What You Need to Master to Become a Truly Great Photographer

Photography Tips

Becoming a great photographer is a lot harder than most people think. It requires a lot of insight, practice, and understanding of what photography actually is. This article provides some essential photography tips to help you learn more about what you actually need to do to enhance your photography skills. There are a number of different variables, but instead of trying to learn about them collectively, it is advised that you try to separate them completely and study them one by one.

“Getting the Shot” captured by Zach Dischner

Plan Your Composition

Before you even pick up your camera, you need to know exactly what it is that you want to photograph. You have to sit down and think about what you want the viewers to see in a particular photo. This should include the main subject, as well as the secondary subjects, and how viewers will look at them. You have to set up a picture that will result in an easy flow when looking at it.

“Passau Through the Viewfinder” captured by Thomas

Know Your Subject

If there is a model who needs photographs for a portfolio, but she is camera shy and nervous, you need to take measures that will make her more comfortable in front of the camera. A very well known method of doing this is to take random and natural pictures of her when she is not looking right into the camera. This will make her a little relaxed and easier to work with.

“Street Portrait” captured by Christophe Leung

Control the Light

Controlling light is easy to do when you’re shooting indoors in a studio. All of the equipment required to control the lighting is readily available. However, lighting is much more difficult when you are outdoors, where the sun is shining and there is no apparent way to control the natural light. Not everyone is a world famous photographer that has an entire crew moving around with them at all times. But there’s not really any reason to worry because if you want to take great outdoor shots, all you need to do is bring your basic umbrella along with you or use the trees and other types of natural elements to control the lighting.

“Wedding Portrait Behind the Scenes” captured by Louish Pixel

Know Your Equipment

Like most endeavors, if you want to become good at something, you have to practice. Try using your camera as much as possible at any chance you get. This will enable you to become more comfortable with it. If you’re shooting digital, you can take as many photos as you want without any extra monetary cost. This is a great way to analyze your own work and realize the areas of strength and weaknesses. You’ll learn from your mistakes as you review your photos.

About the Author:
Originally from Kent in south east England, David Fleet (davidfleetphotography dot com) spent much of his childhood in the Midlands. David studied law at University in Sheffield from 2003 – 2006 and then traveled the world for a year, visiting South Africa, Argentina, Peru, USA, Canada, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and The Philippines. Inspired by photographing his travels and wanting to capture better images, David entered an intense period of self-study which continues to this day.