When it comes down to it, whether you're a brand new beginner photographer or a seasoned veteran, we're all just trying to take better photos.
Sure, the tips and tricks you need as a beginner are different from those that someone with a few years of experience might need, but the process is still the same.
You've got to learn new ways of taking better photos, practice those procedures, and give the necessary time and effort to see positive results.
With these quick and simple tips, you can get started on the path to taking photos that not only look better, but are more meaningful as well.
Don't Be Afraid of Color
One thing I've noticed about some beginner photographers' work is that there isn't much in the way of color.
I don't mean they're monotone images, either. Instead, I mean that there's sometimes an aversion to bright, saturated colors, and that's a shame!
Color theory is an important part of photography. Color can help you convey all sorts of moods and emotions, and in so doing, you can create an image that has more visual appeal.
Take the image above as a prime example of this concept.
Yellow is often associated with warmth, cheerfulness, and happiness, and as a result, the use of so much yellow in the shot makes it a warm, cheery, and happy photo.
You can definitely overdo it with color and get too crazy with saturation, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't utilize color - and lots of it - and experiment with what works for your photos.
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Enable Yourself to Shoot Longer and More Often
Getting better at photography is all about dedicating time to actually taking photos.
That means that you need to make a concerted effort to shoot photos each and every day.
From a scheduling standpoint, that can be difficult sometimes with work and family obligations. But even if you shoot five photos a day, that's experience that will pay off in the long run!
In addition to making time in your schedule to go out and shoot, you also need to have the right gear that enables you to shoot for longer periods of time.
For me, one of the most important items a photographer has that allows for more shooting more often is a great camera strap.
Why? Comfort!
The straps that come with cameras leave a lot to be desired on the comfort front - they're flimsy and have zero padding, so they cut into your shoulder and neck, which makes for a very uncomfortable carrying experience.
But with an upgraded camera strap, you can say goodbye to those issues and carry your gear in total comfort.
I've been using a Hyperion Camera Strap the last couple of months, and I have to say that it's surprisingly comfortable.
The thick cordage from which it's made is both soft and strong while also helping keep neck and shoulder fatigue at bay.
Think about it - the more comfortable you are, the more you'll want to shoot, right?! This strap will do that for you...
In addition to being comfortable, these straps also look like a million bucks (without paying a huge price tag, either).
You can customize the look of your strap with dozens of color combinations that fit your personal style.
In fact, these straps are handmade to your specifications, so you can truly get a custom camera strap that offers you comfort, security for your camera, and looks awesome, all at the same time.
And with wrist straps, short shoulder straps, and long shoulder straps available, there's something for every kind of photographer.
What's not to like about that?!
If you're ready to step up your photography game, get a better camera strap to help you achieve your goals.
Photograph Simple Subjects
When you're just starting out in photography, you don't need spectacular subjects to photograph.
In fact, learning photography by taking photos of things in your house, your backyard, and your neighborhood will suit you just fine.
Take a photo of apples in a bowl, of your dog as he plays with a toy, or of your kids running around in the yard.
Look for interesting light, shadows, colors, textures, and so forth and try to highlight those things in your images.
The beauty of staying close to home and photographing everyday things is that you can spend more time actually taking photos than seeking out the "perfect" scene to photograph.
What's more, the skills you need to make mundane subjects look great are the same ones you need for any subject to look great - composition, lighting, framing, camera settings, and so forth can be practiced just as well by photographing your kid in your living room as they can photographing a breathtaking mountain scene.
The point is that building your photography skills is all about time and opportunity, and photographing simple objects around your home is a great way to maximize both of those things!