Upping My Photography Game
I am not a good photographer, and I don’t currently have a camera, but I love pictures, and I use my phone daily. I promised myself that I would learn some skills — how to better use the tool I have, how to frame the image, etc — between now and the end of summer. If you have advice (remember – I only have a phone as my camera), please pass it my way.
I’m starting with these 20 tips if you want to learn with me. I’ve set the video to start at the tips (about 11:15 minutes into it).
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Depending on what phone you have, look for a “pro” camera app. For example, I have Samsung Expert Raw. A camera app that will let you set your white balance, ISO, depth of field, and exposure time will give you a lot more creative control and help you learn more about how to make your photos look more how you see them in your mind (vs. what the algorithm thinks it should look like). And taking them in raw format means you have yet more creative control over the editing process. (I usually use Snapseed to do quick edits on my phone, or Photoshop Elements to do more in depth editing.)
And the other big tip is – don’t be afraid to move your body. Taking a step forward or back, or crouching down, or climbing up can all give you different perspectives.
Have fun!
I do not enjoy photography. I have to do it at work and it frequently sucks. My tip is…pay attention to the light. Is it blowing out your subject or highlighting it? Where are the shadows and is that where you want them? If you shift 15° or 30° (or some other amount), will things look better or worse?
Most importantly, your eye is a far better camera than anything on the market and trying to make a photo match what you see takes a lot of practice, skill, and frustration and you may never be able to get it right. So do your best!
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