Tip No. # 1: use the sun

The sun is a photographer’s best tool and an unrivaled source of illumination. The main ingredient that separates amateurs from professionals is the quality of the lighting. While professionals often provide additional lighting or bounce cards (shiny material used to reflect sunlight) to help achieve the perfect shot, you can raise the caliber of your photos if you know how to use the sun.

Taking a photo in sunlight will darken the subject and there will be a significant loss of detail. Always try to take photos with the sun behind you; In this way, you are using sunlight to naturally illuminate the people or objects you are taking a photo of.

But what if you are in India trying to take a picture of the Taj Mahal, or you are trying to take a picture of your friend as he scores the game’s winning goal, and the sun is in front of you, shooting rays of light directly? on your camera? Obviously moving the subject in these scenarios is not an option. Depending on the angle of the sun to your lens, you can lessen the sun’s impact by casting a shadow on the camera lens.

Think of it as you would if you were driving down the highway, but the sun is shining in your eyes. In this case, use your hand to protect your eyes from the sun. Apply the same principle to your camera lens. Lens shading can be done with a business card, note card, or even by hand. Hold the camera with one hand and use the other to block the sun’s rays.

Tip No. # 2: level eyes and fill frame

Getting at a child’s eye level is a good way to capture beautiful photos. It takes you to their level and creates a much more attractive photograph. Try taking some photos behind the child while they are playing as this not only shows what the child is doing, it shows where they are going and also shows life from the child’s perspective.

Getting closer is another key to getting better photos. If you are taking photos of your Cocker Spaniel, do not shoot from across the room. Rather, get closer to your pup and let his face fill 75% of the frame. Keeping the background simple is a good way to direct the viewer’s gaze to the subject in the photo, and if this is not possible, filling the frame is an easy way to minimize the distractions of a busy background.

Tip No. 3: Shoot Frequently, Eliminate Frequently

Professional photographers will generally take thousands of photos during an hour-long photo shoot, but the end result will be only a few hundred photos. The trick to being a good photographer is to take at least two or three shots per expression or action, and then choose the photo that best captures the moment.

Practice taking multiple photos when nothing exciting is happening. Create photoshoots with friends and take this time to learn a little about your camera. Try adjusting the ISO setting (the camera’s sensitivity to light) depending on how well lit your subject is. By practicing and understanding how to use your camera, you will help sharpen your skills when important events occur.