But until now, I had never thought about advanced techniques for taking photographs. I am sure that lack of photo thought, was due to never being able to afford a nice camera.
Things change.
Nowadays, I own a DSLR. A few, as a matter of fact. The venerable 7D from Canon, as well as a Nikon D70 and an older Canon, the very capable Canon XTi. I have a few second-rate lenses, like the versatile Canon EF 50mm f1.4, and the awesome Nikkor VR 18-70mm.
I also own a number of film cameras, including the 35 millimeter Canon EF(1973), and a 1937 Zeiss Ikon. All have produced high-quality images.
But many frames were unusable. What a waste, right? I mean, if I am shooting the gorgeous Zeiss Ikon, with its Telma shutter and Nettar lens, I know I have to be focused on getting a properly exposed frame. Film for the 120mm Ikon is expensive, as is developing film. Digital cameras in today's instantly connected and globally distributed world, are the gold standard in the consumer's mind, as the medium is somewhat cheap and convenient.
Digital cameras with amazing capabilities are becoming more common, and DSLR cameras lead the field. Today, most camera makers offer wireless and remote capabilities, as well as high quality images.
And DSLRs are affordable, with an entry level kit priced around $500. But these are complicated cameras, and one would be wise to do much research, before and after purchasing a new camera.
In this article, I want to discuss a common mistake, for many photographers, even established shooters. It is "overshooting." This is when multiple exposures are taken of the same thing. Many photographers, especially when starting in the field, tend to shoot too much.
This is common in photographing birds, where the shooter wants to make sure that he(or she), "gets the shot." By firing many frames in burst mode, a shot of the blue jay at the bird feeder is a sure thing.
Not so fast.
We may have many photos that are useless and maybe even boring.
Weddings are another example of overshooting possibilities. In the quest to get enough shots of everybody, to fill an album, a beginner shooter is prone to shooting everything in sight.
To avoid overshooting, while still getting enough frames to have a nice selection of quality images, follow these seven tips. Usually, I write "tips" articles in tens, but the Irish weekend has me feeling lucky...
Tip #1 for avoiding overshooting:
Prepare for your photoshoot. Whether you are shooting elk in a meadow, or a daughter's soccer game(At 9 a.m.? Really?), preparing for the shoot will help you compose shots on the fly. Thinking about settings, and framing, will help you understand when to press that shutter button. Knowing what photos you want is key. Know what to look for in advance. Do you want action? Portraits? Faces? Props? Know what scenes you want to capture, and then go get your shots.
Tip #2:
Learn to frame images correctly. Eliminate dead space and leave "framing" space. What this means, is if you are in Paris, and your wife wants you to portrait her in front of some neat park bench or bicycle, frame the photo so she is the subject. She should fill the frame, leaving nice edges for imagery and for wood framing later. If you have to squint to see your wife in the final image, you may regret it.
Tip #3:
Once you understand the correct way to frame your photo, now setting up the image should be a priority. Shooting a hummingbird and getting the critter to stay for seconds even, is rare. In that rare moment, shooting at say ISO 5000 from the night before, will blow photos out and ruin them. Set up the image before you capture it. Make sure, before you ever hit the shutter, that your ISO and White Balance are correct. Have a proper aperture and fast enough shutter speed. These things, you will not regret.
Tip #4:
Action. This is an essential element of some great photos. Especially sports and wildlife. Action shots freeze moments that are "re-livable." By freezing a boxer's punch, and the ensuing expression, one can feel like they experienced the action. Anticipation is the key here. If you are photographing your son's basketball game, and he has tendencies like being an active rebounder, then you can assume that when a shot goes up, your son may try and corral that basketball. Be ready to capture that scene. Anticipate it and even change position(if possible) for it.
Tip #5:
Emotion. Ahh, the great moments, saved forever in a photograph. A child running through a sprinkler and shrieking, is what we are after when we have the camera out on those hot and humid summer days. Look for these moments and be ready for them. Realize before a shot, that the scene will be there. If your daughter is off to her first prom, a hug from mom or a nervous boy holding open the car door, may be a photograph to cherish. Be ready.
Tip #6:
Cameras have come a long ways, and today, cameras are a technological wonder. Know your camera. Read the manual over and over, until every page is clear. I've gone back to the 7D's manual a half dozen times. In its entirety.
Tip #7:
Our last tip is about the realness of candid photographs. Faces. Capture faces. In every scene we have discussed, faces are the most important. Focus on capturing faces.
Enjoy photography and strive to take spectacular images. Have a great day everybody...
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