Can anyone share some few photography techniques that begginers could actually do?

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Permalink Reply by Michael on May 25, 2009 at 12:58am

It would of course help to know what type of photography you prefer. But here are a couple idea that will help you immediately. I also have a Canon 400D. I use a Canon 28-135 IS as my main carry around lens but keep my 18-55 kit handy for the wider angle when needed. 1. The 18-55 non IS lens that came with our camera is best at f/8-11. You will also get good results at f/7.1. Beyond that the photo will start to look a little flat. 2. Use a tripod as much as possible (almost always).
3. Use exposure braketing +/- to ensure that you get the best exposure every time until you get good enough that you don't need to do that any longer. 3. If you are not good with a photo editing program work on becoming good with one. Post processing is a large part of getting the finish product you want. 4. When framing a photo be aware of everything that will be in the photo. "If it doesn't add to the photo it with steal from the photo". 5. If you take a landscape photo it will be best if it has "layers" Front, middle, back, or foreground, subject, and background. With you shoot landscapes try to have at least three layers. Four is even better (foreground, subject, background, and beautiful sky). 6. When taking landscape photo shoot during the magic hours (sun coming up or going down). 7. If you are shooting a portrait fill the frame and remember again "If it doesn't add to the photo it with steal from the photo". So avoid distractions in "All" your photos. 8. Composition is king. Anything can make a good photo if the composition is good. 9. If composition is king then "Creativity" is queen". In order for your photos to stand out they must express a creative part of you. 10. Light is the paint that writes upon the canvas. Photography literally means writing with light. learn to use light effectively. The better you get with these things the better your photos will get. I have been into photography for almost two years and the better I have gotten with these things the better my photo have gotten. I have not yet mastered them but I am convinced this is the right path to take.

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Permalink Reply by Maeda on May 25, 2009 at 5:34am

Very much thanks to you! :D i'll include this in my notes. haha!

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Permalink Reply by Ryan on May 25, 2009 at 1:29am

Taking Photos: Imagine a composition (angle, object placement, those) and take photos based on that. Or you can simply see stuff around you and just try to see em from different angles (you might look funny doing that, but you'll get better shots lol).

Using Photoshop: Easiest way is just play with the Curves in Photoshop, Maeda. You can also try the Selective Color to dramatically change the looks of your photos ;-)

Have fun! :-D

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Permalink Reply by Maeda on May 25, 2009 at 5:33am

I noticed that too, about the angles. I took a macro picture of a watch and I took a lot of shots by just using various angles. Problem is, a lot of them are good so now I just couldn't decide which one should I keep. I just ended up deleting the whole thing though. haha! Using a photoshop is a great idea. Do you have any good photoshops that you would recommend? :D

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Permalink Reply by J Lee Gibbons on May 25, 2009 at 8:01am

Ok Macro...

Some people often forget the need for good lighting when shooting macro (I shoot underwater Macro in my spare time) and lighting is key. Its one thing shooting a subject close up but if it doesnt "pop" then the image will be weak. To echo Michaels comment above about filling the frame, this i vital in macro (however y ou will normally find the closeness of shooting will achieve this anyway.
Dont forget to think about the depth of field. This has impact on the final image and of course focusing. When shooting macro and choosing shallow depth of field (wide apertures) the smallest movement when shooting can through the main point of focus, out of focus. Also, distance to subject and focal length play a big part in depth of field - the closer you are and the longer the focal length, the les depth of field you will get - therefore macro inherently gives you shallow depth of field. this is a very pleasing effect but as mentioned be careful about the focusing.
Moving back to lighting, if you are really serious about macro then a wise investment will be a macro ring flash. This eliminate harsh directional shadows. However, very good effects can be created using a standard strobe - I would advise to not use the pop up flash if at all possible but this WILL work with some subjects. Off camera flash allows you to decide where shadows will be and to a certain extent (depending on the light source and quality) the softness of the shadows too. A ring flash again will eliminate shadows (good for the folding petals on a flower).
Do not forget backlighting also - this works very well with thing objects such as leaves and some petals - it will allow you to illuminate the subject without using a flash directed onto the main surface.

Again the above i general advise and to further advise you it helps to know exactly WHAT kind of macro photography you like. Flowers, animals, abstract etc etc all have different approaches.

Above all, experiment with lighting - as with all photography this is the key. A good macro shot is sharp where it should be and nicely lit. Do a search for macro photos and see the good ones and I guarantee you the lighting and focus is what separates them from the rest.

As far as post processing in PS goes, there are limitless possibilities, but remember - a well taken shot will eliminate the need to do much processing.

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Permalink Reply by Maeda on May 25, 2009 at 8:39pm

Thank you J Lee! Usually when I do my macro shots, I often get satisfied that I don't even have to process them through photoshop. I've been also experimenting the adjustments of the DOF and also the lighting, i usually use my mini maglight, sometimes the huge one and i also wrap it around with tissue so the texture of the light becomes more smoother. I can't really explain in that well. haha! I don't usually take a picture of animals but I'm always trying to aim for something unique, maybe like abstract or something... Anyway, thanks for your advice! :) I appreciate it! :D

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Permalink Reply by steve moon on May 25, 2009 at 8:14am

the best advise I can offer i the same self taught road I took.If you not schooled. I spent endless hours in barnes and noble, borders and online. I would grab 10 photography books and some coffee sit in a corner and go thru all. Start with learning and understanding light, then exposure, aperture. I would believe you have a basic knowledge of photography. my daughter (6 ) love the bookstore so it helped . we would just hang out and read. If you like a book buy it. its all free up until then. I buy books the have iso, aperture and shutter speed, as well as lighting set ups. hen you can see how it was done and do it yourself
Hope that helps
peace
Steve

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Permalink Reply by Maeda on May 25, 2009 at 8:40pm

Hi Steve. I've also been doing that, the thing you were talking about the bookstore. But, sadly I haven't found a book here that helps me in lighting set ups. That's why I'm here in PS! :D But I'll still try to look around. :) Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Scott Lazuka on May 25, 2009 at 11:56am

If you're into macro, make yourself a cheap macro lens, use a 50mm lens and take another one, tape it backwards onto the front of the other one, it has no metering really after that, and your focusing is moving the camera back and forth, but you'd be blown away by the results.

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Permalink Reply by J Lee Gibbons on May 25, 2009 at 1:02pm

Very interesting - I will try this too

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Permalink Reply by Maeda on May 25, 2009 at 8:31pm

i saw a video of this. :) it's kinda fun!

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