© See-ming Lee 李思明 SML Flickr Human Hasselblad, People Photographing People Photographing People by
© See-ming Lee 李思明 SML (Flickr)
Know your camera
Before you think about your photograph, you must have at the very least a basic understanding of your camera.
Modes
The main thing worth understanding is the modes available and how to disable the flash, should it have one built-in. At the very least, a camera ought to have ‘Manual Aperture priority’ or ‘Shutter priority’ and ‘program’/’fully auto’ modes plus the ability to control when the flash fires.
Photographing people
Given the proliferation of cheap cameras and camera phones, people are probably the most common subject for photographs.
Lighting
Often portraits have poor lighting, so while the built-in flashes can be used, it’s really better to either forget the photo or use natural lighting. By using natural lighting and paying attention to the shadows, the image can look at lot more natural.
Framing the shot
Two common mistakes with the framing are cutting off parts of the body and ‘looking room’. If you aim to have the eyes at two thirds up the image level, then you won’t go far wrong with body parts. If you do cut some bits off, it generally will still look fine.
If the subject is looking left or right, make sure there is more space in the direction they are looking. This ‘looking room’ helps make the image feel more natural with the subject looking into some space on the image rather than looking out of the image.
Landscapes/architecture
The big thing to remember is that flash on your camera is never going to illuminate landscapes, architecture or a large room. Therefore, turn it off, and keep it off for all photography where the subject is more than about 5-7 m from the camera.
The two thirds rule works here too. If you have the principle part of the subject about two thirds up the image, then it ought to look right. Also ‘looking room’ works here – place something like a car, or an animal, so it looks into the image. Your eye will follow the image more naturally as a result.
Take your time
The biggest mistake anyone can make with photography is rushing. Take your time and think about what you want to achieve. Take note of lighting, make sure your primary subject is well lit and no in the shadows.
Advice
Finally if you want to be serious about photography, read books and/or go on a course.
