6 tips for DSLR Camera Beginners
if you are an enthusiastic beginner photographer and you have just purchased a DSLR camera, getting to understand your gear is important before clicking your shutter button. We have listed 6 guideline tips to optimize and take full advantage of your new DSLR camera.
Tip# 1 Start with Auto-mode
You have been using probably basic point to shoot camera or your smartphone, now that you own a DSLR camera, we suggest to start shooting in auto-mode . This will help you to get comfortable with camera and also to figure out what settings (aperture. Shutter speed and ISO) the camera has choose for you assuming the photo is well exposed. Learning comes with a lot of practice.
Tip# 2) Learn to shoot in Aperture Priority
All camera has the “AV” mode. This is the Aperture priority (https://expertphotography.com/how-when-to-use-aperture-priority-mode/) to allow you to control the aperture of your lens, the size of the hole n which the light for through. Aperture will control the DOF (depth-of-field) or how your photo is in focus.
Imagine your throw a rock into a still water. The rings created around the impact spot represents how focus your photo is. Every object out of any ring will be out of focus. We model this using f-stop numbers:
Ok, it always been confusing that a small f-number is related to a larger aperture. If you know the origin of this notation, please post a comment below.
· A smaller f-stop number (f1.4) means to larger aperture. it is a shallow DOF (depth of field) or a tiny ring in the water. So your photo will be out of focus except around the subject. This uses such aperture to blur the background (‘bokeh' effect) .
· A larger f-stop (f16)number means a smaller aperture for a deep depth of field. this is a large ring around your subject in the water.
The photo for near to far is in focus. In fact, that what we do when we try to read tiny characters, we close our eyes to focus more. right? The same applies to your lens, you let the light to enter to a tiny hole.
Tip# 3 Spend time to read about other technical photography terms
We compile a short list for you to start. Nothing comes free and the best advice is to read tutorials, watch video on youtube to absorb the wonderful word of DSLR cameraT. Here are some to help you understand your camera better:
· Aperture: We just discuss this above,
· ISO: ISO is sensitivity level of the camera. such as in low light requires higher ISO, but your photo will have more noise.
· Shutter speed: it controls how sharp is your image (http://digital-photography-school.com/tips-for-using-shutter-speed-creatively/). You need to get a silky effect on your waterfall subject; slow down your shutter speed. You are shooting a sport action, you need a fast shutter speed to freeze the scene.
· Aspect Ratio: Read the manual instruction of your camera. This is the shape and dimension of a photograph . Basics formats are 3:2, 4:3, 16:9.
· White Balance: it controls how your camera corrects colors if you are shooting indoor with flashes or outdoor.
Tip# 4. Shoot in RAW
RAW is a native camera file format . It’s not compressed; so it contains much more data that your camera has captured. Yes, the file size is much larger than a jpeg. Photoshop, Aperture or Lightroom handles any RAW camera files.
Post-processing a RAW will give you more editing options such as adjusting white balance, contrast, exposure, shares, noise, saturation and so on…
Tip# 5. Share your photos on social media
What the point to take photos and leave them on your hard drive. One day, it will be lost.
Upload your photo on social media such as Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/terrificshotphotography/ )or Flickr ). Not only this site offers feedback but you use it as a storage backup.
spend time on this site to look for inspiration. You’ll notice that this becomes easier the more you shoot. Or look on Flickr, Digital Photography School forum (http://digital-photography-school.com/), Pinterest or a favorite magazine?
Tip# 6. Learn how to compose your photo
Gears does not matter once you have learned the technical aspects. What makes a great photo is a great composition and the message behind it. Does it tell a story? Does the photo intriguing to the audience?
Learn the Rule of Thirds in photography: Visualize your photo as 9 equal parts horizontally and vertically (BTW, your DSLR camera can even display a grid in your viewfinder) and do not place the subject in the center.
if you shoot people, you must learn about how to pose them. Check our blog entry about the Art of taking the best Headshot Portrait
The beauty of photography is that it forces you to get out there. We will heard the first 10,000 photos are the worst. it requires time, patience, effort to snap the best photos instantly.
Practice and passion are the key ingredients to become a better photographer.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below
Cheers,
Herve