Logan Voss
The art of photography is not as simple as picking up a camera and snapping photos wherever you go. A lot of thought and work goes into every professional photo: composition, lighting, and camera settings. Learning and knowing ways to improve your photography skills will enhance your photos and take your abilities to the next level.
Understand the Concepts
Framing a photo is like framing a painting or any other work of art, and you need to understand the language and concepts behind every picture. Some of these key elements include:
- Exposure
- Depth of field
- Focal point
- White balance
- Composition
It’s far beyond the scope of this list to name and describe every essential concept in photography, but you must familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the medium. In essence, you need to know how to walk before you can run, and jumping right into photography without a firm grasp of the basics will severely limit your ability to compose pictures.
Play With Lighting
When dealing with photography, it is important to understand the relationship between objects, lights, and shadows. Dynamic lighting can enhance a mundane photograph, while poor lighting can ruin an entire scene. Incorporate and play around with lights to witness the different effects it can have on your scene. LEDs can provide a wide variety of light temperatures and a spectrum of light levels to help the process along.
Understand Your Camera
It won’t make a difference if you purchase an 800-dollar camera but don’t know how to use it. Many people are under the misconception that using expensive cameras will immediately improve your photography skills. However, a camera is a tool, and misusing it won’t result in quality work. Understand how your camera works, the lenses and attachments it comes with, and the different settings available to you.
Look at the Works of Others
It’s important to have your own style and voice, but it can help to look to others to get some ideas. Observe what photographers put into each scene and examine how they incorporate the essential concepts. Make sure you’re not simply copying what they do but instead create works inspired by them.
Give Yourself Time To Grow
No one develops these skills overnight or even over the course of a month; it can take a long time to find your footing with your work. Always learn from your mistakes, watch the success of others, and strive to have a deep understanding of the overarching concepts and fundamental skills of the medium.
