For Those Thinking of Photography

Outdoor Photo Tips:

If you have an interest in the outdoors and you are looking for a new and exciting hobby, it’s time for you to look into outdoor photography. Even though there is a lot to learn about outdoor photography, here are five important tips to help you make the most out of your outdoor photography experience.

Having the right equipment and choosing the scenery:

Depending on how serious you want to get into outdoor photography, bringing the right equipment along can not only promote a great photo but a fun experience. The items will included, but are not limited to, an extra battery, a tripod, a filter, additional memory card, and a reflector. Carrying all of these items in an all-purpose camera bag allows you to be comfortable in the scenery of your choosing. When selecting a place to shoot, don’t limit yourself to only natural surroundings. Try a baseball game or take a trip to your local playground. You will want to travel to places that you are most comfortable, but don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know what may come from it.

Knowing the importance of ISO:

ISO is short for International Organizational Standard. In the photography world, ISO is a film rating system, for example 50, 400, 800, 10000. This number indicates how sensitive the image sensor is to the amount of light present. In other words, the faster the ISO speed, the less light is required to take your picture.

Having this knowledge will come into affect when you decided to take photographs over a long period of time. For example, you would like to contribute some sports photos to your campus newspaper. Since the football game starts at 4pm, you have perfect lighting but as the night progresses, you will need to adjust your ISO setting to make sure your photos won’t be too dark.

Knowing the importance of lighting:

In outdoor photography, lighting is the most vital part of getting the right shot. Most people are not aware of the fact that there is a difference between the light you see at sunset versus the light you see during a sunrise. This applies to all lighting throughout the day. Your photographs will look extremely different and it doesn’t even matter what you are photographing. Natural lighting is not only the best type of light but really should be your primary light foundation when it comes to outdoor photography. Some suggest that sunlight should stand behind the photographer. When the sun is behind you, the light won’t get “confused” with the depth of field with refractive and distracting light rays or streaks. The only time supplemental lighting should be used is when there isn’t much natural light available, even in overcast situations.

Knowing the importance of the flash:

Contrary to belief, the flash of a camera should not only be used for indoor photography or at night. The flash is very important for numerous outdoor photos. A popular type of flash is commonly known as “fill flash”. Fill flash is a type of flash that fills in the areas of the photo that would typically appear to be very dark. The fill flash could also be utilized for bright and sunny day pictures that may have shadows, such as a shadow on someone’s face. Fill flash could also fill in shaded areas that are unable to receive sunlight. When using a flash, be sure to always stay in flash range, which is usually between five to ten feet. Remember to practice, practice, and practice some more. Practice using your flash with all of your photos. Pay very close attention to the results. The only way to become better at using your flash is to study your photographs by examining the large and small detail that appears in each photo.

Have Fun!

Take your time and enjoy photographing. Keep trying and never give up. As you begin to take more and more great photos, you will be able to see a completely different world around you. And as the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Remember that the lighting plays the biggest part in whether a photograph is great or just okay. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to get some great shots.

Dallas wedding photographer, Kwong Hui, of Portraits of Timeless Elegance
http://www.timelessportraits.com

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