7 Tips to Improve Your Photography Skills

Photography is an art, and whether you take pictures as a hobby or have a professional interest in pursuing a career in photography, there’s always room to improve your skills. This means that photographers should always be learning; however, that’s sometimes easier said than done. It can be difficult to assess your work critically, but doing so and applying some of the following tips can quickly enhance your photography skills.

1. Get inspired by other artists

Studying other photographers’ works allows you to understand the nature of photography and your own talents better. Producing beautiful work rests on understanding composition, lighting, concept, and perspective, and learning from the professionals and the best photographers in your peer group will provide you with a wealth of information to draw on to develop your skills and increase your artistic perspective.

2. Know your camera inside and out

Photography can be a far more complicated process than just “point-and-shoot.”You can improve your photos simply by knowing what your camera is capable of doing. Take the time to read the user’s manual to familiarise yourself with the camera’s functionality and capabilities. If you know what your camera can do, you have vital information on hand to take better photos. You can gain a solid understanding of cameras and their functions by undertaking a photography course, as this is generally covered as one of the major topics.

3. Use a tripod

Using a tripod forces you to slow down and take your time composing the perfect image, because you can’t move the camera around freely to snap pictures left and right. Another benefit of the tripod is that it gives you stability when you’re taking photographs, allowing your images to be more balanced and focused. After it’s mounted, your tripod should be adjusted with a spirit level to ensure the camera and tripod are level with the horizon to avoid unevenness and slanting in your images.

4. Try to make the mundane subject unique

Expand upon your creativity and freshen your perspective by going out of your way to capture seemingly mundane subjects in a new and inspiring light. Take an everyday object, such as a piece of jewelry, keys, a lamp, a bar of soap, a glass, flowers, leaves, or a crosswalk sign, and try to approach them from different heights, depths, and angles.

For example, if you’re photographing flowers, try shooting them from underneath for a completely different perspective. Photos that capture objects in a unique way can put you on a quick path to creating a professional portfolio and selling your work to others.

5. Understand what makes a shot blurry

If you’re still mastering the art of photography, you’re bound to take some shots you thought would be perfect, but they actually turn out disappointingly blurry. Overcoming blurriness in your photos involves understanding why this error occurs. Examine your camera and be sure that you’re focusing it properly. Slow down and critique your shooting style; are your pictures blurry due to camera shake? If so, your focus may be incorrect due to a lack of areas in front of or behind the subject that are sharp.

6. Take a photography course

Photographers make art to express themselves and capture the rich tapestry that represents life. Although many photographers are self-taught, if you’re new to photography, would like better direction for your work, or are considering a career in this field, taking a photography course would be in your best interest.

A classroom teaching environment, in a school or through online classes and taught by a professional photographer and mentor, will benefit you in the following ways:

  • Allow you to branch out into different types of photography
  • Improve your lighting techniques
  • Understand the most recent software and hardware for taking photos
  • Expose you to feedback and constructive criticism
  • Personal certifications
  • Learn from an expert while developing your style
  • Provide you with networking opportunities
  • Understand and practice post-processing techniques.

7. Practice every day

The adage that practice makes perfect is true, especially when it comes to photography. Make a point to bring your camera with you as much as possible and develop a habit of taking some time out every day to shoot. Even a short period of five to ten minutes a day will improve your skills and keep your creative juices flowing. The more you practice, the more you’ll develop your photographic talent and abilities.

Improve your photography and fast track your career

Do you want to improve your photography skills? Would you like to make photography your career? Find your inspiration and a prospective career with the International Career Institute’s Photography course. Start your journey today to develop your passion for photography.

Online, career focused education that suits your lifestyle.

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Gladys Mae

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Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.