Back To Basics…Photography Tips For Beginners

We’d all like to be able to just pick up a camera and take amazing photographs, but it doesn’t always turn out like that. So to give you a bit of a helping hand, we’ve put together these very simple and easy tips to get your basic photography skills off the ground. After nailing this, you will undoubtedly develop into a pro (this is not a promise and very much depends on your skills and dedication), at which point you can thank us for setting you on your way with our invaluable advice…

So let’s begin!

Scoopshooter: Ricardo Werner

Shoot everyday

The best way to get good at something is to practice, simple as that. Try to spend as much time as you can behind the camera just snapping the days away. Don’t worry about special techniques or shooting in a certain way, that will come with time. The more you snap, the more your style and authenticity will emerge.

Scoopshooter:  Lisa Klinkenberg

Don’t reserve your flash for the night

If you’re shooting on a very sunny day, the brightness can cast harsh shadows on your subject. A tip to fix this is to turn on your flash. The flash will force extra light on the subject making the exposure more equal, resulting in a better photo.

Scoopshooter: P.J. Rodriguez

Be aware of your background

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting that shot you really wanted, then realising there is a garbage bin in the background and it’s all you can focus on. Take some time. There’s no rush to take the perfect photograph, and making sure your background is relevant to the atmosphere of the shot (minus bins and people), will save you time in the long run.

Scoopshooter:  Omar Velazquez

Holding your camera

It might seem like a no brainer, how many ways can you hold a camera? But it can really change the outcome of your photographs. “Camera shake” is a common problem amongst hand-held cameras, resulting in blurry shots and frustration on your part. A good way to avoid this is to place one hand under the camera and brace that arm’s elbow against your ribs, this will give you more stability. Another option could be to use a tripod. Just find what works best for you. And if you’re blessed with a steady hand, lucky you!

Scoopshooter: Julia Coole

We hope these tips set you on the right path and that your photography skills blossom. Now get out there and get practising, you’re the future of Scoopshot!