How To Build A Better Photography Portfolio

By David B On Sep 14, 2013

Interest in photography is increasing, and this has created a glut of newbies who are confused about how best to improve their photography skills. However, the key to photography is to simply research every topic you plan on touching upon. Read on to find the knowledge you need to take better photographs!

Use photo manipulation programs to create images that would have been impossible with ordinary film only, including those that resemble watercolors, pencil sketches, and oil paintings. Adobe Photoshop is the best-recognized software package for doing this, although there are other options available from other manufacturers. It can immediately change photos into artworks by choosing the medium required within the filter option.

Overcast Sky

TIP! In the scene before you, frame a select part of it to create a good composition. A quality picture should capture a significant aspect of the object your are photographing.

You should try to stay away from an overcast sky when taking pictures. An expanse of gray sky in your images will give them a dull, pallid appearance. A black and white photo might work best if you have to shoot an overcast sky. You should include the sky in your pictures if it is a clear day and if the light is not too bright.

Don’t be afraid to break some photography rules with your camera. Good pictures show personal expression and convey a message. Avoid cliched poses or shots that you have seen millions of times. Develop different angles for your photographs, and do not be afraid to explore your imaginative side.

Many photographers pay attention to the background of a landscape shot and neglect the foreground, but the foreground is what the viewer will see. Ensure that the foreground of the photograph has a striking frame and considers depth in the shot.

TIP! Try different shutter speeds for finding what works for various situations. You can choose to leave the shutter open and capture the night sky as it swirls overhead, or set if for a fraction of a second to capture high speed action.

Adjust the white balance option on your camera. Indoor shots tend to have a yellowish tone to them due to the lighting. Instead of taking the time to relight the entire room, adjust white balance and use your camera to create a whole new atmosphere. This will give your pictures a professional appearance.

When embarking on a journey, keep your camera handy from the very beginning. A good shooting location doesn’t necessarily have to be a beach or a famous landmark; you may find your best shots are ones in a car or rest stop. Use your entire journey as a way to document your trip through pictures.

Moving around your subject is permissible and allows you opportunities for better shots. Whether you settle on shooting from above, below, the right or left, experiment, or take shots from each angle to decide post-shooting.

TIP! Using a professional camera is crucial if you plan on shooting professional quality photographs. For the best photos, look into buying a DSLR camera.

Flash Unit

Many different digital cameras feature built-in flashes, which turn on when you are taking pictures in dim light. While this type of auto-flash is perfect for point-and-shoot purposes, professional photographers often prefer to invest their cash in a separate flash unit that can be attached to the camera. Before you decide to purchase, check your existing camera and look for a “hot shoe” that can accommodate a new flash unit. This is usually located on top of the device. Next head to your nearest professional camera shop to find a flash unit that is compatible with your camera.

After reading everything above, you should be prepared to take more successful photographs, so start implementing your new knowledge! This article only presented you with tips that can be used if you apply it to your photography practices.

TIP! Try to enhance the sense of depth in your landscape photos. Have a person or other object put into the foreground in order to gauge the overall scale of the image.