The current Covid-19 global pandemic has been nothing but menacing. People all around the world were suddenly faced with a lot of restrictions and guidelines. Our usual interactions with our loved ones were greatly affected. We were instructed to stay inside and work from our homes, we were told to practice social distancing, and for the first time in a long time, isolation was being promoted on a global scale.
But alas! Hope is not lost. With all of these restrictions, people suddenly had a lot of time on their hands. And with that spare time, now is the perfect opportunity to pursue a new hobby and ignite our passions. Photography is perfect for these trying times. Just being able to capture a specific moment without the need to be near is an ideal hobby during the pandemic.
If you are really planning to pursue photography, we have listed some tips and tricks when starting your journey to photography. Aside from that, you should also include things to consider such as buying incredible photography software. All we ask is that you take these tips to heart, do not be afraid to experiment and explore your camera, and always practice.
For beginners, finding the perfect camera is vital to your growth in the world of photography. This will save you the frustration of not being able to capture what you see through your viewfinder. An entry-level camera needs to have at least four (4) of these features:
Sharpness and clarity is the key in producing an eye-catching photograph so it is advisable to go for mirrorless cameras and DSLRs that have a bigger sensor as they have a higher resolution for more detailed photographs.
As a novice, it is essential to have a camera with simple automatic modes that give you the confidence to shoot the subjects you like. Cameras that have simplified presets are recommended as you can learn to mix and match modes and settings later as you progress in your journey
Having a camera with an individual fixed lens can be limiting to a progressing photographer. As you grow, you will want to explore more settings and experiment on various creative shooting scenarios.
When starting out, you may not have a lot of money to spend on high-end cameras and lenses. It is crucial to choose a quality camera that will bring the most bang for your buck and will not break the bank. Consider how you would use the camera and always check your local thrift shops for discounts.
Learning the basics like the proper way to hold your camera will save you a ton of frustration early on. It is important to hold the camera properly to avoid unnecessary movement that will result in a blurry image. Remember to keep the camera close to your body for more stability.
Exposure is the amount of light that reaches your camera sensor or film. This is one of the critical factors that can make or break an image. How dark or how bright the image is will depend on your camera’s level of exposure. Exposure partnered together with aperture and shutter speed will give you a vast array of results, so it is best to learn and experiment as you go along.
Aperture refers to the opening of a lens’ diaphragm through which light passes. It can be somewhat similar to the pupil of the human eye. The wider the aperture, the more light is allowed to go in. The narrower it is, the less light is allowed. If you want to put more emphasis on your subject, widen the aperture. If you want to focus on group shots, you will need a lower aperture.
Once the light passes through the aperture of the lens, it will reach the shutter. Shutter speed controls how long the shutter stays open when you take the picture. The longer the shutter opens, the more light gets through to the camera’s film or sensor. Faster shutter speed is perfect for still shots, while a longer shutter speed will give your images a blurring effect.
When photography reached the digital age, the term ISO came to light. ISO refers to the image sensor’s sensitivity to light. The lower the number, the less sensitive the sensor is, while a high ISO number will give the image a more grainy look. Some photographers are afraid to raise the ISO on their camera as they do not want the images to come out too grainy, so always check the ISO preset.
White balance refers to the reproduction of the color white regardless of the type of lighting under which the photo is taken. The white balance is responsible for the overall warmth of the picture. Some automatic presets will work in some scenarios, but if you want to improve the quality of your work, be sure to learn about white balance and what presets will work in limited lighting.
Photography is a great way to express yourself. It gives the individual the ability to immortalize a moment, a specific point in time that can never be replicated. In a sense, it gives the photographer the power to bring a photo to life. But perfecting the craft is not easy. It will take long hours in order for you to become better.
The key is just being patient and continuing to learn from day to day. Experiment, adjust, and explore. Hone your skills and be better. As you go along your love of photography, invest in equipment that will add to the quality of your work. Happy clicking!