When given the opportunity to seek advice from a professional photographer or photography teacher, most beginners ask about the “right” camera or the “best” lens, or the “biggest tip” on how to become 50 times better in no time. Such questions seem quite logical when you first pick up a camera.
But the budding amateur photographer should stay away from these questions... at least for a while. Photographic equipment is important and you will learn a lot from the pros useful tips, but it is necessary to keep priority things.
Follow these seven tips and start your photography journey on the right foot.
First train ride. Photo credit: Spragues
1. Education is primary, technology is secondary
You know what they say, “spend your money on experiences, not on things.” Scientific research support this statement. The point is that even a fleeting experience will remain part of your personality, and not just an object that you own.
This is not only great advice for life, but also a completely underrated recommendation for photographers. When choosing between a brand new camera or lens and a workshop or trip to an amazing place, most beginners will choose technology. Don't make this mistake.
Attend good seminars or go on photo tours to unfamiliar places. Famed National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson once said, “If you want to be the best photographer“Be where something interesting is happening.”
The Canon EOS-1D X won't do you any good if you don't know how to use it... and unless you have something in your yard that needs to be photographed at 14 frames per second. Spend money on education, gain experience, forget about camera equipment for a while.
New profile photo. Photo by: Valentin Kouba
2. Shoot for yourself, not for others.
If you're shooting with the goal of creating something similar to other popular images, getting likes or comments, then you're not on the right track. This applies to all forms of art, especially when you are a beginner. Your main audience is yourself.
Shoot what you love. Focus on the things that inspire you. This should bring you joy first and foremost. People will notice and appreciate your creativity and individuality.
Little photographer. Photo by: Jaromir Chalabala
3. Create artificial limits for yourself
One of the best ways For a beginner, improving skills means limiting yourself. It is possible in the genre, but now we are talking about technology.
Try shooting exclusively with your smartphone for a month and see how your ability to visualize the composition of a shot changes when you stop worrying about image quality. Or limit yourself to one lens for two or three months, and you will notice how your understanding of focal length grows by leaps and bounds.
Limits are one of the best ways to grow. Intentional boundaries in the use of equipment, shooting only in certain time days, black and white photography for a month is great options artificial borders.
An effective way to develop your skill is to master new facets of the craft, setting limits for yourself.
Shoot me, photographer! Photo by: Vadim Trunov
4. Find your niche
This is the first piece of advice I give to every newbie, although they rarely listen to it.
Every aspiring photographer dreams of Jimmy Chin, Steve McCurry, Henri Cartier Bresson and Paul Nicklen simultaneously appearing in his face. But you cannot become a master at the same time in street and travel photography, in the portrait genre and in photography wildlife...or you can, but someday later, not right away.
Experiment with various directions photographic art, there is no need to make a choice instantly. But once you find what you like best, focus on that. You will be surprised how much your growth will accelerate when you let go of the obsessive need to do everything.
Determine your specialization. Find your own niche and focus on it. Explore the depth of your genre instead of covering everything superficially.
Nothing to lose. Photo by: Pedro Quintela
5. Slow down
One of the things we've lost with the explosion of digital photography is the recognition of the value of time spent. When you can fit up to 1000 RAW images on a memory card, why not set it to burst mode and record 14 frames per second, right? No, that's not right.
Yes, sometimes speed really helps to capture a great shot, but it’s reminiscent of the saying: “Even a blind squirrel can accidentally find an acorn.” Don't be a blind squirrel. Learn to breathe calmly, scout the area, carefully compose the shot, and shoot patiently.
Pressing the shutter should be the culmination of thought and preparation. Are you planning a composition that you would like to capture? Reconnoiter the area in advance and determine best time days or even a season to take a photo? Do you evaluate the filming potential of the scene you saw without even being on set?
Digital photography has brought with it a lot of possibilities and we do not suggest abandoning it. Just start shooting as if your camera was loaded with a roll of 36 frames of film. Slow down, it's worth it.
Young Buddhist monks. Photo by: Saravut Intarob
6. Join the community
Choose the community you like and join 500px or Facebook or Google+ or others.
Joining a group of amateur photographers has undeniable advantages. They are more likely to point out mistakes you have made, or offer interesting perspectives that you yourself might not have guessed about.
It's also incredibly rewarding to share your love of photography with other photographers and the world. Without getting bogged down in popularity contests, keep filming for yourself. But in the community, your professionalism will begin to grow faster.
Let's assume that you already have a camera, otherwise it will be useful for you to read the material “Anti-marketing. Choosing a good, but formally outdated camera” - there you will learn how to buy a good camera and not overpay. And here I will talk about what shutter speed, aperture, ISO are and how they differ different modes shooting.
1. What is exposure?
Roughly speaking, exposure is the amount of light that the camera's sensor receives. Or a film that you are unlikely to use at all. And exposure is the process of exposure itself. And the amount of light depends on the exposure time and the level of illumination, which is regulated by shutter speed, aperture and matrix sensitivity. To make it easier for you to understand the difference in exposure, remember the concept of “step”.
2. What is shutter speed?
Shutter speed in photography has nothing to do with calmness and tolerance. This is the period of time during which the shutter is open and light enters the matrix. In most cases, shutter speed is very short and is measured in seconds and fractions of a second. On the camera screen, the value 60 corresponds to 1/60th of a second. In general, there is a standard series of shutter speeds in one-step increments: 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000 s. Each subsequent step reduces the amount of light entering the matrix by half. Four times is two steps. Eight times – three steps, and so on.
They will tell and show novice photographers how to properly hold a SLR camera, correctly set up the camera in different conditions photography, how to beautifully place objects in the frame and much more that you need to know to learn how to take beautiful photographs.
However, you should remember that free lessons photography for beginners is not wand. Neither photography lessons, nor teachers at a paid photography school, nor a certificate of photography courses, nor a diploma in photography will make you a master of photography if you spend more time on theory than practice!
Achieving success in learning photography is very simple - take a lot of photographs, everywhere, in different conditions, and only occasionally, but regularly study the theory of photography!
Photography lesson 1
How to hold a camera correctly
You'd be surprised how many amateur photographers don't know the basics of using a camera and still can't figure out why their photos don't look great! Many of them are already adults, having graduated from school long ago and even received higher education. Is it worth spending time learning things that everyone understands?
Photography lesson 2
How to press the shutter button correctly
Using “recompose” photography is the most important object in the photograph will always be the sharpest, this is how professional photographers shoot. But sometimes it can be difficult to capture the climax of the events being photographed, especially if you photograph with a camera with a long shutter delay. You can reduce the shutter lag...
Photography lesson 3
Aperture priority or shutter priority?
Is it better to use aperture priority or shutter priority? The answer is simple - it depends on what you photograph! In Tv or S shutter priority mode, the ability to shoot a moving subject without blur will increase. On the other hand, if you want the background of the photo to be blurred, select Av (A) mode - aperture priority. However, in this case you may need a photo tripod.
Photography lesson 4
Part one
What is depth of field and how to control depth of field
If you look closely at a photograph where there are objects located at different distances from the camera lens, you will notice that with the exception of the main subject, some objects, both in front and behind the main subject, are also quite sharp... or, on the contrary, blurry.
Part two
Lens focal length and blurred background. First rule of depth of field
What is the focal length of a lens. What is the angle of view of the lens. What is the relationship between the viewing angle of the lens, focal length and depth of field (blurring the background in a photograph). Press the lens focal length buttons and watch how the depth of field changes depending on the focal length of the lens
Part three
Blurred background and lens aperture. Second rule of depth of field
In this Depth of Field tutorial, you will learn about a more powerful tool for changing Depth of Field. To see what a photo will look like with a closed aperture, use the aperture repeater - a button by pressing which you can forcefully close the aperture to a set value and evaluate the depth of field before taking a photo. Lens aperture switch buttons below the picture
Photography lesson 5
Basics of composition in photography
Please remember how you felt when you looked at a masterfully shot shot? What attracted your attention to the photograph? It's hard to answer this question, isn't it? The thing is that a well-taken photograph attracts your attention on a subconscious level...
Photography lesson 6
Taking a portrait
Portrait is perhaps the most important type of photography. Not because if the photo is unsuccessful, the model may be offended, or even... :-) Because the portrait reflects not only external feature subject - a good portrait photograph always conveys the mood or feelings of the model.
Photography Lesson 7
Landscape and macro photography
Landscape and photography from a very close distance - what can they have in common? Landscape photography is the opposite of portrait photography, in the sense that everything in the frame must be sharp. For landscape and macro photography, it is better to use compact cameras with a small matrix...
Photography Lesson 8
Panorama photography
Panoramic photography is a relatively new and very effective mode available only in compact digital cameras. However, even if your camera doesn't have a panorama mode, you can still take a great panoramic photo.
Photography lesson 9
Correct exposure
Correct exposure is very important for taking a good photograph - it is the most important component of the technical quality of a photograph. Since the artistry of a photograph is partly a subjective assessment of the image (there are no comrades in taste and color, as they say), the class of the photographer determines his ability to take a frame with the correct exposure in any lighting conditions...
Photography Lesson 10
Equivalent exposure pairs
Let's imagine that you are shooting a portrait and you need a minimum depth of field - you open the aperture completely. To obtain the correct exposure of a photograph for the selected aperture, you need to select the shutter speed. Now, let’s imagine that we went into the shadows. The light has become less - the photographic conditions have changed... Will we guess the correct camera settings or take test shots?
Photography Lesson 11
What is ISO in photography and camera?
Do you know that depending on the characteristics of a particular camera and lens, the available shutter speed and aperture values change, and it may happen that you will not be able to select a suitable exposure pair. If you do not have the opportunity to set the correct exposure pair, you will not be able to get a correctly exposed frame: o(What should you do? Will the frame be ruined by incorrect exposure?
Photography Lesson 12
How to take photos with flash
Why does the built-in flash often turn on in an automatic machine when there is already so much light? Do you know why using the built-in flash in a dark room is not the best option? best idea? How to eliminate the main disadvantages of the built-in flash and how to use an on-camera (external) flash...
Photography Lesson 13
Photography in unusual conditions
How to properly photograph a sunset. How to photograph fireworks or a carousel. Have you been told that you can’t take pictures against the Sun? You can get great photos when shooting against the Sun if you learn how to use...
Photography Lesson 14
Camera settings: manual mode M or SCN?
Many amateur digital cameras They do not have a manual shooting mode M and therefore do not allow you to manually adjust the camera. But, there are camera settings that allow you to get around this drawback... But even if your camera has a mode designated by the letter M and you want to quickly master it, then this photography lesson will be especially useful for you - I will explain the logic of choosing exposure settings for often encountering stories.
Photography Lesson 15
What is white balance?
Have you seen color photographs in which all the colors came out with some kind of yellowish or bluish tint? You might think that this camera is not good enough... or something is broken in it... :o) In fact, any working camera (even the most expensive one that shoots in AWB mode can take such photos. It's all about the mysterious for a beginner, a setting that professional photographers often shorten to two letters - BB...
And yet: how to photograph your first photo masterpiece. Application of these simple rules And practical advice photography will very soon allow you to photograph your first photo masterpiece.
Photography has become an art, a fashionable hobby and everyday practice. Most take photos for social networks on smartphones, many take photographs with professional and semi-professional cameras. Modern high-quality photography requires special knowledge and skills.
We have selected the best free online video tutorials on photography for beginners. self-study from scratch at home. Master classes and advice from practicing masters.
How easy it is to learn photography
The success of the shot depends on the photographer, and not on the high cost of the camera and related equipment. The path to the perfect photo lies in finding an interesting subject, beautiful light, a creative approach, and the ability to properly set up the camera and equipment.
Which camera to choose. Detailed instructions
The first step towards quality work is choosing a camera. The world of megapixels, matrices, apertures, shutter speeds and lenses seems confusing and complex at first. A newcomer is hit by a squall technical characteristics, which is difficult to navigate on your own. What should you pay attention to first? A short video about the types of cameras, operating principles and advantages of the models will help you approach the choice of equipment consciously.
Manual shooting mode. Photography for Beginners
Having decided to become a professional, it's time to go beyond the automatic shooting mode and master the manual one. Understanding the camera structure and operating processes helps you quickly understand the intricacies of manual settings. We offer detailed video lesson, where for clarity and memorization internal structure cameras and their operation are compared with by the human eye. No complicated terms at the intersection of anatomy and photography. The video shows examples of settings and results.
Composition in photography
The success of a photo depends 80% on composition. Knowledge and Application special rules create depth, space and volume in photography. Using compositional techniques, professionals are able to manipulate the viewer’s gaze, draw attention to the desired object and create a certain mood. Remember the law of linear perspective from the drawing course at school? The master class will complement school knowledge with two more types of perspectives: aerial and tonal, and will also demonstrate other ways to get a balanced shot.
Focusing. Master class for beginners
Knowledge of the basics of composition is not enough for a good frame composition. Due to camera and hand shake, improper focusing, the image may be blurry. Masters prefer manual adjustment; the frame is as clear as possible. The author of the video notes more than fifty focus points. Each photographer decides which method to choose individually and experimentally.
The main mistakes in working with light
Proper lighting guarantees bright shots. Before each shutter click, it is recommended to monitor the light sources and its quality. The results of errors with light are sharp shadows on the face, “dirty light”, greenish or faded skin color, “black holes” instead of body parts, blurred silhouettes. Lesson about correct location Light sources and objects in the frame will help improve the level and quality of work.
How to use an external flash
The design of modern flashes and their functionality are quite complex and are unlikely to be intuitively mastered. In the master class, blog host Mark Rybak talks about flash control, modes and buttons, reflectors and light diffusers, methods of shooting “through the ceiling,” “through walls,” and “head-on.” After watching the video, you will be able to adjust the flash depending on the width of the lens and focal length, the height and width of the room, and weather conditions. Learn to avoid overexposure of the frame, create glare in the eyes and achieve other professional effects.
Studio photography
When shooting in a studio, you can immediately see what kind of photographer he really is: an amateur or a professional. A true specialist is well acquainted with studio equipment and knows how to use it competently. There are several lighting schemes with one and several light sources that help to achieve harmonious images. The main thing is to place light sources and reflectors at the correct distance and point them in the right direction. The result is diffused light and soft shadows. The training video demonstrates a set of lighting patterns for different types filming
Taking a portrait on the street
Natural light shots can look vibrant and professional even without post-production. A few minutes spent learning the secrets of street photography will save you hours of work in Photoshop. The pro talks about the need to switch attention from location to light when choosing a location for shooting. How to learn to see the light? What hours are prohibited for outdoor photography? How to position the model relative to the incident light? You will learn the answers from a short video with an example of a successful portrait photograph taken on the street.
Lesson on macro photography
The macro photography genre allows you to see invisible world nature. Enlarged many times, plants and insects seem fabulous, and the frame attracts the eye for a long time. A master class on photographing the macro-universe is given by master Ilya Gomyranov: he teaches how to create interesting color patterns and dynamics, shows the equipment and necessary items for such a photo walk.
In my opinion, calling photo lessons or photo courses lessons/courses “for beginners” is quite funny... after all, professionals often do without much training. However, for professionals and the most “advanced” amateurs there are master classes, which will also be presented on our website in the future.
Choose a camera (be it a SLR camera or another), and then learn how to use it, understand the intricacies of constructing a composition in a frame, process them in Photoshop - figure it all out - our site will help you. Have you been looking for DSLR photography lessons? Stated in simple and understandable language? For free? You found them! Do you want to use your compact camera 100%? And we will try to help with this! After all, not everything depends on technology!
Of course, our recommendations and tips are not a panacea, and everyone who decides to devote their time to studying photography should understand this! However, determination, perseverance, and a thirst for creativity will be your helpers!
The main idea of this section is that the art of digital photography for beginners to learn it should be presented to the student in the best possible way - accessible, popular, systematized. All lessons on our website are free, on the one hand this is good, on the other hand you need self-motivation. I hope that you have it and that the lessons are free will only be a plus!
IN at the moment- Lessons cover the following topics:
Selecting a camera- a selection of articles will help you figure out which camera is right for you! Of course, attention is also paid to the choice of lens (if you decide to purchase a DSLR) and other photographic accessories.
Photography Basics, shooting techniques - this section combines materials intended primarily for “dummies” who are not yet very familiar with their camera and the “basics” of shooting, it is recommended for study - first of all! The information will be especially relevant for users SLR cameras. Here you will find information on how to work with your camera (DSLR, or digital point-and-shoot), and the basics of composition.
Composition- a subsection devoted to issues of composition in photography. After studying the digital photography lessons in this section, you can find out what beautiful photo- different from not very beautiful, and how to fix it! How to position the subject in the frame, from which side to shoot, and from which - no way in the world! Composition is the most important part of photography!
Practical advice for a photographer- this part of digital photography lessons will help both beginners and more experienced photographers - learn to put their knowledge into practice, bring their photo ideas to life! Richly illustrated articles - we hope that they will be understandable and interesting for you!
Later on our website there will be articles devoted to photo processing in graphic editors.
