Author:
Ellen Moore
Date Of Creation:
12 January 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
Taking the perfect photo with your DSLR: the best tips to help you get the perfect picture.
Steps
1 Make sure the camera lens is clean. If you are using a DSLR, check the sensor as well. It only takes a few seconds, but there will be no unnecessary dots, spots and traces in the pictures. First, breathe on the lens, then wipe it in a circular motion. It is best to use lens-only wipes to clean the lenses. As for the sensor, it is best to always turn off the camera before changing the lens and do it in a “controlled” environment, for example, in the back seat of a car, so that dirt will not get on it. It is highly discouraged to change the lens on the beach or in the desert! Most DSLR cameras have a feature that automatically clears the sensor when turned on and off. Quite a useful thing worth noting. Yes, you can say that for different specks and specks there is always Photoshop, with which you can remove all this, but if you use the video function, then removing various unwanted elements in the frame is not an easy task. Unless you have a couple of months of free time. 
2 Read the instructions for the camera. It may seem boring, but 1-2 hours with a manual and a camera in hand will help you figure things out much better and faster. The sooner you can work in full manual mode, the better. This is the only way you can develop your photography skills. 
3 Place the object (s) in the desired location. Make sure that everyone looks good in the frame and that nothing grows out of their heads. If you want to make your own background, please. Ask people (a person) to move forward or backward - this will help make the frame more harmonious. Never hesitate to ask people to position yourself in the positions you need - this is the best way to learn. 
4 Correct, beautiful framing is 80% of a successful shot. Look at the pictures in the magazines and you will see how it is done. You should arrange everything so that the people in the photo have enough headroom, but don't leave too much of it or the image will look awkward. Make sure not to “cut off” half of the arm or part of the head. Try not to place people directly in the center of the frame. Soon your eyes will get used to the correct placement options, and you will immediately see who to put where. 
5 Install the correct lighting. Lighting is the main element of the photo, which helps to create the mood and atmosphere. Additional flashes are also very useful, the main thing is to expose them to the desired light level. And to do this, you should re-read the corresponding section of the management again. If you are using a digital SLR camera, remove the external flash and try experimenting with it separately from the camera. 
6 Control your exposure. When the camera is in auto exposure control, the camera will expose the largest subject in the frame. For example, if you photograph an object that is in front of a waterfall, then the camera exposes the waterfall, and the object itself will be somewhat darkened. Knowing how to manually adjust the exposure will allow you to take control and decide which part of the image you want to emphasize and bring to the fore. 
7 Understand the importance of depth of field. Learning the basics of depth of field and exposure options will help you get the most out of your shots. Also learn about how low and high shutter speeds can affect your work, it will increase your creativity. When shooting macro (close-up), it is better to switch to manual focus - this will allow you to focus on exactly the subject on which you want. 
8 Always keep your camera close at hand. This, of course, may seem obvious, but the art of photography is precisely in catching the right moment. Leaving your camera in the bedroom or keeping it in your bag is not the best option. 
9 Lighting. If you are shooting in daylight and want the perfect picture, then try to use the lighting in a way that suits you. Backlit photography can look fantastic and can also separate the subject from the background and make it appear more voluminous. You just have to remember that there are also glare and flare that can appear from poorly exposed lighting. To avoid this unwanted effect, you can use a white sheet or a special reflector to reflect the light. You will be surprised how effective this method is, it will help remove unnecessary shadows from the subject's face and improve the picture itself. 
10 Try using a prime lens. This does not mean that you immediately need to run out and buy an expensive prime lens; just set your camera lens to about 50mm zoom, that's roughly what our eyes see. Then fix it and rotate around the axis, looking into the lens. After that, go to the photographed object and go down to its level.It is not always convenient to take pictures while standing, so you can change your position. 
11 Don't be afraid to shoot upright. Vertical shooting may actually be better suited to certain photographs, especially portraits. Try it. 
12 If you're taking photos of people you don't know, make sure you smile! It sounds strange, but people will always appreciate it. You take them off, so that's the least you can do. This will help them feel more comfortable and they may even smile back.
