Friday Photo Tips

This weeks tips have a decidedly more practical nature. There are things that can be used that are not always at first glance photography related equipment. Also get to know your camera and get real feedback on your photography.

16. Don’t believe the hype

Every few months there seems to be a new camera out that promises to give you the best experience ever when out shooting, that is until the next release. More mega pixels, faster auto focus, better low light capability and on, and on. Yes, if your cameras more than say 6-7 years old you may gain from the upgrade but, even some of the older cameras are more than capable of taking great photo’s. There are also some professional photographers who won’t upgrade from their older equipment because it does everything they need. So, when should you upgrade? That’s a question with a lot of answers. If you’re a beginner, not until you outgrow your camera and that could be 3 or 4 years down the line, even entry level DSLR’s are capable of stunning photos, you’ve just got to know how to get the best out of them. If you’re a sports shooter then maybe that faster frame rate will help. If you shoot a lot of low light venues then perhaps better ISO capabilities will help. These and other questions should be asked before you decide. But, don’t believe the hype that the newest and greatest camera will make you a better photographer, that only comes with lots of practice.

17. Constructive Criticism

The dreaded two words that most photographers try to avoid; you should, however, embrace constructive criticism wholeheartedly. If CC is done for the right reasons and in the right way, you, as a photographer will gain an insight into becoming more proficient when out shooting. Those little mistakes which can easily be remedied will be a thing of the past because someone pointed them out. It is hard sometimes to be shown all the faults in your photos but, this is how we improve. If you can find a peer with more experience, someone who you respect and is there to help rather than just rip your photos apart then take their advice. Don’t try and avoid CC it could be what you need to take you to the next photography level.

18. Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are a great addition to your kit, they have so many uses and every house usually has a surplus so they’re always at hand. They’re great for covering your camera on days when the rain won’t quit. They can also be put over a camera bag to stop that getting wet if it doesn’t have a rain proof cover. You can use them to sit or kneel on, put wet clothes in or as a diffuser for your flash and talking of flash if you’ve got a coloured bag it’s a great colour filter. There’s probably a lot more uses besides so, make sure you always have one.

19. Instruction Manual

One thing that’s neglected by most photographers is to read the camera’s instruction manual. I’ve come across no end of people who haven’t got a clue how to change the aperture or ISO of their camera and it can be difficult, even for experienced photographers, to change these settings for them, especially if they don’t use that system. Try and learn the basic functions of the camera buttons and dials and learn how to change settings quickly by reading the manual and practicing. Camera manuals can also be downloaded and stored on mobile phones so, you never need be without it.

20. Gaffer Tape

Gaffer tape has a myriad of uses from temporarily fixing broken tripods, covering viewfinders when taking long exposures, taping a lens at a certain focal length, reducing the output of a flash or torch, in fact there’s not a lot it can’t do. Wrap some around one of your tripod legs or a tube of some sort and you can be sure that when you need it, it’s there waiting.