The Art

of the Detailed Shot


Have you looked at a stunning photo and wished that you could take such a beautiful picture? Here are a few key points that can help you improve your photography skills.

The first thing to remember is that photography is an art. Just like art, once you understand the basics and start putting them into practice, you'll find your photography skills will improve.

Taking beautiful photos is all about light. Without light there would be no photography and taking a great photo means being in the right place at the right time to get the perfect light, particularly for outdoor shots. Variations in light conditions can make all the difference between a good photo and a great one. The best advice is to experiment and take lots of pictures under various lighting.

The amount of light that falls on your camera sensor when the shutter is opened is known as exposure and is another important factor in producing a great photo. Too much light, overexposure, will result in the photo appearing pale and washed out, while too little light, underexposure, will result in loss of details hidden in shadow.

Even if your exposure is correct, your potentially beautiful photo could be marred by lack of focus. Focus is controlled by the aperture setting. A wide aperture setting will produce a shallow depth of field while a small aperture will give a greater depth of field. Remember that you will need to increase the exposure to compensate for reduced aperture settings.

You can control items such as lighting and exposure by using additional lights and screens. You can also gain more control by arranging your subject and by using props to enhance the subject. This technique, known as staging, can add interest to your photo. It also allows you to compose your photo to get a better balance in the relationship between the subject and background.

The most important tip is to take photographs. The more you take, the more you experiment, the more experience you will gain. Remember, practice makes perfect. Sure, you'll end up with loads of poor photos, but in the age of digital cameras, this is not a big deal. For every hundred photos you take, you'll see one that will excite you.

And do not despair. If that otherwise perfect shot is ruined by a blemish, there are always photo-editing software programs that can help you.

A final tip, keep your eyes open and try to view every scene as a photo. Great photo opportunities are all around; you just have to see them. Good luck capturing the perfect shot!