It's a question that photographers of all ages and skill levels have asked at some point...
"How do I take better photos?"
That's a loaded question, of course, because there are dozens - perhaps hundreds - of possible answers to that question.
That would be a really long article to read, so instead I've created this short list of tricks that will help you improve the quality of the photos you take.
Learn How to Use ISO
ISO unlocks so many different possibilities when taking photos.
When there's dim lighting, like shooting outside at dusk or indoors with little in the way of artificial lighting, a high ISO (i.e., 1600) might be warranted.
By raising the ISO, you increase the camera sensor's sensitivity to light, thus making it more likely that you'll get a well-exposed image.
Additionally, by using a high ISO, you can also use a faster shutter speed. This is advantageous for freezing movement.
Conversely, you can use ISO to get a well-exposed image when shooting under bright lighting conditions.
For example, if you're outdoors during the daytime, you can use ISO 100 or 200 because there's so much available light.
So, not only does ISO play an important role in how the image is exposed, but it also plays a role in how the image looks.
If you haven't yet learned how to manipulate ISO, put that on your to-do list.
It's easy, too, by using program mode.
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Use a Tripod
If you ask me, tripods are the most underrated photography gear.
That's because they offer you so many avenues for improving your photos...
On the one hand, a solid tripod, like the Vanguard Alta Pro 2 264AO shown above and below, gives your camera a stable base of support for getting tack-sharp images.
By taking the camera out of your hand and putting it on a tripod, you eliminate the possibility of camera shake, thus ensuring your photos are as sharp as possible.
On the other hand, using a tripod can help you compose better photos.
By that, I mean that working with a tripod means you have to make adjustments to its height, the angle of view, the direction the camera is facing, and so forth.
And in making those fine adjustments, you're more apt to pay attention to how the shot is framed and notice elements that you either want to highlight or eliminate from the shot.
Lastly, tripods help you be more creative.
With a tripod, you can take long-exposures and create time-lapse videos, two tasks that are impossible to do if you hold the camera in your hand.
What's more, some tripods, like the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AT shown above and below, have a multi-angle center column that allows you to position the camera at ultra-low-angle views for more interesting shots.
You can position the camera near the ground for a worm's eye view of a landscape or get the camera up-close to your subject for an interesting macro shot with ease.
The point is that though it may seem like you have more freedom for creativity if you shoot without a tripod, you can actually do much more in the way of creating unique and dynamic photos if you use one.
Learn More:
- Get the Specs and Pricing on the Vanguard Alta Pro 2 264AO
- Get the Specs and Pricing on the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AT
Engage With the Subject
Sure, there's times when you can't engage with the subject...
I mean, asking the bride and groom to turn towards you as they're reciting their wedding vows isn't the best practice.
But otherwise, be present, get to know the subject, and find ways to build a relationship with whatever you're photographing.
This holds true for taking portraits of people - talk to them, ask questions, make eye contact, and so forth.
It also holds true for landscapes - walk around, find unique vantage points, research the location ahead of time to get a better understanding of the area.
Don't just be a passive participant that blindly presses buttons. If you're actively engaged with the subject, you'll find that better images result.
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Bonus: Don't Buy Tons of Gear
When you're just starting out in photography, the worst thing you can do for yourself is spend all your money buying fancy new photography gear.
You can learn to be a better photographer with your smartphone or a point-and-shoot, so you don't need to blow $3,500 on a Nikon D850 camera body!
In the beginning, you can use whatever camera you've got to develop the artistic skills needed to take better photos.
For example, learn how to frame a shot, how to use things like leading lines and the rule of thirds to create more interesting compositions, and use light and shadow to give your shots more visual interest.
Spend your money on learning new things, not on new gear, and your images will be the better for it!