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Tips to Take Better Thanksgiving Food Photography
Mon, Nov 25, 24
Take Your Digital Photography to the Next Level
Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced photographer, there are always some tips that will help you and give you better results. Here are a few guidelines on how to deal with some common issues that you may come across when shooting with your DSLR from Beachcamera.com.
Rule of Thirds
Compose your photos in thirds by imagining four lines, two lying horizontally across the image and two vertical creating nine even squares like a tic-tac-toe board. Some images will look best with the focal point in the center square, but placing the subject off center will often create a more artistically composed photograph. When a photograph is composed using the rule of thirds the eyes will wander the frame because it is more interesting and pleasing to the eye.
Avoid a Shaky Camera
Camera shake or blur is a common issue for any photographer, so here are some ways to avoid it. First, you need to learn how to hold your camera properly; use both hands, one around the body and one around the lens and hold the camera close to your body for support. Also make sure you are using a shutter speed that matches the lens focal length. So if you’re using a 100mm lens, then your shutter speed should be no lower than 1/100th of a second. Use a tripod like this Xit 57-Inch Full Size Tripod from Beachcamera.com whenever possible as well to minimize shaking.
Use a Filter
If you can only buy one filter for your lens, make it a polarizer. A polarizer helps reduce reflections from water as well as metal and glass. It also improves the colors of the sky and foliage while at the same time, protects your lens. For the best deal around, try the Zeikos 58mm UV, Polarizer & FLD Deluxe Filter Kit from Beachcamera.com. This kit comes with three filters and a carrying case.
The Sunny 16 Rule
The idea behind the Sunny 16 Rule is that you can use it to predict how to meter your camera when shooting outdoors on a sunny day. This is accomplished by choosing an aperture of f/16 and 1/100th of a second shutter speed. This produces a sharp image that is neither under or over exposed. This is useful if you don’t have a light meter or if your camera doesn’t have a LCD screen for reviewing the image.
Sense of Depth
When photographing landscapes it really helps to create a sense of depth, in other words, make the viewer feel like they are there. Use a wide-angle lens for a panoramic view and a small aperture of f/16 or smaller to keep the foreground and background sharp. Placing your subject in the foreground helps give a sense of scale and emphasizes how far away the objects in the distance are. Use a tripod if possible, as a small aperture usually requires a slower shutter speed.
Make it Simple
The simple approach is usually the best when you’re thinking about the background of your images. Not only do you have to decide what needs to be in the shot, but also what is around that is a potential distraction. If possible, choose a plain background with neutral colors and simple patterns. You want the eye to be drawn to the focal point of the image rather than a patch of color or an odd building in the background. This is vital in a shot where the subject is placed off center.
No Indoor Flash
Flash can look harsh and unnatural especially for indoor portraits. Therefore, there are various ways you can take a photograph indoors without resorting to using flash. First, push the ISO up to 800-1600. This will make a big difference for the shutter speed you can choose. Use the widest aperture possible so more light will reach the sensor and you will have a nice blurred background. And of course, using a tripod is a great way to avoid blur.
Use these tips to help you avoid making some of the more common mistakes when using digital cameras. These tips will help guide you to taking more professional looking photos today.
Rule of Thirds
Compose your photos in thirds by imagining four lines, two lying horizontally across the image and two vertical creating nine even squares like a tic-tac-toe board. Some images will look best with the focal point in the center square, but placing the subject off center will often create a more artistically composed photograph. When a photograph is composed using the rule of thirds the eyes will wander the frame because it is more interesting and pleasing to the eye.
Avoid a Shaky Camera
Camera shake or blur is a common issue for any photographer, so here are some ways to avoid it. First, you need to learn how to hold your camera properly; use both hands, one around the body and one around the lens and hold the camera close to your body for support. Also make sure you are using a shutter speed that matches the lens focal length. So if you’re using a 100mm lens, then your shutter speed should be no lower than 1/100th of a second. Use a tripod like this Xit 57-Inch Full Size Tripod from Beachcamera.com whenever possible as well to minimize shaking.
Use a Filter
If you can only buy one filter for your lens, make it a polarizer. A polarizer helps reduce reflections from water as well as metal and glass. It also improves the colors of the sky and foliage while at the same time, protects your lens. For the best deal around, try the Zeikos 58mm UV, Polarizer & FLD Deluxe Filter Kit from Beachcamera.com. This kit comes with three filters and a carrying case.
The Sunny 16 Rule
The idea behind the Sunny 16 Rule is that you can use it to predict how to meter your camera when shooting outdoors on a sunny day. This is accomplished by choosing an aperture of f/16 and 1/100th of a second shutter speed. This produces a sharp image that is neither under or over exposed. This is useful if you don’t have a light meter or if your camera doesn’t have a LCD screen for reviewing the image.
Sense of Depth
When photographing landscapes it really helps to create a sense of depth, in other words, make the viewer feel like they are there. Use a wide-angle lens for a panoramic view and a small aperture of f/16 or smaller to keep the foreground and background sharp. Placing your subject in the foreground helps give a sense of scale and emphasizes how far away the objects in the distance are. Use a tripod if possible, as a small aperture usually requires a slower shutter speed.
Make it Simple
The simple approach is usually the best when you’re thinking about the background of your images. Not only do you have to decide what needs to be in the shot, but also what is around that is a potential distraction. If possible, choose a plain background with neutral colors and simple patterns. You want the eye to be drawn to the focal point of the image rather than a patch of color or an odd building in the background. This is vital in a shot where the subject is placed off center.
No Indoor Flash
Flash can look harsh and unnatural especially for indoor portraits. Therefore, there are various ways you can take a photograph indoors without resorting to using flash. First, push the ISO up to 800-1600. This will make a big difference for the shutter speed you can choose. Use the widest aperture possible so more light will reach the sensor and you will have a nice blurred background. And of course, using a tripod is a great way to avoid blur.
Use these tips to help you avoid making some of the more common mistakes when using digital cameras. These tips will help guide you to taking more professional looking photos today.
