How to Become a Better Photographer

Anyone can take pictures, but it takes true skill to call yourself a photographer. You don't have to have ingrained talent in the visual arts to be successful. You just need the right equipment and a lot of practice. Even established photographers are always looking for way to improve, so becoming a better photographer is a constant process. The first thing you need to do is take a lot of pictures from every angle you can think of. Then look further into mastering your craft.

Step 1

Learn to frame your subject by following the rule of thirds. Divide your shot into three parts with an imaginary line. Place your subject in the first third, at either the top or bottom of your viewer. Believe it or not, your subject will stand out more if it's not in the center of the photo. Also, do some research on depth of field. Keeping your subject in focus while blurring the background can make it seem more pronounced.

Step 2

Experiment with different types of film and exposure speeds. These will drastically change the image quality of your photographs, especially if you tend to shoot items in motion. Try changing the shutter speed and ISO settings on your camera and observe how an image of the same subject will change depending on how you take it. Buy all types of film that work with your camera and take a lot of test shots with each.

Step 3

Work with different types of lighting and filters. Lighting can make a big difference in your photographs, and knowing how different lighting affects your shot is key. Many filters are available that attach to the end of your lens. They allow you to filter out UV light, filter out blue or red or tint the shot to a certain color. This can make for powerful shots.

Step 4

Invest in a good tripod, preferably one with multiple levels, so you can raise and lower your camera. The tripod will help you keep the camera steady, eliminating motion blur in your shots. It's practically essential if you take a lot of evening or animal shots. It's hard to keep your hand still long enough to get them.

Step 5

Clean your camera regularly. Invest in a good camera and lens cleaning kit. This will typically include a duster that puffs air out of crevices and microfiber cloths to wipe your lenses down. A dusty lens will leave your shots looking spotty, even if the blemishes are not obvious to you.

skill

ingredient

SLR camera Tripod Lenses and filters Lens cleaning kit

tip

See if your local community college has a photography workshop. It's a great opportunity to not only hone your craft but to meet and brainstorm with other photographers.

warning

Never clean your camera with a commercial glass cleaning product. You risk damage to the delicate and expensive lenses.

keyword

better photographer become