Photography Basics and Tips:

Photography is a creative and powerful art form that allows us to tell stories and portray artistic visions. Doing it correctly can enhance these abilities. Whether you are a photographic enthusiast or a beginner with a DSLR, understanding the fundamentals of photography is essential for developing your skills and ultimately the images you capture.

Elevating your photography involves paying attention to fine details that contribute to the overall quality and impact of your images. In this month’s blog, I’ll be sharing some basic elements and tips that played a crucial role in my journey as a photographer, with the hope they will assist you with your own image-making skills. Here are my top ten photography basics and tips:

1. Understand Your Camera: Each camera is a unique tool, with distinct features and controls. My photographic journey began with a compact Olympus camera, and I've since transitioned to a Mirrorless Sony camera. The shift isn't just about shape and size—it involves mastering the intricacies of controls that significantly impact your ability to capture stunning images.

Over the years, I've learned the importance of patience in familiarizing myself with a new camera. Despite my initial eagerness to dive in, ignoring the manual proved to be a limitation. This oversight becomes more pronounced when switching between camera brands, as unfamiliar buttons and functions hinder my creative process.

While I may not advocate spending hours meticulously reading every line of the manual, I strongly recommend doing your research. Platforms like YouTube offer engaging tutorials that bring camera functionalities to life, surpassing the monotony of manual instructions. Alternatively, seek advice from fellow photographers or visit camera shops to tap into the expertise of professionals who are always eager to assist.

In essence, my message is simple: invest time in getting to know your camera thoroughly before embarking on the journey of capturing exceptional photos. This knowledge will undoubtedly streamline your image-making process, making it a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.

2. Capture in Raw Format: The second crucial step in elevating your photographic prowess is to shoot in RAW. While starting with JPEG is acceptable as it serves its purpose and conserves storage space on your SD card, there are inherent limitations. JPEG compresses the file within the camera, restricting your post-processing capabilities and compromising the accuracy of coloration and saturation, leading to a loss of true authenticity.

Opting for Raw format, on the other hand, empowers you to preserve images at a superior quality and broader tonal range. This choice not only facilitates more extensive post-processing without compromising overall image quality but also retains the original sensor data. The result is a more accurate representation of the captured scene during the editing phase, ensuring that your final image reflects the true essence of the moment.

RAW File:

JPEG File:

3. Master the Exposure Triangle: While delving into the exposure triangle might seem daunting, especially for those not inclined toward math (like me), breaking down each element makes it surprisingly comprehensible. The exposure triangle comprises three key elements: Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed, each playing a pivotal role in crafting impeccable images.

Aperture: Picture the adjustable lens opening that regulates the incoming light. This aperture, measured in f-stops, controls the size of the opening. As you zoom in and out, the aperture changes. Manipulating the aperture manually allows you to dictate how much light enters the lens. A larger aperture permits more light, impacting both exposure and depth of field. Understanding aperture isn't just about well-exposed images; it grants creative control over visual storytelling and photographic impact.

ISO: This setting determines your camera's responsiveness to light, influencing the brightness or darkness of your image. Low ISO values (around 100-200) are ideal in well-lit conditions for high-quality images with minimal noise. Higher ISO values (800 and above) prove advantageous in low-light scenarios but can introduce noise, affecting image quality. Technological advancements, like increased ISO capabilities, have alleviated some of these challenges, but a balanced approach remains essential.

With technology advancing however this is much improved, my first DSLR was a 1000D Canon which had a maximum ISO of 1600, whereas my new Sony A7 IV has a maximum native ISO of 51,200, the difference between the two is huge. The Canon camera could go up to around 800 ISO before you start seeing noise whereas the Sony can go up to around 2500 ISO before you start seeing noise but even then, it's considerably lower than the Canon. Technology will keep progressing but always keep in mind the higher the ISO the more noise it will contain, so always start low and work your way up as needed.

Shutter Speed: Dictating the duration the camera's shutter stays open, shutter speed controls light exposure. Measured in fractions of a second, it significantly influences motion within a photograph. Faster shutter speeds (1/1000 or higher) freeze fast-moving subjects, reducing motion blur. Conversely, slower shutter speeds (around 1/30 or slower) capture more motion, introducing effects like motion blur, which, when used judiciously, can enhance the overall aesthetic.

Understanding the interconnection of these elements is crucial. Achieving a balanced exposure requires careful adjustment of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. For instance, an aperture of f/11, shutter speed of 1/60, and ISO of 400 would result in underexposure, but fine-tuning these settings yields a perfectly lit image.

While explaining these concepts in words has its limitations, practical experience is invaluable. Websites like [Canon Outside of Auto](https://canon.ca/CanonOutsideOfAuto/play) offer interactive tools to illustrate how these elements work together. Remember, there's much more to explore, and if you crave further insights, feel free to reach out or embark on your research journey.

4. Mastering Depth of Field: As mentioned earlier, the aperture controls the depth of field (DOF). But what exactly is DOF? Depth of field is the range between the nearest and farthest objects in a photograph that appear sharply focused. Understanding and manipulating DOF can profoundly influence the visual narrative and detail portrayal within a scene.

Shallow Depth of Field: Achieved with a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8), a shallow depth of field results in a small area of the image being in focus. This intentional technique creates a captivating effect known as bokeh, where the main subject is artfully isolated from the background through a pleasing blur. The selective focus draws attention to the subject, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Deep Depth of Field: In contrast, a deep depth of field is attained with a narrow aperture (around f/16), ensuring a larger portion of the photograph remains in focus. This technique keeps both the foreground and background sharp, providing a comprehensive view of the scene. This is particularly useful when capturing intricate details throughout the entire composition.

Utilizing depth of field effectively allows photographers to shape the viewer's perception and enhance the overall impact of an image. Whether intentionally blurring the background to emphasize a subject or maintaining clarity throughout the scene, depth of field is a powerful tool for creative expression in photography.

Examples of depth of field:

Deep depth of field:

Ansel Adams, Cathedral Peak and Lake, Yosemite National Park, California, 1960, Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph

Ansel Adams skillfully employs a profound depth of field to craft this captivating image. By opting for a wide aperture, he achieves a remarkable outcome where the entire frame is sharp and in focus. This deliberate choice enables us to immerse ourselves in every intricate detail present within the scene, offering a comprehensive exploration of the photographer's masterful composition.

Shallow depth of field:

Julian Germain's photo of Charlie in the kitchen Photograph

Julian Germain employs a shallow depth of field with finesse in crafting this image. This technique imparts a profound sense of emotion and loneliness to the scene. The deliberate choice to keep only specific elements in sharp focus, while allowing others to gently blur, adds a poignant dimension that wouldn't be present in a fully focused composition.

5. Master Composition: It's the structural foundation of an image, crucial for creating a compelling look that can either enhance or detract from a photograph. Points, lines, and shapes are the fundamental elements shaping everything in an image. Rather than conforming to a single structure, effective composition involves choosing a style that aligns with the desired visual impact.

Key techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines offer diverse ways to guide the viewer's gaze and set the mood. Mastering composition provides a potent tool set for photographers to convey messages and emotions in visually impactful ways. Some of the main types of composition are:

I. Rule of Thirds: Divide your camera frame into three sections and place main subjects on these lines for a more effective composition.

II. Balance: The balance in a photo influences our emotional response. A balanced image creates a relaxed feeling, while an unbalanced one can evoke unease.

III. Leading Lines: Utilize straight, diagonal, or curved lines to guide the viewer's eye through the photograph, creating a sense of movement.

IV. Framing: Employ natural or man-made elements to frame the edges of a photograph, drawing attention to the main subject and adding depth.

V. Triangles and Spirals: Shapes, particularly triangles, add visual interest and can convey stability or instability in a photo.

VI. Visual Weight: Consider the size or weight of elements in a photo to determine what stands out first, influencing the viewer's focus and perception.

6. Mastering Flash Usage: Knowing when to deploy flash can significantly enhance your photography, especially in situations where natural light is insufficient or requires a boost. Most cameras come equipped with built-in flashes—compact LED strobes attached to the camera itself—that, with practice, can prove invaluable in illuminating dark scenes or eliminating shadows.

So, when is the opportune moment to use flash?

Indoors in Low Light: In low ambient light conditions, the built-in flash becomes a handy tool, providing sufficient light to achieve a well-exposed image.

Portrait Photography: Flash can add captivating catchlights in the eyes of subjects, beautifully illuminating their faces, making it particularly useful in portrait photography.

Outdoor Fill Flash: Outdoors, a fill flash can effectively mitigate shadows cast by the sun, creating a more balanced and evenly lit composition.

Balancing Bright Backgrounds: Flash proves beneficial when the background is brighter than the subject, such as when the sunlight is directly behind the subject. This application helps balance exposure, preventing the creation of a silhouette.

By mastering the art of utilizing flash in these scenarios, you can elevate your photography by ensuring optimal lighting conditions and overcoming challenges posed by varying light situations.

Using a couple of studio flash lights with softboxes attached you can create portraits like these. There are many different techniques and lights where flash can be used to make a range of effects, it's just about choosing the correct type for your location.

7. Stabilization: Although in my previous blog I mentioned my dislike for the tripod, a good piece of stabilization kit can vastly improve the outcome of an image. The use of a tripod can be key when it comes to capturing images when having to use slower shutter speeds or for low-light photography. Whether implemented through in-camera stabilization or tools like a tripod, mono-pod, gimbals etc, incorporating any piece of stabilization equipment can turn your images from a blurry shot of colours to a sharp, high-quality image.

Using a tripod with a slow shutter speed you can create long exposure shots like these

8. Unleash Your Creativity – Embrace Experimentation: Amidst the myriad rules and technicalities of crafting the perfect image, the truth is, there's no definitive wrong way to photograph. Every individual interprets an image uniquely, and the true tools of a photographer lie in imagination and experimentation. Your vision is the guiding force; if you can conceive it, you can create it—fine details come later.

So what if the exposure isn't perfectly balanced, the shutter speed introduces captivating motion blur, or the aperture doesn't render the background crystal clear? These deviations are not flaws but artistic techniques that renowned photographers have leveraged to make a mark. The essence lies in the story and messages conveyed; that's when a photograph truly comes to life.

In the realm of photography, your imagination is one of the most potent tools. It transcends technicalities, giving life to images that resonate with your unique perspective. Embrace experimentation, push boundaries, and remember that the magic happens when your imagination takes the lead.

9. Edit with Care: In the process of creating a photograph, achieving perfection on the spot isn't always feasible due to various constraints. This is where post-processing becomes a valuable tool, allowing us to enhance our images with subtle tweaks like adjusting white balance or fine-tuning levels. However, a common pitfall, observed in many amateur photographers' work (myself included when starting out), is getting carried away with the myriad editing capabilities offered by software, inadvertently diminishing rather than improving the image.

Lightly edited photograph:

Over-edited photograph:

To avoid over-editing, consider the following rules:

I. Start with a clear vision of what you want the image to look like, this way you will be less likely to overdo any of the editing as you will have a controlled mindset, with an established outcome in mind

II. Be careful with the auto presets, although these little buttons can be incredibly helpful in making editing far less time-consuming, they can also tend to overlook what’s actually the best style for the image. It's best not to rely on these presets and take time to adjust the settings for yourself

III. Keep checking the before and after photos, now this technique is something I do myself when editing, it can be really useful to get a perspective of how much you have edited from the original photo and you can clearly see when you have gone a little too far

IV. Think natural is best, editing can be lots of fun to start but when you get carried away you can end up with an image that looks like it was taken in some Sci-fi world, with highly oversaturated colours and excessive sharpening. You need to keep in mind that the final output needs to match reality or as close to it as possible (unless you are specifically editing to create an image in a surreal way)

V. Save multiple versions, this is a great technique as it can allow you to see a selection of images, including the original that you have edited from, which can allow you to make a better choice about which style of edit looks the best

10. Embrace the Journey: Improvement in photography is a journey paved with experience. Everyone begins as a novice, and making mistakes is not only acceptable but also crucial for learning and growth. Immerse yourself in the wealth of resources available—read, watch, and absorb as much as possible about photography. Learn from other photographers, draw inspiration from their journeys, and gain insights that you can incorporate into your own path.

The key lies in consistent practice. It is through this continuous dedication that you evolve and progress, steadily transforming into the photographer you aspire to be. Remember, the process is ongoing, and with each captured moment, you refine your skills and deepen your understanding of the art of photography.

I hope these tips and insights prove to be beneficial. It's essential to note that these are merely starting points. The true catalyst for improvement lies in hands-on practice. So, experiment, discover your unique style, and embrace the art of creativity. Wishing you joyous shooting and continuous growth in your photography journey! 😊

Some of the factual information in this blog was sourced from:

Adobe. (2023). Adobe Discover. Retrieved from Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/uk/

The remaining text within this article is based on the opinions of myself and of other photographic professionals that I have worked alongside