Camera Basics
Understanding your camera is the first step to taking better photos:
Camera Types
- Smartphone - Great for learning composition and editing
- Point-and-Shoot - Simple operation with good quality
- DSLR - Professional control and interchangeable lenses
- Mirrorless - Modern alternative to DSLR with electronic viewfinder
Essential Settings
Master these three settings for creative control:
- Aperture (f-stop) - Controls depth of field and light intake
- Shutter Speed - Controls motion blur and exposure time
- ISO - Controls light sensitivity and image noise
Composition Techniques
Good composition makes your photos more visually appealing:
Rule of Thirds
Divide your frame into nine equal sections and place important elements along the lines or intersections:
- Place horizons on the top or bottom third line
- Position subjects at intersection points
- Create visual balance and interest
Leading Lines
Use natural or man-made lines to guide the viewer's eye:
- Roads, paths, and rivers
- Architectural elements
- Natural formations
- Create depth and movement
Framing
Use elements in your scene to frame your subject:
- Doorways and windows
- Tree branches and foliage
- Architectural arches
- Add context and depth
Understanding Light
Light is the foundation of photography:
Natural Light
- Golden Hour - Warm, soft light during sunrise/sunset
- Blue Hour - Cool, atmospheric light before sunrise/after sunset
- Overcast - Soft, diffused light for portraits
- Harsh Sunlight - Use shadows and contrast creatively
Artificial Light
- Continuous Lighting - LED panels for video and photography
- Flash - Portable and powerful for various situations
- Studio Lights - Professional control over lighting
- Modifiers - Softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors
Portrait Photography
Capture compelling portraits with these techniques:
Posing
- Keep poses natural and comfortable
- Use angles to flatter your subject
- Direct eye contact or looking away
- Include hands and body language
Background
- Choose simple, uncluttered backgrounds
- Use shallow depth of field to blur background
- Ensure background doesn't compete with subject
- Consider color harmony with subject
Lighting for Portraits
- Soft, diffused light for flattering results
- Three-point lighting for professional look
- Window light for natural portraits
- Avoid harsh shadows on faces
Landscape Photography
Capture the beauty of nature and urban environments:
Equipment
- Wide-angle lens for expansive views
- Tripod for sharp, long-exposure shots
- Filters for controlling light and reflections
- Remote shutter release for stability
Techniques
- Use small apertures for deep depth of field
- Include foreground elements for depth
- Shoot during golden hour for dramatic light
- Consider weather and atmosphere
Basic Editing
Enhance your photos with basic editing techniques:
Essential Adjustments
- Exposure - Brighten or darken overall image
- Contrast - Increase difference between light and dark
- Saturation - Adjust color intensity
- White Balance - Correct color temperature
Cropping and Composition
- Improve composition in post-processing
- Remove distracting elements
- Straighten horizons and lines
- Maintain aspect ratios for different uses
Software Options
- Lightroom - Professional photo management and editing
- Photoshop - Advanced editing and manipulation
- Snapseed - Powerful mobile editing app
- VSCO - Popular mobile editing with filters