How to take a proper photo?

Hello

I like to take photos of my bike and stuff so I've been looking at the possibility of attending a Digital Photography course somewhere in my area.

After looking into these courses I have noticed that they contain a lot about different lens, light and complex things.

Seeing as tho I will be using a normal point and click digital camera this is not of that much interest to me.

I wondered if the mighty org would be able to do a thread on how to take a good photo?

My first recommendation, would be to get yourself a Bridge camera, this will aid things slightly. I have one. It does help take some better pictures.

A simple point and shoot should still be okay, just explore the options a bit...

Post up what your using.

So you might be wondering about composition? Thats a very subjective thing, but there are general points to follow, such as the rule of thirds

Also think about things like where the light is coming from, sometimes when the sun is behind you and is reflecting off the bike into the camera lense, it can create harsh colours that are not flattering...try having the sun at 90 degrees to you when you shoot...this way, you can capture shadows which give some definition to the picture (at elast, this is what I've found).

If possible, play around with white balance settings to make sure the colours are all proportional...your whites should be white, not a bit red or a bit blue or whatever!

Take loads of photos, play around with whatever settings you can on your camera, see what sort of changes occur. Look at other pictures for inspiration and dont be afraid to emulate something you like for yourself

Although I have a nice Nikon D60 SLR camera, me and Maria have both manged to take some great shots with her very very humble HP 5 megapixel point-and-shoot camera. When the light is correct, its a great camera!

[fizzwheel]

Dunno.. I just line it up so it looks right to my eye and then I take the picture...

Theory of thirds as mentioned above seems to be a good rule of thumb, but also dont be afraid to take risks and break the established rules, sometimes it can make a better pic...

Originally Posted by plowsie

My first recommendation, would be to get yourself a Bridge camera, this will aid things slightly. I have one. It does help take some better pictures.

A simple point and shoot should still be okay, just explore the options a bit...

Post up what your using.

I was using a sony 5 mp point and click nothing special but it broke whilst on holiday, so I will be in the market for a new camera soon. As soon as I've sorted myself a new lid out!

So recently I've been using my phone cam which isn't great, but I've always got it on me when I pop out.

Thanks to every1 for all the tips given

Biggest thing which will affect the way your pics look, is light. Forget the buttons on the camera - the type of light, direction of light and amount of light will make the biggest difference between how your pics look.

There are different lighting techniques to can learn but in your position - I'd just experiment for yourself.

Originally Posted by lukemillar

Biggest thing which will affect the way your pics look, is light. Forget the buttons on the camera - the type of light, direction of light and amount of light will make the biggest difference between how your pics look.

There are different lighting techniques to can learn but in your position - I'd just experiment for yourself.

uhuh. lighting's really important

here's one I cooked up just now to demonstrate (showing off slightly):



It's a fairly basic composition, but I'm still learning so it took me a while to figure out how to get this far. I did pick up lots of tips from strobist.com

[BanannaMan]

Good advice so far......

Point and shoot camera's generally work fairly well for pics taken in the daylight. (outside)

Also...get a good photo editing program such as photoshop, etc.
Take loads of pics and crop what you don't want in the pic, and play around with contrast, brightness, hue, etc.
Learning to edit photos helped me a lot as to what works and what doesn't and what I want in the pic when I'm taking it.
And it can make your photos look like you know what you're doing untill you really do.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by cmsd2

uhuh. lighting's really important

here's one I cooked up just now to demonstrate (showing off slightly):



It's a fairly basic composition, but I'm still learning so it took me a while to figure out how to get this far. I did pick up lots of tips from strobist.com

Chris,
That's a really good shot, I have succumbed to strobist.com as well, some of my photos have improved from learning to light but the composition takes thought and practice too You're right to show off, that's one to be proud of.

Jambo

Yer that is a great pic cmsd2!

FlyinCustard, my advice would be to get out there and just take pictures, take them from all different angles and you will soon see what looks right.

A good photo editor is a good idea too as they can really help your creative side.

In terms of options, even on your camera you will have options that you can change, every time you go out and take photos maybe try to use on of these features or two so you get a good idea of what it does.