Good Photography Techniques Worth Learning

Written by: Aunindita • Edited by: Rhonda Callow
Updated May 22, 2011

Have you ever wondered how professional photographers learn to take those great shots? Well, the good photography techniques listed in this article will give you some clues and help get you started.

Good photography techniques are not hard to come by. All you need is a little patience and lot of practice and you are well on your way to becoming a great photographer. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have shots that people will admire? Listed below are some techniques that will help you get that spotlight you have been yearning for.

1. It's All About the Lights

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You may know by now that photography is all about the play of light and making light work for you. There are several techniques you can follow to make lighting work for you, especially if you want to focus on portrait or studio lighting techniques. One of the good photography techniques when it comes to portrait photography is to determine the mood you want to create in the portrait. Dramatic lighting can create impact and draw your eyes to the picture. Setting the key light to 45 degrees and putting it higher than the head of your subject can create that dramatic effect. The color of your background is also essential. A dark colored background will give more attention to the subject. One of the good photography techniques for a studio shot is to use diffused lighting. Diffused lighting is used to diffuse the amount of light directed at the subject. This can soften the incoming light and remove any contrasting light from the subject.

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoflex_webphotoschoolcom/2867716561/

2. Color Isolation

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One of the most effective photography techniques that you can use is color isolation. This technique pertains to the isolation of one specific color in a shot to bring out the subject in your photo. Color isolation allows you to highlight one specific subject in a shot by enhancing or isolating that subject’s color. To do this, select a specific color that you want to remain in your shot using the selecting brush in your favorite photo editing software program. Invert the selection and convert the rest of the image to black and white. Work one selection at a time to adjust the contrast and value of each region. In addition, it is also important to check the background. The background can enhance the subject if used properly.

Image Credit: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2762076084_5df1eea552.jpg

3. Rule of Thirds

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Another great technique that any photographer should learn is the rule of thirds. This is one of the digital photography basics that you need to know to give you great composition in your photos. The rule of thirds follows some basic principles. In any form of visual art, like photography, rule of thirds means that you always imagine an image divided into 9 equal parts. To do this, imagine 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines drawn equally on the image you want to shoot. By doing this, you can adjust the position of the image on your camera making sure that important elements of the photo are placed along these lines or at least in their intersection. One of the good photography techniques for this style is make sure that the image and your subject are within scale.

Image Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/Rule_of_thirds_photo.jpg

4. Shutter Speed

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Another important thing to you should do in order to capture great photos is to understand the elements of exposure. When shooting outside, you will also need to understand the how to set the white balance.

You should also learn how to set the shutter speed of your digital camera, especially if you intend on capturing photos of moving objects.

Image Credit: http://willsimpson.org/images/fcd-1319a.jpg

5. Shooting from Different Angles

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Shooting from various angles can make a tremendous difference to the perspective of the photo. It is still important to consider the composition of the photo, however, taking the photo from an unusual angle can create an image that is eye catching by its sheer originality. Until you experiment with angles, whether it is looking down from a great height or looking up from underneath your scenery, the same old view will always come to mind. It’s important to open your mind to possibilities. Additionally, it is important to learn the technique of framing so the viewer is drawn to subject.

Image Credit: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/356340925_97ba0db527.jpg

6. Aperture Setting

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The aperture settings on your camera determines how much light will be let into your camera. These are measured in f/stops. The higher the f/stop number, the smaller the aperture. It might take time to learn the optimal settings for each situation but it's worth learning, as it will become very useful.

Image Credit: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3524714926_d0f5cfebd5_z.jpg

7. Adding Texture

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Adding texture and colors can both make or break a truly good photo. The mixing of textures can help give life to an otherwise lifeless photo. By using different textures you can create a mosaic out of inanimate objects. Some of the greatest photos have used this method to mix and blend scenes that don’t contain a single human being, yet they scream life at you. By using autumn leaves and old sheds with light in the background and dark patches of dry earth the scene is set and you can see the hardship of the surrounding land. A picture is created within a picture.

Image Credit: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/2115832628_735afac265.jpg?v=0

8. Composition

Learn about composition as a beginner photographer and then forget it and break every rule. Learn about lines, framing, contrasting, and adding backgrounds. There are many aspects you need to take care of. The basic rules will stick in the back of your mind, but to get that truly great shot you don’t want to play by the rules all the time. It’s the rule breakers that cross the boundaries and learn more about their art. If you intend to take 10 photos; take 200.

Experiment with composition and change the rules. Light and shade, facing into the frame, walking out, adding elements of various heights in the picture are all good photography techniques that impact the final picture. Only by changing your everyday point of view and trying different perspectives will you see life as it truly is.

Good Photography Techniques Worth Learning

1. It's All About the Lights

2. Color Isolation

3. Rule of Thirds

4. Shutter Speed

5. Shooting from Different Angles

6. Aperture Setting

7. Adding Texture

8. Composition

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