Subjects move, jerk, cough, laugh, fly away, stop smiling, or get tired of
waiting for you to take the picture, shoot once right away and practice getting
quicker as you learn. Do not take too many images until you have all the settings
sorted on your camera.
3. Compose:
Make every possible effort to keep it balanced. Try to lead the eye along
a path using strong lines. Keep the horizon level, Crop out extra
elements, pose your subject where you think it belongs, play with Depth of Field
and perspective, use a tripod, use the rule of thirds, don't always stand where
everyone else stands make it unique and from different angles.
4. Selectiveness:
Find out what is at the center of your efforts be it an animal, human, object,
scenery. Keep elements that detract or distract from the picture and if need be
remove them prior to shooting if possible. Watch your edges and borders like a
tripod laying on the ground or a telephone pole sticking out of someones head,
your finger, equipment in the way or hanging in the viewer be alert for this.
5. Focus on Subject:
Use different apertures and write down or note the results to learn how depth-of-field affects your photo. Smaller DOF focuses on the subject such as a dog, cat, child. Greater DOF everything is in focus and is good for landscapes or scenic imagery.
6. Understand Light:
Shoot with the sun behind you or to the right shoulder or left shoulder. Is the light affecting your subject by squinting or is it directly on subject or is it to the side and finally is it indirect? All these affect how your image will turn out. Use a polarizer for your camera at all times to diminish glare.
7. Weather:
Make sure you check the weather forecast so that you can determine what settings to use for your camera or if you will need to use filters or if you need to bring protective gear for the shoot or if you simply have to reschedule the shoot.
8. Keep it simple:
Instead of using fully automatic program, pick a simple, semi-automatic program such as aperture-priority and master that mode. Also bring at all times a tripod as it helps reduce shake and you can set timer shots for even less shake.
9. Adapt Attitudes to Fit the Scenario:
Depending on where and what you shoot adapt the correct attitiude. For animals be low key and careful when approaching and do not disturb them. Remember they are wild animals and therefore unpredictable. Shooting someone may require you to be bolder and ask permission or you might need a consenting release form to take the image. Don't be afraid but use your judgment accordingly.
10. Keep Trying:
Last but not least keep trying. Don't ever give up and learn from your success or your mistakes. You become a better person and photographer by adapting this final and important lesson.
