5 Photography tips for beginners

Anyone who knows me knows as much as I love mixed media art, and card making, my true passion lies in photography. I went to school a few years ago and got a diploma in photography through city and guilds .I meant to get another one last year but stuff came up and I was unable to commit to it. I really want to make it work this fall and return. I miss it so much. I know I can practise it without going to school but college really pushes me and keeps me learning.

All that being said, I want to talk about some tips for budding photographers. Things I had to learn by trial and error I will just tell you and save you some time hopefully.(all the following images are taken by me, Kass Wiskin) Lets get right to it.

1. Move around-  You know when you think to yourself ooh this is great light, or this would be a great photo and you pull out your camera, start shooting, and.. nothing. You just cant get the shot you know is there. When that happens try changing angles. Get down on the ground or up above your subject and see what happens. Sometimes an interesting angle can turn a bland photo into a great one.

2. Don't be afraid to get in really close or "crop" the photo. I know its tempting to want to get every bit of an environment into a shot, and sometimes that works. But sometimes cropping in and focusing on a small detail in the shot can get the very same point across and make the viewer think for a minute about what they are looking at. Like, instead of a whole head and shoulders portrait try just the eyes or the hands.

3. Turn off your flash- There is a time and place for flash. usually in the dark or to capture movement. Don't get me wrong , flash is a excellent tool for creativity when capturing light. However, if your finding your family vacation photos are flat looking and or "washed out"/overexposed try turning it off. A nice soft natural ambient light always looks really nice. Sometimes photographers specialise in natural light and do not use flash at all.

4.Bring your camera with you- This might seem like bit of a "duh" one, but its really easy to forget your camera at home. You need to get into the habit of having it on you. I am talking about your film or dslr camera not your phone. There is nothing wrong with phone cameras, and if its all you have use it. But if you own a dslr you might as well get your moneys worth and bring that baby with you. Also go out in all weather. Bad weather is no excuse for not going out and taking photos. Sometimes overcast or rainy days give off the best light and great skies.

5. Pay attention to background objects.- Have you ever been so into a shot, trying to get it just right, focusing on a little details, moving around, and you get home and there is a lamppost coming out of your subjects head. Or you you shot that building right as a dog squatted to do its business in front of it, and you were completely unaware. Just take a step back and look at the whole scene. What going on behind and around your subject? Can you ask them to move? Or if your subject is stationary can you move yourself and try another angle? Take your time and save yourself hours of post production editing.

I hope maybe some of those tips can help you get more out of your camera. These are very basic beginners tips but can be easily forgotten by the most seasoned photographer. In the next couple days I will be doing  a post on the rules of composition. Knowing these rules can take your photography to the next level. So stay tune and thanks for stopping by!