LESSON 1. ENVISION, PLAN, AND THEN CREATE
Lesson 1: Plan Your Shots And Add Your Unique Touch
Before you pick up your camera, take a moment to picture the kind of photo you want to create. Planning ahead, thinking through your composition, lighting and overall approach, sets you up for success. When you’ve got a clear strategy in mind, your photos are far more likely to turn out the way you envisioned. Don’t be afraid to bring your own personality into each shot, whether that’s experimenting with different lighting setups or building a distinct composition. Make it personal, your unique perspective is what makes the photo stand out.
Lesson 2: The Histogram Is Essential
Spend five to ten minutes learning how to read and use histograms to sharpen your photography. This tool is crucial for getting the right exposure, especially in tricky lighting situations. When photographing weddings, for example, use the histogram to make sure details like the bride’s dress aren’t overexposed. I rely on the histogram when shooting landscapes in low light too, to make sure I’m capturing enough detail. Mastering the histogram is a genuine game-changer for getting the perfect exposure every time.
Lesson 3: Master Off-Camera Flash
While an on-camera flash can improve your lighting, taking it off-camera gives you even more creative control. With off-camera flash, you can direct the light to create more flattering shadows and highlight the subject’s natural features. You don’t need to change your camera settings, just attach a flash trigger to your camera’s hot shoe and a receiver to the flash. When you fire the shutter, the flash syncs with your shot, delivering beautifully lit photos. Off-camera flash opens up new possibilities for creative, dynamic lighting.
Lesson 4: Get Comfortable With Changing The Active Focus Point
To improve your focus accuracy, it’s better to use a single autofocus point rather than letting the camera choose several for you. Many photographers, myself included, prefer the centre focus point, especially when the subject is off-centre. For portraits, make sure to focus on the subject’s eye for sharpness, and for landscapes, focus on the key element in the scene before recomposing your shot. Spend a few minutes with your camera manual learning how to switch focus points, and you’ll notice a real improvement in the sharpness and precision of your photos.