picture to be a masterpiece, though. When downloaded to your PC, patiently sift through the ones that are good, and delete (or file) the ones that are not up to scratch. These remaining photos are the ones you can show off.
Don't skimp on print paper or ink quality. If you have gone to the trouble of taking numerous photographs, and diligently worked your way through them to select only the best images, it's a shame to print them low quality. If you choose to print photos at home, make sure you use proper photographic paper. The same photo that looks lifeless, blurry or dark on copy paper can look dramatic, sharp and bright on glossy photographic paper. Similarly, steer clear of using cheap third party inks. Your printer's manufactured inks will provide optimum quality.
Apply these obvious, but easy to forget, ideas and your photographs will quickly begin to improve - both in quality and in the sheer diversity of photos you produce. Please refer to my previous Beginners Photography articles for details on using Automatic or Manual modes on your camera when taking your photos.
