Photography Basics

Photography Basics

Here you will find some helpful tips about photography basics, as well as information on getting good photography training.

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What are the basic aspects of photography?

Although each photographer will develop his or her own approach to taking pictures, there are some basic things that all photographers need to know:

Formal elements and principles

The following elements and principles are crucial in any visual art, especially photography:

 

  • Line
  • Space
  • Shape
  • Colour
  • Texture
  • Contrast
  • Pattern
  • Rhythm
  • Balance

 

Getting to know the characteristics of each of these and how they affect your photographs is very important (you can visit Photoinfo for more information on how these elements and principles apply to photography).

Composition

Composition is the single most important element of a photograph. Composition refers to where you place your subject, what you include and exclude, the relationship between the visual elements in your photo, how you frame your shot, and from which perspective you are taking the picture.

Depending on the effect you want to create, you will decide on your composition: place your subject in the centre to create balance, or create an off-centre composition for increased tension. Shoot from below eye-level to give your subject a sense of importance.

There is plenty more to learn about photography composition.

Auto and manual settings

There are many technical aspects to photography (especially digital photography). These include:

  • F-stops
  • White balance
  • ISO
  • Resolution

Luckily, digital cameras have an automatic setting. This means that you do not have to worry too much about the technical aspects of taking a photo, as your digital camera will automatically adjust to each shot.

 

However, if you want to become a trueprofessional, the sooner you start learning how to use the manual settings on your camera, the better. This will help you develop a more in-depth understanding of the medium and allow you to take control of every aspect of image creating.

Equipment

Basic digital photography equipment is very simple: all you need is a camera and access to a computer. With new smartphone technology, you can even take high-quality digital photographs using your phone! For more professional shots, however, you might want to invest in a quality DSLR camera.

The more experienced you become, the more equipment you will eventually want to acquire. The first thing you need to buy is a good tripod. Lenses and lens filters are also sound investments.

Don’t forget: even beginners need to learn how to clean and take care of their equipment!

Photo editing

Digital photography has eliminated the need for darkroom equipment. Software such as Photoshop has made photo correction, manipulation and editing extremely easy to do. Even amateurs can now edit their photos on a professional level.

If you don’t have Photoshop, GIMP is a free alternative that you can download.

Go take a look at digital photography tips for even more information on digital photography.

Where can I learn more about photography?

Taking a course in photography is an ideal way to learn everything you’ll need to know to become a true photographer. The Learning Group offers you the following course in this direction:

This course will act as a great introduction to digital photography and will also take you beyond the basics into more advanced techniques. You will learn how to do photo-editing, work with digital photography equipment, implement composition principles, understand camera settings, and even learn how to earn some money with your digital camera!

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