Cameras: 5 Easy Photography Tips for Any Budget

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by Earl Bowser on June 13th, 2018 | 1 Comment »

With the proliferation of good quality cameras these days, it’s not uncommon to own a camera that can produce high quality images, even for less than $100. Even disposable cameras sold at drug stores can produce images you can be proud of, simply by spending a little bit of time learning more about photography.

All images in this article were taken from a fixed lens digital camera (no high tech professional gear) to illustrate that with just a few simple tips, you can transform any snapshot into something to be proud of.

5 Tips for Better Photography

1. Get Close

Unless you’re photographing vast scenic vistas, you’ll want to get close to your subject. Notice the difference between these two photographs. Think of a picture as one sentence in a paragraph. What are you truly taking a picture of, the boy, or the lawn?

Too far away!

Much better!

There is no need to try to capture everything within a single picture. If you’re photographing a party for instance, get in close to the candle blowing (not too close!). If you want a picture of everyone present, let that be a different photograph. If you’re on vacation, take a picture of the Grand Canyon and leave the family out. If you want a picture of the family by the Grand Canyon, let that be a second photograph with a nice close up of the family and the Grand Canyon as merely a backdrop to the scene.

2. Avoid Distracting Backgrounds

Often times a background is just as important as the foreground of a photograph in creating a great image. Usually however, if you notice the background, the image has problems. Be sure there is nothing, or at least very little, in the background distracting from your subject. Usually merely moving the subject or the camera a couple feet is all that’s needed. Also, ensure there aren’t any vertical objects in the background that appear to be jutting from your subjects head. If you have access to an imaging editing program, you may be able to blur the background with little effort (if you can’t produce this effect while you’re photographing).

Better, but still distracting

Much better!

3. Know Your Equipment

No matter what your budget, your equipment has limitations. Know them! Most people don’t read their manuals. The best way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your equipment, and your money, is by reading your manuals. Most cameras, even inexpensive cameras, have settings that will improve your photos. Take the time to read your manuals and understand what your camera can and can’t do.

Background too cluttered

4. Experiment

The best way to learn the limitations of your equipment, along with knowing what your gear can excel at, is to experiment. Try different lighting conditions. Notice the differences in shadows and quality of lighting during morning, afternoon and evening photography. Try shooting from different angles and perspectives. Shoot into the sun and with the sun at your back, noticing how the shadows and colors change merely by pointing your camera in a different direction.

How many things can you improve in this photo?

5. Learn from the best

By far the easiest way to improve your photography is to study images that you love. Find images that you want to recreate and study them. What time of day was the picture taken? How far away is the camera from the subject? What colors, shadows, and details do you see? Why do you think your photograph of the Grand Canyon is boring, but you love someone else’s photograph?

As I’m sure you’re well aware, great photography can’t be summed up in 5 tips. Mastering photography is rarely, if ever, complete. Yet with just a few simple steps and a little bit of effort, you can create better photographs, no matter how small your budget may be.

What are your favorite photography tips? In what ways do you hope to improve your photography skills?

Earl Bowser is a native Californian staying constantly busy with a large variety of interests. Owner of Bowser Multimedia Productions, his passions include photography, film, online marketing, genealogy, writing, philosophy, entrepreneurship, travelling and world changing action. Be sure to check out bowsermultimediaproductions.com - Marketing Your Business for Online Success.