Digital photography became extremely popular incredibly quickly for several reasons. Aspiring photographers no longer have to account for expensive photography equipment and reels. Using memory cards, they can experiment with different angles, and light exposure to their heart’s desire and get instant feedback thanks to digital technologies.
The ease that digital photography has brought has made it almost addictive for photography enthusiasts. However, photography is an art and is more than just clicking a button. If you truly want to hone your photography skills, you must learn techniques, lighting strategies, post-processing and so much more.
While it may sound easy, it really is not. Mastering the art of digital photography requires practice. It also helps if you get a college degree in digital photography for instance to build a strong academic background and kickstart your career. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot excel as a photographer without one. Here are a few digital photography tips that can help you evolve into a master of your craft.
Shoot raw images
Digital cameras provide a lot of ease in the photography process. You get many preset functions that allow you to capture photos with the least amount of adjustment to the settings. Enabling you to shoot pictures in the JPG format is one of the many conveniences a digital camera affords.
However, the convenience robs you of the control over many aspects of the final picture. The image you share with your friends and family will be pre-colored as per pre-installed instructions. Most of the time, the result will not be in line with the photographer’s vision.
By shooting raw, you get the opportunity to adjust colors, lighting, exposure, sharpness, and more giving the image the look and feel you desire upon capture. Popular post-processing tools include Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, and Pixlr.
Learn camera settings
While utilizing one of the preset photography modes is a tempting option, especially the auto or portrait photography function. With just a simple click you can capture an image without the hassle of adjusting the focal length, aperture, or exposure. The result is probably decent too.
But the truth is, automated settings are generic, and do not allow a photographer’s vision and capabilities to reflect through the work. The resultant pictures are never unique. A one-size-fits-all approach is never the way to go if you want to master digital photography.
To master photography, you must experiment with the settings to understand the role each function plays in the result. Doing so will allow you to truly master photography, enabling you to take amazing pictures regardless of the equipment available at hand.
Experiment with lighting
Digital photography has many areas of specialization including portrait photography, wildlife photography, abstract photography, landscape photography, and so on. Additionally, each picture has its own vibe, and lighting plays an essential role in creating that vibe.
While photographers usually rely on natural light for nature photography, additional off-camera lighting can make a world of difference. Especially for nighttime photography, or photography in shaded areas, an off-camera flash works wonders in enhancing the result.
When it comes to studio photography, knowledge of lighting equipment, and photography principles becomes a must. Where you place your focal light, where you add reflective surfaces and even the color of the backdrop all play an essential role in crafting the final product.
Understand aspect ratios in photography
Aspect ratio is a crucial concept in photography that refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image. Most DSLRs allow photographers to adjust the aspect ratio before clicking the pictures and doing so is important. It plays a significant role in composition, framing, and overall aesthetic appeal. The most common aspect ratios are:
- 1:1 is a square aspect ratio that is often used for portraits and social media.
- 3:2 is a popular aspect ratio for digital cameras and prints.
- 4:3 is a classic aspect ratio often used in film photography and some digital cameras.
- 16:9 is commonly used for widescreen TVs, movies, and digital photography.
Understanding aspect ratio helps photographers choose the most suitable format for their subjects and ensure that their images are displayed or printed correctly. Moreover, different aspect ratios can emphasize different elements of the scene and convey specific moods or emotions.
Try different lenses
Digital cameras usually come with the 18-55mm kit lens, which is the most basic lens you can get. Kit lenses are excellent for beginner photographers as they allow them the flexibility to experiment with the camera settings and warm up to the camera. Even seasoned digital photographers use a kit lens to test settings and camera quality.
But while a kit lens is ideal for beginners, it has limited potential. If you’ve outgrown your basic kit lens, consider investing in a specialized lens to spark your creativity. For capturing intricate details, a macro lens offers exceptional close-up focus. If you’re looking for a more artistic approach, a Lensbaby can create unique effects with its adjustable focus plane, producing dreamy, soft-focus images.
Regular practice
Practice is truly essential for mastering digital photography. Whether you want to pursue it as a hobby, or as a profession, pick up that camera and go out and shoot as much as you can. Join photography clubs, engage with like-minded peers, visit photography exhibitions, go on photo walks, and pounce on every opportunity where you feel your photography skills may be challenged.
The more you use your camera, and the wider variety of photographs you take, the more you tap into your creative side and unleash the master photographer in you. Practicing different types of photography will also help you identify the photography niche that is your calling.
Deep understanding of techniques
Mastering digital photography requires dedication, practice, and a deep understanding of various techniques. While the ease of digital cameras makes photography accessible to many, it’s essential to go beyond the basics to truly capture exceptional images.
By experimenting with camera settings, lighting, aspect ratios, and lenses, you can develop your unique style and elevate your photography to new heights. Additionally, consider pursuing formal education in the field of digital photography. You can either pursue some courses, or a degree in digital photography.
Remember, the journey to becoming a master photographer is a continuous process of learning, experimenting, and honing your craft.