Alright, let’s talk about the basics of photography.
First of all, don’t forget to take off your lens cap. I know it’s easy to forget, especially if you’re as forgetful as I am. But trust me, there’s nothing like getting home and realizing all your shots are just black rectangles.
And if you’re shooting with a digital camera, make sure you’ve got enough memory space. You don’t want to miss capturing that perfect shot of your cat doing a backflip just because your camera ran out of space.
Enough joking around…
So, you want to know what photography is for beginners? Well, let me tell you, it’s not just pointing a camera at something and clicking the button (although that’s what I thought it was for the first 21 years of my life).
No, no, no! It’s much more complicated than that.
You have to consider lighting, composition, focus, depth of field, and don’t even get me started on the technical jargon. But hey, if you’re into taking pictures of flowers and your cat, then go for it! It’s still photography, just the simpler kind.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of photography basics.
Camera Types
When it comes to photography, there are many different types of cameras to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.
One of the most popular types of cameras is the digital single-lens reflex camera or DSLR, which is known for its high-quality images and interchangeable lenses. Another popular option is the mirrorless camera, which offers great image quality, portability and speed. Other types of cameras include point-and-shoot cameras, compact system cameras, and instant cameras, each with their own unique features and benefits.
Understanding the different types of cameras can help you make an informed decision when investing in your photography equipment.
DSLR cameras
DSLR cameras, also known as digital single-lens reflex cameras, are among the most popular types of cameras among photographers. Unlike point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs allow users to swap lenses, providing more control over the final image.
They also feature larger sensors, resulting in higher quality images with better color and detail. DSLRs offer manual controls over focus, aperture, and shutter speed, allowing photographers to fine-tune settings for the perfect shot. They’re also compatible with a wide range of accessories, such as external flashes, tripods, and filters. Though they’re more complex to operate than other cameras, the rewards of good photography are well worth the effort.
Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are an exciting development in the world of photography. Unlike traditional DSLR cameras, these cameras do not use a mirror to reflect light into the viewfinder. Instead, they use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or an LCD screen to show the image being captured. This means that mirrorless cameras are generally smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts.
In addition, mirrorless cameras offer a variety of features such as autofocus, video recording, and in-camera image stabilization. They are also becoming increasingly popular among both amateur and professional photographers due to their versatility and ease of use.
Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Oh, point-and-shoot cameras, the foolproof option for capturing memories without the hassle of adjusting a bunch of settings. They’re like the culinary equivalent of microwaving a frozen dinner – sure, it gets the job done, but where’s the fun in that?
Point-and-shoot cameras are popular for their easy-to-use interface and compact design, making them great for everyday use. These cameras are perfect for beginners or those who don’t want to get bogged down with a lot of complicated settings.
They are usually affordable and come with a range of useful features like automatic focus, zoom, and flash. The image quality of a point-and-shoot camera has improved a lot over the years, but it still cannot match the versatility and image quality of a DSLR camera.
However, with technological advancements, some high-end point-and-shoot cameras are equipped with manual control options, enabling users to take expert-level shots without the bulk and expense of a DSLR.
Camera Settings
ISO Settings
ISO settings in photography refer to the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light. A higher ISO setting results in a brighter image, but it also increases the amount of digital noise in the image. On the other hand, a lower ISO setting results in a darker image but with less noise.
ISO settings are useful in low-light situations where the camera’s automatic settings may not provide the desired results. It’s important to note that adjusting the ISO is just one of the many factors that affect the overall exposure of the photo. Other factors include aperture and shutter speed.
Aperture Settings
Aperture settings refer to the size of the opening in the camera lens where light passes through. It can be adjusted based on the amount of light and the depth of field desired. A larger aperture opening allows more light to enter, making the picture brighter and creating a shallow depth of field – where the background is blurred and the subject focuses on the front.
On the other hand, a smaller aperture opening lets less light in, resulting in a darker picture. This setting creates a deeper depth of field where both the subject and background are in focus. Aperture settings are an essential tool in photography, which can significantly affect the overall look of an image.
Shutter Speed Settings
Shutter speed settings? More like the settings that make or break your perfect shot.
It’s like trying to catch a moving target with a slingshot, only the slingshot is your camera and the target is a hyperactive squirrel.
Set your shutter speed too high and you’ll freeze time like a superhero with superpowers. But set it too low, and suddenly every photo looks like a blurry mess fit for a 5-year-old with shaky hands. It’s a balancing act that requires the precision of a ninja and the patience of a saint. But hey, when you finally get that perfect shot, it’s like winning the lottery – minus the money.
Composition and Framing
Congratulations, you’re one step closer to becoming a professional Instagram influencer!
Just kidding, but seriously, learning how to frame your pictures properly can take your photos to the next level. It’s not just about sticking your subject in the middle of the frame and calling it a day.
No, no, no. You’ve got to consider things like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and balance. And if all that sounds overwhelming, just remember: a little bit of experimentation and a whole lot of luck can go a long way in the world of photography.
Rule of Thirds
Okay, so remember that time your friend took a photo of you and you ended up being smack dab in the center of the pic? Not the most flattering, right?
Well, that’s where the Rule of Thirds comes in!
Basically, it’s a guideline for where to place your subject in a photo.
Imagine a tic-tac-toe board on top of your image. You want your subject to fall on one of the four points where the lines intersect. This way, the eye is naturally drawn to the subject and the photo looks more balanced. Plus, it just looks more visually appealing.
Give it a try next time you snap a pic and see for yourself!
Symmetry
Okay, so basically, symmetry is when something is the same on both sides. You know, like when you fold a piece of paper and both sides match up perfectly? Or when you put a mirror in front of something and the reflection looks exactly like the original thing?
That’s symmetry at work! It’s all about balance and harmony.
We see symmetry all over the place in nature – from snowflakes to flowers to butterfly wings. Even our own bodies have a degree of symmetry (although let’s face it, no one’s body is perfectly symmetrical!). So there you go, a little crash course in symmetry.
Leading Lines
If you’re looking to kick your photography game up a notch, you gotta start paying attention to leading lines! They can be found pretty much anywhere – roads, buildings, even tree branches.
These lines help guide your viewer’s eyes through your photo, creating a sense of depth and structure. And the best part? You don’t need to have a fancy camera to make use of them! Just keep an eye out for the lines around you and try different angles to really make them pop.
Trust me, once you start incorporating leading lines into your shots, you won’t be able to stop!
Depth of Field
Focusing techniques are essential skills to master in photography, as they can make or break your images.
One important aspect of focusing involves the concept of depth of field. It refers to the area in your image that appears sharp and is in focus. Understanding depth of field can help you create more visually appealing photographs by emphasizing the subject and creating a sense of depth.
There are several techniques you can use to achieve the desired depth of field, including adjusting your aperture, using a specific lens, or focusing on a specific point in the scene. By mastering these techniques, you can create professional-looking photos with stunning depth of field.
Lighting Techniques
Natural Light
Understanding natural light is key to achieving successful photography. Natural light varies depending on the time of day, season, and location, which can dramatically affect the appearance of a subject.
The sun’s position can determine the direction and intensity of light, resulting in different shadows and color temperatures. Properly utilizing natural light requires observation and adjustment to achieve the desired effect.
Knowing how to manipulate natural light can create depth, dimension, and mood in an image. Recognizing the different qualities of natural light and how to work with them is fundamental in capturing stunning photographs.
Artificial Light
Have you ever thought about how all the lights we use aren’t actually natural light?
Yeah, it’s called artificial light, and it’s pretty important for us to understand.
Basically, it’s any light that we create ourselves, through stuff like light bulbs or candles. It’s super useful, don’t get me wrong – where would we be without lamps and streetlights? But it can kind of mess with our bodies if we’re not careful.
Like, blue-light-based artificial light can really affect our sleep, and too much overall can even mess with our overall health. So, while we rely on it constantly, we’ve gotta be aware of how much and what types we’re using.
Soft Light vs. Hard Light
Let’s talk about soft light versus hard light.
So, basically, soft light is when the lighting is all diffused and gentle, making shadows less harsh and features less defined. It gives off a cozy vibe, perfect for those moody selfies. On the other hand, hard light is super bright and direct, casting sharp shadows and making everything look more dramatic.
It’s great for accentuating textures and creating contrast. But hey, you gotta be careful with hard light, it can be super harsh on the eyes, and no one wants to look like they’ve just stepped out of a horror movie. So there you have it, folks. When it comes to lighting, soft or hard, it all depends on the mood you’re trying to create.
Post-Processing
Post-processing is a crucial step in the world of photography.
This refers to the editing and enhancement of digital images using software applications. It allows photographers to enhance the visual appeal of their images and fix any issues or problems such as poor lighting, color correction, and blemishes.
Post-processing also provides a creative outlet for photographers to translate their vision into reality, whether it’s adjusting the saturation and contrast to create a moody atmosphere or adding filters and effects for a more stylized look. Through post-processing, photographers can transform raw images into stunning, professional-quality photographs.
Editing Software
Good examples of editing software include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
Adobe Premiere Pro is a widely-used editing software that has a wide range of tools and features for professional video editing. It also offers seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop and After Effects.
Final Cut Pro is a popular editing software for Mac users that offers advanced video editing tools and a user-friendly interface. It has been used to edit major Hollywood films like The Social Network and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
DaVinci Resolve is a powerful editing software that is commonly used for color correction, but also offers advanced editing tools and features. It is a great option for professional video editors and is available for both Mac and Windows users.
Other examples of good editing software include Avid Media Composer, Lightworks, and Sony Vegas Pro. The choice of editing software ultimately depends on the user’s needs and preferences, but these programs offer excellent options for video editing at different levels of expertise and budget.
Color Correction
Color correction is the process of modifying the colors of an image or video to achieve a desired look or to fix color issues such as incorrect white balance or color casts.
This can be done manually by adjusting the hue, saturation, brightness, or contrast of individual color channels, or through the use of color grading tools like LUTs or curves.
Correcting colors is important because it can greatly affect the overall mood and feel of a visual production. It can be used to enhance certain colors or tones, create a specific style or look, or even mimic the look of a different time of day or season. Effective color correction can greatly improve the visual impact of images and videos.
Contrast and Saturation
Contrast and saturation are two different attributes used to modify the appearance of an image. Contrast refers to the difference between the light and dark areas of an image, where a higher contrast will result in more dramatic changes between these areas.
Saturation, on the other hand, is the intensity of color within an image, where higher saturation will result in more vibrant and bold colors. These two attributes can be used together to enhance the overall look of an image, but too much of either can lead to an unnatural or unrealistic appearance. When used properly, contrast and saturation can help to bring out the details and emotions within an image and create a more visually striking final product.
Photography Genres (Type of Photography)
Photography genres encompass all aspects of photography that is used to communicate a message, highlight a certain image or narrative. The diverse nature of photography genres provides various platforms for professional and amateur photographers worldwide to put their skills to use.
One of the most popular genres is portraiture: capturing the images of individuals that convey a unique story and the essence of the person. Landscape photography involves capturing the beauty of natural surroundings through the lens of the camera. Street photography captures candid images of people in public spaces and tells a story about everyday life. Finally, wildlife photography is an art of exploring the world of animals and highlighting the beauty of the natural world.
Portrait Photography
Portraiture as a photography genre requires photographers to focus on the people that they capture. A variety of themes can be utilised, including beauty, expression, age, emotions, and character. The photographer needs to have excellent communication skills to make the subject feel comfortable and relaxed, allowing them to give their natural expressions.
Landscape Photography
Landscape Photography is a photographic art that captures the beauty of nature’s wonders. The photographer uses their skill and artistic eye to produce awe-inspiring images such as mountains, lakes, forests, and sunsets. The photographer focuses on the arrangement of objects, colour, and exposure, which can give a sense of calmness and serenity in the image.
Street Photography
Street Photography depicts the daily activities of people on the street or public places. This genre usually involves shooting in black and white, reflecting the rawness of the environment. A good street photographer should be able to capture the unexpected and mundane, creating a story that engages the viewer.
Wildlife Photography
Wildlife Photography is the art that focuses on capturing the animals in their natural habitat. In this genre, the photographer showcases the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom. The photographer needs to have significant patience, excellent timing and an understanding of the behaviour of the animals they are photographing.
Portraiture, Landscape Photography, Street Photography, and Wildlife photography are some of the most popular genres that require unique skills and a keen artistic eye.
Photography Accessories
Photography accessories are essential tools that can help to enhance your photography skills and get the best out of your camera.
Tripods are among the most crucial accessories for any photographer, as they help to keep your camera stable, allowing you to capture sharp, high-quality images.
Camera bags, on the other hand, are designed to provide a safe and convenient way to store and transport your camera equipment. These bags come in a variety of styles and sizes, from basic backpacks to more extensive rolling bags.
Lenses are also an important accessory in photography, as they help to shape and modify the way you capture images. Whether you’re looking for a wide-angle lens, telephoto lens, or a zoom lens, there are plenty of options available to suit all types of photography styles and needs.
Other accessories such as filters, flash units, and memory cards can also help to enhance your photography experience and enable you to capture stunning images.
Investing in the right photography accessories can be a game-changer for your photography journey, so take the time to research and choose the best options for your specific needs.
Conclusion and Further Resources
Photography is a popular hobby and profession that requires foundational knowledge of its key concepts.
Exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and composition are some of the essential concepts that one needs to be aware of in order to take good pictures. Exposure refers to the amount of light hitting the camera sensor, while aperture is the opening in the lens through which light enters. Shutter speed is the duration of time that the camera takes to capture an image, and ISO signifies the sensitivity of the camera to light. Composition involves positioning the subject and arranging the elements in the image.
Additionally, learning about lighting, color, and post-processing techniques can further enhance the quality of photographs.
There are several resources available to learn photography, such as online courses, books, and workshops that cover these key concepts in detail. The popular online photography courses are Udemy, Skillshare, and Coursera. The books authored by Ansel Adams, Bryan Peterson, and many more provide several valuable insights too. Finally, attending workshops and collaborating with experienced photographers can also help to refine photography skills.
Leave a Reply