Simple tips to improve casual photography


Simple tips to improve casual photography


Everybody loves to shoot, mostly for storing the moments, to recall and rejoice. Shooting is now a days a finger's play : Just touch the 'shoot' button on smartphone screen. Taking casual photographs is easy but photo content is not that good. Here I am writing some tips, on following one can shoot almost like a pro. Tips are independent of the technology of course. 




Shooting / On field:


  • Shoot light, not the object : Now you understand, every creature / object is beautiful !
  • No Object / Subject is untouchable : Shoot whatever you like, explore new subjects
  • Shoot what a common man don't see : Change angle, shoot unusual objects, shoot a lot
  • Never hesitate, Never argue. "Kyonki mai kaash nahi kahna chaahata" (applicable specially for candid photography)
  • Respect the social rules / laws : It avoids frustration / fights and helps connecting people

  • Fill the frame: Primary object should cover the most part of your frame
  • Follow simple composition rules: 1/3rd rule, orientation
  • Choose right angle: If your not sure, shoot the same subject with different angles. 
  • Avoid shake : No body likes blurred photo. Stand and pose yourself to have maximum stability
  • Use Flash: Fill flash improves quality of photograph (Contrast, details, sharpness)
  • Shoot Raw: Even some basic P&O cameras support RAW. Use RAW although it eats up space.
  • Use filters: Use UV-filter for protection, CPL for better skies, and ND filter for long exposures
  • Vibration reduction helps
  • Don't hesitate to increase ISO: Grainy images are better than blurred.



Pre and post shooting:


  • interdisciplinary work : Observe, think, read, plan and then shoot the best shot. e.g It helps to understand the activitiesbehaviour of the object
  • Take assignments: Focussed work helps in mastering a particular type of photography
  • Play with settings: Try all the settings , master the one you like. It will help to create your own "style"
  • Accessories check: Make list of accessories, check list before outing, store them in one bag
  • Be "power"full : Always have an extra battery. 
  • Photo management: Make folders, number the folders serially and also name it as per the content

  • Always post-process you photograph : Even elementary software can be used to correct brightness, contrast, sharpening etc.
  • Frame it: Framing drastically improves the quality.
  • No watermarks: Avoid watermark, it really dont' serve any purpose.
  • Blog-it : Write a blog, about your experience, plan, photographs, ideas. 
  • Display your best shot only: It helps spreading the news, decreases on-line work : My portfolio



6 comments:

  1. Ashwini, This particular tip has lengthy explanation. Let me try to brief it. I mean, the object can become photogenic if the light is dramatic. So look for a light not the object. In right light, even ordinary female can look much better than aishwarya. Its all bcos of light.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Paresh sir,
    These tips are very practicable. Simple but of great help.

    ReplyDelete

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