How to get started with photography. With these recommendations, learning photography starts from scratch.

Instruction

First of all, never shoot single and from one point of view. To do this, you need to have a fast flash card with a good amount of memory and a battery or spare battery. Be sure to take multiple shots of the same object or event. Try to move around it as much as possible and shoot from different angles. Do you want to get an unusual shot? Lie on the ground or climb higher - a non-standard angle will ensure success.

If your camera supports the ability to shoot in RAW format, be sure to use it. If there are errors in the exposure, white balance, etc. in the received pictures, it will be very easy to correct them with the help of special programs, and the frame will go to the photo album instead of the basket. In general, do not be afraid to use Photoshop. Cameras sometimes make mistakes, and pictures don't come out the way you intended. Photoshop will help you.

If you use automatic mode - not bad. But try to learn how to set all the parameters manually. The machine all the same sometimes cannot do what it can. Familiarize yourself with the light sensitivity (ISO) settings. In sunny weather, when the subject is well lit, use a low ISO: 100-200. In gloomy weather or in should be set to ISO 400. In the evening - 800 or higher. At high ISO values, digital noise appears, which spoils the frame.

The white balance can be set to automatic. Cameras in most cases will determine it correctly. Difficulties can arise if the lighting is complex (for example, lamp light and light). In fact, this setting helps to correctly display the colors in the picture.

The shutter speed can be adjusted depending on what you want to get. If you want to freeze motion, set your shutter speed to 1/100 or faster. Long exposures can produce very unusual results. Try.

Many beginners, having got a camera, imagine that in the near future they will become a professional photographer. At the same time, there are people who really want to master the art of photography. They are aware that it is not easy to do this, and are actively interested in how to become a professional photographer of people and animals.

Some amateur photographers manage to get into the professional league. To do this, you have to follow the canons observed even by world-famous photographers. Some photographers do not understand the terminology and intricacies of photographic art, but this does not prevent them from achieving huge success. These people have phenomenal talent.

If you're looking to learn how to take high-quality photographs, my tips will help. In the article I will share the secrets of photography.

Decide what you want to get, how to learn to photograph professionally. Some strive for the recognition of skill, others are more interested in making money.
If you want to do photography, always carry a tool with you - a high-quality and reliable camera. First of all, study the instructions for the device and master the methods of shooting.
A photograph is an ordinary picture. Famous people involved in painting, started creative activity copying still lifes, landscapes and portraits. Therefore, at first, reshoot popular works.
Take photographs all the time. If you always have your camera with you, take pictures at every turn. Good practice will bring a store of experience. Failed plots should not upset. After a detailed analysis of the errors, strive to improve the result.
Constantly improve your skills, participate in photo contests, strive for high awards and honorary pedestals.

You've got your first idea of how to become a professional photographer. A good photographer will be the person for whom photography is the main hobby and purpose of life.

Learn to take professional photos with a DSLR

Buying a SLR camera is not difficult. The market offers professional and semi-professional photography equipment in a wide range of models and prices.

A person who has become the owner of a DSLR has every chance of becoming a master of photography. To do this, you should learn how to learn how to professionally take pictures with a DSLR, explore the capabilities of the device and learn how to use them.

Climbing to the top of fame is within the power of those who know how to connect theoretical knowledge with practical exercises.

ISO. Set your camera's sensitivity to ISO correctly. The quality of a photograph depends on the level of illumination of the objects that are being photographed. If you shoot in a dark room or in the evening, set the indicator to 800. For cloudy weather, four hundred units are enough, and in good lighting conditions, two hundred is sometimes a lot. When using a flash, reduce the ISO to the minimum mark.
white balance . Another important parameter, thanks to which the camera correctly perceives and displays colors. Under the influence of different lighting, natural colors change shade. The light of an incandescent lamp gives the color of the object a yellowish tint. Reducing the influence of lighting is easy - use the settings to make the colors more natural. Practice shooting in different lighting conditions and adjusting this setting.
Diaphragm. A small opening in a lens that controls the flow of light by closing or opening it. To achieve the goal, use the capabilities of the element depending on the conditions. The aperture adjusts the sharpness of the image. With a closed aperture, clear photographs are obtained, equally sharp across the entire surface. When the aperture is open, the focus will stop at a certain place.
Excerpt. Affects the image. The parameter determines the clarity of the photo, static or dynamic. If the subject is moving quickly, such as a dog running, the shutter speed is set as fast as possible to freeze the frame. In low light, the shutter speed does not allow you to take a good picture of a moving object.
Long exposure . The details of the photo are worked out only if a slow shutter speed is used. So it is better to shoot with a tripod, because the camera catches even slight movements during exposure. Shooting moving subjects on long exposure makes pictures interesting. For example, the result of shooting water with a short shutter speed is well-drawn splashes, and a long shutter speed will make the natural element smooth and silky.
Instructions for the camera . Be sure to read the instructions before practice. reflex camera. Each model has certain features and tricks to set up.

Videos training

You've just learned how to become a professional DSLR photographer. At first, take photos by activating the automatic mode. As a result, you do not have to adjust the aperture and adjust the ISO.

Secrets of professional phone photos

Many are of the opinion that you can only take a high-quality photograph with a good camera. The quality of the camera does not always play a decisive role. Take, for example, some great photographer. He will take a great photo with any camera, because the secret of photography is not in technology, but in the intricacies of settings and use.

All mobile phones are equipped with a built-in camera, which many users actively use. Therefore, I will tell you how to learn how to take professional photos on your phone.

According to the masters of photography, in Lately they use the camera more and more mobile phone which allows you to take great pictures. You, too, will achieve this result if you follow a few rules.

High mobility . The main advantage of photographing on the phone. The photographer can spend time observing and choosing interesting angles. Since there are few settings in the phone, you will have to learn how to feel objects.
Scaling . All phones have a zoom function, and many users use it. Quality photos are obtained very rarely due to digital zoom. If you want to get a high-quality photo, use the legs instead of the function. They will help you get as close to the object as possible.
Light sensors . The light sensors that come with phones are getting better every year, but they can't be compared with a SLR camera. The disadvantage is compensated by good lighting of a natural or artificial nature.
Composition. Modern mobile phones help photographers with a grid, but you should not forget about the rule of thirds. By practicing skills, learn to feel the edges, breaking which you will make beautiful pictures.
Friendship of phone and SLR camera . Sometimes a person goes on vacation or on a trip, and with the help of a mobile phone finds a wonderful shot for the camera. The phone will help out even when it is not possible to use a regular camera.
Phone Care . Many are kind to cameras, wipe lenses, control the charge of the battery. The above rules apply to a phone with a camera. When going on a photo hunt, make sure that the battery is charged and that there are no fingerprints on the protective glass of the camera.

Video tips

Progress does not stand still, but the camera phone is unable to keep up with the DSLR. However, don't discount it. Just a few years ago, digital soap dishes were popular, but phones quickly squeezed them out of the market. If you are shooting for a personal album or social network, a good phone is enough.

How to photograph people the right way

Portrait is a popular genre of photography. People are photographed by both professionals and beginners who have not had time to gain experience. The high popularity of the portrait is easily explained: everyone wants the photographer to capture his image on paper.

If it is easy for an established master to take such a photo, beginners are interested in how to learn how to photograph people professionally. Once trained, they will be able to photograph wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday events.

Respect. If you master the art of creating beautiful portraits, learn to respect people. At first glance, the words may seem pretentious, but you must admit that the photographer will not take a good picture if he is dismissive of his model. A disdainful attitude towards a person does not allow the photographer to penetrate into his soul. As a result, the photographs are insensitive. The model, feeling such an attitude, will behave constrainedly and will never trust a specialist.
Observation. Take a good look at the person before taking the picture. So study his characteristic gestures and facial expressions. Observation will help determine how the model reacts to different events. Based on the information received, you can achieve the desired emotion in just a few words.
Shot composition . Before pressing the shutter button, make sure that there are no unnecessary elements in the field of view of the lens. For a good portrait, one little thing in the frame is enough. If the model is holding a pipe in her hands, it is not necessary to poke her a glass of wine.
Experiments . The art of photography welcomes bold experiments that involve changing angles. There are times when the standard camera position is not suitable. For example, if a person has small eyes, hold the camera a little higher. This will highlight the beauty.
Angle. If the posing person has certain flaws, good photographer will do everything to hide them. Only in this case, the finished work will bring true joy to the customer. Otherwise, reward only disappointment. Eg, complete man do not shoot in profile, otherwise you will focus on a double chin. You will mask the emerging bald spot with a dark background, which will make the head visually darker.

Video tips

How to photograph animals

Every person who has had to photograph animals knows that it is extremely problematic to do this. The resulting shots don't always capture the fun and beauty of the moment.

During the further conversation, you will learn how to learn to photograph animals professionally. To master the art digital photography may take a long time. But in the future, you will take excellent pictures and make wonderful collages.

master close-ups and light sensitivity setting is easy. This is enough to take pictures of motionless and sleeping animals. In the case of moving animals, do good frame difficult.

Accommodation. If you want to take a picture of an animal, try to make it slightly below your gaze in the photo. Otherwise, you will end up in a funny situation. For example, shooting from below will make the animal visually huge. Professional photographers often take eye-to-eye shots, which provide a special effect.
Eyes. Animal eyes are in no way inferior to human ones in terms of beauty. They must be present in the frame. When shooting, focus on the eyes to catch the moment when the puppy or kitten looks at you.
Frame fullness . Shooting is considered the most successful when animals account for 75% of the frame. The frame should not be redundant elements. If you are going to photograph a dog, there should be no more than two additional details in the frame - a pillow, a blanket, or a sofa corner. An additional item in the frame is required. It indicates the actual size of the animal, as a result, the picture will be harmonious.
Background. Pay special attention to the background. Choose a neutral background, without eye-catching colors and sharp outlines.
Flash. Do not use flash as animals are very afraid of sounds and bright flashes. All the little animals are endowed with a lightning-fast reaction, frightened by the flash, they will jerk sharply, which will ruin the frame. In natural light, animals look familiar and impressive.
Character traits. When shooting an animal, try to capture the features of its unsurpassed character. For example, a beloved cat can be playful and affectionate. With the help of a toy, gesture or sound, you can easily evoke the desired emotions in the animal. The frame is just amazing.
Animals in motion . When photographing a moving animal, be sure to leave space in the photo in front of it. As a result, the viewer will have the feeling of a walking animal. Do the same when the animal is looking somewhere. Lack of space in front of the animal will bring uncomfortable sensations.
lighting. Not presented special requirements. It is best to create a portrait in conditions of unidirectional bright light illuminating one side of the animal. As a result, the light along with the shadow will provide excellent contrast and fine detail.

Video lessons

You have learned how to become a professional animal photographer. Animal photography welcomes the paparazzi style, where the animal must be caught off guard before being photographed. So get some beautiful and unexpected shots.

Remember, an animal, being in a natural environment, better demonstrates its nature. By taking these pictures, you can earn. You may be able to build a career as a photographer by being a staff member of some animal magazine.

How to photograph objects

It seemed that in order to take a photo, it was enough to take a camera, look into the lens and press a button. This opinion is shared by beginners who embark on the path of learning photography.

They find it difficult to say why the work of some photographers causes delight, while others - a smile and bewilderment. It's about the photography technique used and the ability to choose a plot.

Continuing the topic of conversation, consider how to learn to photograph objects professionally. The benefit will not make you a professional, but do nice photos for a family album learn.

Constant practice . If you want to reach your goal, keep practicing. Carry your favorite camera with you. It is impossible to predict when once again you will find a good shot. If you don't have a camera, you won't take a picture. Really good stories are rare.
Pay attention to different things . If familiar landscapes and boring interiors do not contribute to the birth of new ideas, look at them from the other side. For example, the rays of the setting sun will color the flower in other shades.
Experiment with settings, modes and angles . Do not photograph from the same position and height. Bend over, squat, and look at surrounding objects upside down more often. True, in the latter case, you will need to master the handstand.
Learn new things and look for useful information . Reading books, viewing albums, visiting thematic sites and exhibitions, communicating with professionals will help. The received material is immediately consolidated, applying new knowledge in practice.
Learn to take criticism . In a few photography lessons, becoming a genius is unrealistic. During practice, you will make mistakes and make rash actions. Treat the criticism that accompanies newcomers favorably. By looking for flaws in your work and carefully analyzing, change the situation.
Avoid disharmony . During framing, avoid disharmony between the elements of the photograph. Otherwise, one part of the picture will become thematically and visually outweigh. Arrange the objects in the picture correctly and harmoniously.
Follow the golden ratio . During shooting, conditionally divide the frame into nine equal parts using horizontal and vertical lines. Place the main elements of the frame at the intersection of lines.
Use Geometric Shapes . When composing a shot, use the geometric shapes visible to the naked eye that make up the subjects. Consider the location of the object and the background, on which there should be no unnecessary elements.
Don't Forget the Vertical Format . To shoot tall buildings and vertical objects, use the vertical format. Horizontal shooting is better for landscapes.
Take Contrasting Shots . The objects you shoot should not blend into the background. It is recommended to shoot dark objects against a light background, and light objects against a dark one.

Applying the acquired knowledge in practice, you will get successful pictures of high-rise buildings, architectural monuments and other objects. The skills will come in handy when traveling and traveling. As a result, you will make a wonderful album that will not let you forget the bright and impressive moments of your active life.

The ability to take decent photographs, although not a direct responsibility of the traveler, is still very desirable.

Nowadays, almost everyone active person there is a SLR camera, but as I noticed, most people use auto mode.

Perhaps someone thinks that this is not necessary at all, because the automatic mode already produces good quality pictures, but the fact is that only direct control of the camera provides ample opportunities.

Judging by my inquiries, people would like to use the settings of the device, but They think photography is hard to learn.. To dispel this myth, my today's article is called upon.

In this case, we are only talking about cameras enough high level, that is, about DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The latter are a much more practical option for the traveler.

First, let's define what it actually is - good camera on which it makes sense to use manual mode. At the core digital camera lies a photosensor, called a matrix, on which the light passing through the lens of the objective is focused. In terms of principle, a modern camera is no different from a film camera - the film was simply replaced with a photomatrix.

So, the most important parameter as the camera itself is the size of the matrix. I don’t want to go into theory, all this can be read on specialized resources or Wikipedia, I will only note that the physically larger the matrix, the higher the signal-to-noise ratio, and, accordingly, the image quality.

The standard in the consumer segment are the so-called full-frame matrices (they also say full frame), their size is identical to 35mm film.

Therefore, in photography, all matrix sizes smaller than 36x24 (full frame) are counted through the crop factor. This crop factor essentially means how many times the matrix is smaller than full-frame.

For example, most DSLRs have a crop factor of ~1.5, which simply means that their sensor is one and a half times smaller than full frame. I do not want to touch on how the crop factor affects focal lengths yet, maybe we will talk about this another time.

When talking about high-quality cameras, we can say that the lower limit of the size of the matrix is in the limit of the crop factor - 2. Everything that has a smaller matrix can be considered a soap box and is not considered in this article.

How many megapixels do you need

One more note: for some reason it is believed that the number of megapixels in modern cameras grows only under the pressure of marketing. Allegedly, on the old low-pixel DSLRs, the picture was much better.

This statement is nothing more than retrograde and longing for a “warm tube sound”. The increase in megapixels in SLR cameras in combination with new image processing algorithms only improves detail and reduces noise On the photo.

Let's get right into filming. manual mode. I know that for many, such shooting is associated with childhood memories, when, under the guidance of a parent, we measured the exposure setting with a photo exposure meter and calculated the shutter speed depending on the required aperture. Friends, on the street of the 21st century, everything has become much easier.

Depth of field

Let's get back to the camera. We do not need a fully manual mode M, so we turn on mode A. In this mode, we controlling aperture size, and the camera itself will select the shutter speed. It is very important to understand here that the size of the aperture determines the depth of field - one of the most important shooting parameters.

Most likely, you have seen more than once how photographers separate the main subject of the composition from the background with blur. This is just the result of using the aperture. Remember, the wider we open the diaphragm, the more it will blur the background.

Conversely, if our composition is a landscape, and we need to sharpen everything that enters the frame, the aperture needs to be covered. The f-stop numbers are in reverse order: that is, at 3.5, the aperture is opened wider than at 8, and the depth of field will be lower.

The second factor that affects depth of field is the focal length of the lens. The larger it is, the more the background is blurred. The wider the lens angle, the less blur.

The third is the distance from the lens to the subject and from the subject to the background.

That is, roughly speaking, portraits should be taken at a greater approximation, setting the aperture to the lowest value (number). Here's an example for you. I want to shoot a girl in the city, separating her from other people with a blurry background.

I twist the lens to the maximum (most often 18-55mm glasses are used with SLR cameras), and with my feet I go up to the girl so that she fits into the frame the way I need - in full height, to the waist, only the face.

Thus, I make the distance between the camera and the subject as short as possible in this situation, which will blur the background well.

I set the aperture to the most open value (smaller number), most likely it will be 5.6 in your DSLR. I take pictures and get a great portrait.

There are so-called portrait lenses. They are not zooms: as a rule, their focal length is 50mm, but they have a very wide open aperture - 1.4-1.8. The more the aperture is opened, the more the background is blurred.

Tip: do not photograph people next to walls or large objects, ask to move away so that there is at least five meters of free space behind. This will give the photo "air" due to the contrast of the subject with the background.

Now, if you decide to shoot a landscape or architecture, you just need to set the aperture to a smaller one (the number is larger). Just don’t get carried away, for matrices with a crop factor of 1.5, approximately at aperture 10, the diffraction limit begins, at which the image detail begins to fall. Those who are interested in the nature of the phenomenon go to Google, the rest take the word that the aperture should not be set further than 8.

Excerpt

Shutter priority mode S is used by photographers much less often, to solve some specific problems. creative tasks. For example, we want to take a picture of a speeding cyclist to convey his speed. We set the shutter speed to be longer (experimental) and when the biker flies by, we pass him with the camera, pressing the shutter release.

As a result, we will get a clear person in the photo, and the background will be smeared in motion. It's called wired filming.. But I repeat, shutter priority is used very rarely, especially by amateur photographers. Therefore, in 99% the camera is in aperture priority mode A.

It would seem that since the machine selects the shutter speed itself, then we have nothing to follow, but unfortunately, this is not the case. The fact is that the less light there is on the street and the more we press the aperture, the longer the exposure time is needed for our frame to be exposed.

At slow shutter speeds, the hands are not able to hold the camera absolutely still, and the picture comes out a little blurry. Photographers call it a shake.

To find out at what shutter speed there will be no movement, you need to look at the shutter speed offered by the camera and compare it with the focal length of the lens. For example, if you have this moment there is a wide angle of 25mm, then the shutter speed should be no longer than 1/25(the number in the denominator is greater - it means shorter, if less - it means longer).

Thus, by increasing the focal length of the lens, the need for light also increases. In the same place as in the previous example, twisting the lens by 55mm, our minimum shutter speed will be already 1/50.

To combat shake, a stabilizer is installed in the cameras, and this device allows at least halving the need for light. That is, using a stub, with a focal length of 55mm, it will already be quite possible to photograph with a shutter speed of 1/25.

What to do if, no matter how hard you try, you can’t get a fast enough shutter speed and the photos come out blurry? You can open the aperture slightly (just remember that this reduces the depth of field), you can rest your elbows on your stomach, you can put the camera on some object.

The stabilizer prevents blur due to hand shake, but if there are moving objects in the frame (people, cars), then in the case of a slow shutter speed they will be blurry.

But the easiest way is to increase the sensitivity. I deliberately do not touch the ability to use the built-in flash, because the result will usually be deplorable. Avoid shooting with the built-in flash whenever possible.

Light sensitivity (ISO)

In order to shoot in low light conditions, the camera matrix is able to work in high sensitivity mode. This means that when you increase the ISO by one point, the need for light is halved. If you can’t achieve the minimum shutter speed at which you can take a good shot, increase the ISO.

Unfortunately, the ISO limit is not infinite - as it increases, the amount of digital noise increases dramatically, which eats up details in the shadows, color shades, etc. Improving the light sensitivity of matrices is the subject of improvement in modern cameras, and today it is already quite possible to shoot at ISO3200, almost without losing image quality.

Lens Sharpness

All photographers love sharpness. This parameter depends on the optical properties of the lens. More expensive glasses are not always sharper, because Other factors determine the price: constructive optics, weight, dimensions, subjective assessments and, of course, a red stripe at the front lens. 🙂

It must be remembered that almost always zoom lenses will be generally less sharp than primes. This is easily explained, because in the case of a zoom, the manufacturer needs to combine too many variables, and for a lens to be sharp at all focal lengths, it must cost and weigh like a locomotive. Zooms tend to have the most blur at the edges: at their widest and farthest angles.

Another one important feature- each lens has its own sharpest aperture. This information is not advertised, but you can find out by taking several test shots in different values. As a rule, an open aperture is the most blurry. Therefore, if you want to make a portrait in which every eyelash is visible, close the aperture a little bit, sacrificing a little background blur.

That's all the information you need to start taking pictures the way you want, and not the way the camera seems right. In my opinion, everything is very simple, if you practice a little. I am sure that by taking some thoughtful shots that you yourself will like, don't want to go anymore to automatic mode.

I will only add that shooting is only the first part of photography. It is necessary to process the pictures, otherwise either a dull substance will come out, or funny pictures that were touched by the automatic processing of the camera. Neither is acceptable. If the hands reach, I will write a note about the basic processing of photos in RAW format, and finishing them in Photoshop.

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Hello dear readers! With you again, Timur Mustaev. Most likely, you have become the proud owner of a SLR camera and you have a considerable number of questions, the answers to which are too lazy to look for in the manual. Right?

Well, I will take on the heavy burden of a guide to the world of high-quality photography and reveal a few secrets to you.

But still, no matter how lazy you are, be sure to study the manual for your camera in great detail. Believe me, from my experience, from your manual, you will learn a lot of interesting things. At the end of the article, I recommend a video course that will clearly help you deal with your DSLR!

First of all, let's talk about management, without these basics it will be difficult to understand how to take pictures correctly reflex camera.

Due to the impressive size of the carcass (body) (the so-called SLR camera without a lens), the camera should be held a little differently than a digital camera: the right hand should be located on the handle, and the left hand should hold the opposite lower corner.

Camera modes

This position will allow, if necessary, to change the focal length and switch the main modes, which are slightly different on different cameras, as some have the abbreviations “M; A; S; P" are specific to Nikon, others are "M; Av; TV; P", for Canon.

At the initial stage of learning a SLR camera, I strongly do not recommend taking pictures in auto mode, since you will not be able to control the camera in certain shooting conditions, and even more so to learn from this some kind of lesson.

This mode is standard and is often used when it becomes necessary to shoot something quickly without delving into overall composition frame.

Program mode (P)

Better experiment with the program mode "P", which differs from "Auto" by the ability to independently adjust.

ISO - indicates the sensitivity of the matrix to light, the higher its value, the brighter the frame. But it is worth remembering that high ISO is accompanied by the appearance of adverse noise.

The golden mean of sensitivity to light ranges from 100-600 units, well, here again, it all depends on your camera.

Aperture priority mode (A or Av)

The next mode, which received due attention, is “Av” (“A”), the main highlight of which is control over the level of sharpness (DOF). In this mode, you obey, and the rest of the settings are set by the camera itself.

Thanks to it, you can get a beautiful blurred background with the effect when using lenses with a minimum F value, for example, a lens or, depending on which camera you have.

Also, when shooting landscapes or macro, this mode will be very useful, because in order to achieve detail, the aperture must be covered.

Shutter priority mode (S or Tv)

Unlike previous modes, it allows you to control the shutter speed manually, while setting any possible values. The rest of the settings are set automatically by the camera. For most DSLRs, the shutter speed limit is 1/4000 second, in advanced and more expensive ones - 1/8000 second

For example, the common Canon 600d, Nikon D5200, D3100, D3200 have a value from 30 to 1/4000 s.

The Tv/A mode is used for capturing dynamics during sporting events, as well as without using a tripod.

- this is the shutter opening time to let light through to the camera matrix. To get sharp shots, you need to use the fastest shutter speed possible. Long, in turn, is used when it is necessary to capture the movement of an object.

For example, when shooting the flow of water at a slow shutter speed, you can get a beautiful shot with a smooth transition of drops into a jet.

Manual mode (M)

"M", used by professional photographers, usually in studios or other difficult, cramped conditions. It allows you to control all the allowed parameters and expands the possibilities for creating creative photography. However, if you hear from someone: “Shoot only in “M” mode”, run without looking back from this person, he wishes you harm!

First, shooting in M mode, you will spend all your free time adjusting, missing the light in the process.
Secondly, you will take a thousand shots, of which there will be only one successful one - Malevich's black square.

Manual mode opens up big boundaries, but for beginners, this mode is quite difficult. Start with the previous modes and gradually reach M.

Since the rest of the DSLR modes are used extremely rarely, such as macro, portrait, landscape, and so on, both by amateurs and professionals, I will not focus on them. special attention and move on to the next item.

Always check the battery level before taking a photo shoot. Ideally, purchase a spare battery or battery pack.
Format the memory card after dumping the photo to the computer. A free flash drive will avoid data corruption and errors, as well as relieve you of the hassle of manually deleting photos when there is not enough space.
Check the camera settings, namely the resolution of the pictures. If you are planning further retouching, then shoot in RAW + JPG, if not, then limit yourself to one JPG, preferring L quality.
To avoid blurring shots, alternate between handheld and tripod shooting.
Pay attention to the horizon line, it should not have blockages and slopes. Many DSLRs are equipped with an auxiliary grid that helps in this situation, it is conditionally superimposed on the picture and is visible on the LCD screen.
Do not abuse the autofocus mode, you need to be able to use manual as well, since some lenses simply do not have "auto".
Take multiple shots at the same time, even when shooting static subjects, so you don't miss the best one.
Get different ones, they make life quite easy and minimize processing time.
Do not be afraid to change the white balance, stop using automatic already.
When shooting in winter, be sure to be guided by weather conditions, avoid sub-zero temperatures, as temperature changes will lead to condensation, both on the camera body and inside. This is fraught with damage to the electronics, and can lead to a complete malfunction of the equipment. But if, nevertheless, Ostap suffered, before bringing the camera into heat, roll it with a cloth, or do not take it out of the bag upon arrival from the street for two hours.

Here, in fact, are all the main subtleties of shooting on a mirror technique. Practice, and I assure you, a good result will not be long in coming.

Finally, as promised. Video course "" (if you have NIKON) or " My first MIRROR"(if you have CANON). One of the best online courses. understandable practical examples, a detailed explanation of the theoretical and practical part. These video courses have gained popularity among beginner photographers. I recommend to study!

Digital SLR for beginners 2.0- for owners of a NIKON camera.

My first MIRROR- for owners of a CANON camera.

All the best to you, Timur Mustaev.

Having the opportunity to seek advice from a professional photographer or photography teacher, most beginners ask about the “right” camera or the “best” lens, or the “top tip” on how to become 50 times better in one moment. Such questions seem quite logical when you pick up a camera for the first time.

But the aspiring amateur photographer should stay away from these questions... at least for a while. Photographic equipment is important and you will learn a lot from the pros useful tips, but it is necessary to keep paramount things in priority.

Follow these seven tips and start your photography journey with the right steps.

First train ride. Photo credit: Spragues

1. Education is primary, technology is secondary

You know what they say, "spend money on experiences, not things." Scientific research supports this statement. The fact is that even a fleeting experience will remain a part of your personality, and not just an object that you own.

This is not only great advice for life, but also a completely underrated recommendation for photographers. When choosing between a brand new camera or lens and a seminar or a trip to an amazing place, most beginners will prioritize technology. Don't make this mistake.

Attend good seminars or go on photo tours to unfamiliar places. famous photographer national geographic Jim Richardson once said, "If you want to be the best photographer“Be where something interesting happens.”

The Canon EOS-1D X won't do you any good if you don't know how to use it...and unless you have something in your backyard that needs to be photographed at 14 fps. Spend money on education, gain experience, forget about photographic equipment for a while.

New profile photo. Author of the photo: Valentin Kouba

2. Shoot for yourself, not for others

If you are shooting with the goal of creating something similar to other popular images, collecting likes or comments, then you are not on the right track. This applies to all art forms, especially when you are a beginner. Your main audience is yourself.

Shoot what you love. Focus on the things that inspire you. It should bring joy first of all to you. People will notice and appreciate your creative potential and individuality.

Little photographer. Photo by: Jaromir Chalabala

3. Create artificial limits for yourself

One of better ways for a beginner to improve skills is to limit yourself. It is possible in the genre, but now we are talking about technology.

Try shooting exclusively with your smartphone for a month and see how your ability to visualize composition changes when you stop thinking about image quality. Or limit yourself to one lens for two or three months, and you will notice how your understanding of focal length grows by leaps and bounds.

Constraints are one of the best ways to grow. Intentional boundaries in the use of equipment, filming only in certain time days, black-and-white photography for a month are excellent options for artificial borders.

An effective way to develop mastery in yourself is to master new facets of the craft by setting limits for yourself.

Take me, photographer! Author of the photo: Vadim Trunov

4. Find your niche

This is the first piece of advice I give to every newbie, although they rarely listen to it.

Every aspiring photographer dreams that Jimmy Chin, Steve McCurry, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Paul Nicklen will simultaneously be embodied in his face. But you can't become a master of street and travel photography, portraiture and photography at the same time. wildlife... or you can, but sometime later, not right away.

Experiment in different areas of photography, you do not need to make a choice momentarily. But once you find what you like best, focus on that. You will be surprised how much faster your growth will be when you get rid of the compulsive need to do everything.

Define your specialization. Find your own niche and focus on it. Get to know the depth of your genre instead of covering everything superficially.

Nothing to lose. Photo by: Pedro Quintela

5. Slow down

One of the things we've lost with the explosion of digital photography is the value of time spent. With up to 1,000 RAW images on a memory card, why not set it to burst mode and record at 14 frames per second, right? No, not right.

Yes, speed does sometimes help to capture a great shot, but this is reminiscent of the saying: “Even a blind squirrel can accidentally find an acorn.” Don't be a blind squirrel. Learn to breathe calmly, scout the area, carefully compose the frame, patiently shoot.

Pressing the shutter should be the culmination of thought and preparation. Are you planning a composition that you would like to capture? Scout the area in advance and determine best time days or even a season to take a picture? Do you evaluate the filming potential of the scene you see, even without being on the set?

Digital photography has brought with it a lot of opportunities and we do not propose to refuse it. Just start shooting as if your camera were loaded with a 36-frame roll of film. Slow down, it's worth it.

Young Buddhist Monks. Author of the photo: Saravut Intarob

6. Join the community

Choose the community you like and join 500px or Facebook or Google+ or whatever.

Joining a group of amateur photographers has undeniable advantages. You are more likely to be pointed out to the mistakes that you made, or offered interesting perspectives that you yourself might not have guessed.

It's also incredibly rewarding to share your love of photography with other photographers and the whole world. Don't get bogged down in popularity competitions, keep shooting for yourself. But in the community, your professionalism will begin to grow faster.