Top 10 Simple Tips To Take Great Digital Photographs Instinctively

Okay, let me first admit, I am not a pro-photographer; But, photography is my passion and the only thing I love the most is my camera – my NikonD5300 with a 18-140 lens attached to it most of the time. I constantly try learning new techniques and process in all best possible ways to make my photography better. Most importantly, I believe in practical learning along with reading it theoretically in books. So, whenever I come across a new tip or technique, I immediately go for a practical experiment using my camera. So, you already got my first tip-

Do not hesitate to experiment and explore your camera features. Of course, I’m not talking about unscrewing the nuts and bolts of it; Just try controlling your camera options. Don’t let your camera control you.

2. Read your surroundings carefully in detail and think of the ways you can best satisfy your eyes when you see the picture in a frame. I mean shoot with your mind before shooting it with your camera. Don’t just go for obvious angles. Ask yourself questions like – what if you shot the scene from directly above? or left? or right?

3. Do not waste space in your frame. Fill it with your subject and see how much better your picture will look. If you feel like your images aren’t ‘popping or expressive’, take a step or two closer to your subject.

4. Watch the light – see where the light is coming from and use it for your advantage. Carefully analyze how the light is interacting with your subject. You never know, it may be creating interesting shadows that is making your ordinary photo extraordinary!

5. Play around your subject with Rule of Thirds. No no, don’t go by the name, “Rule of Thirds” – It may sound like a physics or mathematics formula, if you’re hearing it for the first time; but, it’s nothing as such. It is to break your frame down into thirds by using both horizontal and vertical lines. You then place your point of interests over the cross sections of the grid. This rule is amazingly effective to get best pictures because the middle of your picture is not always the best place for your subject. You may need to bring your picture to life by simply moving your subject away from the middle of your picture.

6. Lock the focus on your subject. Shaky or blurry photographs cannot even be post-processed to bring the effect you wished. So, take special care on the focus part to create beautiful sharp photographs.

7. Buy Books not expensive gears. Believe me – buying expensive gears won’t help you overcome your flaws unless you have your basics cleared.

8. Join expert photography groups and communities, submit your photographs and ask for their expert feedbacks. Be open to any kind of critics. Trust me – you’ll improve a lot with the tips you’ll receive.

9. Slow down, have patience and give yourself time. Analyze your faults honestly and then try again. Just remember, there is nothing wrong in taking multiple shots; I think that is the way you learn – trying and trying till the time you get your perfect shot.

10. Last but not the least, Practice, Practice and Practice!!! Shoot everyday!!!! Make it a habit as you brush your teeth!! If you’re in a 9-5 job, try shooting early in the morning or in the evening after work; moreover, sunrise and sunsets are the golden hours for photography, isn’t it?

Do you wish you were a better photographer? All it takes a little know-how, practice and experience, isn’t it? What do you say?