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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Beginner Photography Tips: Part 1

My husband was once upon a time in a photography major and was about to graduate in the major until he switched to advertising. 
He had a lot of photo shoots, and was heavily into the professional field. However, because of different life circumstance he changed fields and passed most his knowledge onto me. Where I have picked it up very slowly and I'm still learning. 

I think its great to share  knowledge and i did a photography class recently for a small group of women so I'm just going to share some tips. This is obviously going to be aimed for beginners but if you are a pro, feel free to add some more advice in the comments!

Today we will be mostly focusing on the basic stages of photography. 
Photography Tips For Beginners

1. Learn to shoot in Manual, and then practice!! 
Some of you may ask what is manual? Manual is controlling three things: the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. 
Once I understood the way to shoot in manual, my photography and my creativity grew leaps and bounds.  If you aren't shooting in manual your work isn't reaching its greatest potential. 

When I first started learning to shoot in manual it took several reminders to remember what did what. Like everything, it takes practice! So don't be afraid and turn your camera to Manual and practice! Pretty soon you will be doing it in your sleep. I promise.

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2. Invest in a good camera: When I say invest I use it liberally, because I know that everyone can't afford the top of the line camera, nor do I think it it is necessary. But do your research and find out what your wanting in a camera. Is it a crisper image? Is it the size of the camera? Is it the quality of the camera? Also don't forget about the lens, the lens plays a huge role in how your photos will turn out. Make sure you do your research for that as well. Currently I own only 2 lenses. A helpful hint the 50mm lens or the fantatic plastic, is the best glass you will get for the price. We have one and that is the lens I most commonly use. 

Photography equipment is also important if you are wanting to have professional photos. We have both Lightroom(v. 4) and Photoshop (CS6). Many photographers have sworn by lightroom. It is relatively cheap ($100-$200) compared to photoshop and is easy to use. I like to use photoshop because you can get into more details with skin edits and a lot of other edits.  Another helpful hint: We got both our programs while Brandon was in school at a deeply discounted rate, so if you are student I would take advantage of that!

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3. Editing is important: The camera isn't as magnificent as the human eye, it can leave out a lot of details and color. So in order to capture the grandeur of the photo that you saw with your eyes, editing will be the stepping stone. HOWEVER, when editing it is important to remember less is more. When I look back at my first attempts at photography I realized I didn't understand nor have confidence in my editing skills- which meant I compensated in heavy editing. But this is common among photographers. As I have practice more with my programs I tend to leave the actions alone and use my own sense to what I think the photo needs. 

I just want to add as well that I know that I have a lot more to learn. However, I am happy with the state I am at and know that I can grow even more from here. So I just wanted to put it out there, but share what I have learned. 

If you have any questions or have anything to add, leave a comment! I would love it!

16 comments:

Unknown said...

What is a good setting for a concert. Most of my pictures I take is at concerts. I have a Canon PowerShot SX150 camera and I'm still trying to learn how to use it.

Christine Anderson said...

I look forward to more of your help. Thank you Shelby!

Christine Anderson said...

I look forward to more of your help. Thank you Shelby!

Denault Studios said...

I absolutely agree with your advice to do your research and get the RIGHT camera. Having the right equipment makes all the difference. It is like trying to build a deck with a stapler otherwise!!

Ashley said...

I'm trying so hard to shoot in Manual, and it's so difficult!! Do you use Photoshop to edit your pictures?

Stephanie Vainer said...

Great post! I love finding post's about photography like this.

Shelby Osmond said...

Shandra, I'm sorry to sat that most concerts are too dark for any good picture, unless you have a great camera that can let in a lot if light. So your best bet is using a flash.

Shelby Osmond said...

Ashley!! Good for you! It will come I promise. And yes I use photoshop to edit my pictures mainly because I haven't put time in to learn Lightroom. I should though!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Shelby. I've gotten some good pictures at concerts, but I agree. You have to have a great camera. My problem always been the lighting from the concerts.

I will continue to play around with my camera.

LDR said...

You are both quite the team! I had no idea Brandon was majoring in photography before switching to advertising. I enjoyed Brandon's photography blog and always thought it was a hobby for him. I am one who is afraid of "manual" settings. I don't trust myself to miss the moment in a picture and auto is my safety. Your photography is beautiful....and you have a natural eye to see beauty. My friend Mary also has that eye....and I'm envious! You inspire many....so thank you for sharing!

Marcia Hansen said...

great tips and wonderful pictures! You are a pro.

Robin L Greenslade said...

Your photography is so good! Your pictures tell the story in living color.

When you post pictures of food I can smell the aroma and nearly taste the flavor; colors are so true to life I want to reach out and touch and feel. Many times I can hear your boys laughing or the sounds of the wind rustling the leaves....

You have become a STUNNING photographer!!! I love that you share your photos with us. They are a true visual delight.

Cassidy and Daniel Stephens said...

great tips.. thanks for sharing i look forward to more of your wisdom

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY said...

So... what camera do you own? Mine just broke (AHHH!!!), and I need to purchase one ASAP (son is leaving soon on his LDS mission to Paris, France). Also, what camera should I buy for my son to take with him to France? His mission papers suggest nothing expensive, but I want his photos to hold quality. Thank you in advance for your advice :).

Shelby Osmond said...

I own a cannon 5d mark 11. I suggest a rebel xti but it really depends on what you are wanting! Hope that helps!

Espectaculos al Dia said...

Shelby, thank you so much for the tips. I wanted to ask you if you use any filters with your camera or do think is better to do any adjusting when you edit the pictures .Thanks Odalys