One of Ansel Adams’s famous quotes is, “A good photograph is knowing where to stand.” Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a professional photographer, taking meaningful photographs is now easier than ever thanks to smart phones, apps, free photography sites, and even e-books.
Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a simple but effective camera trick for better photographs. Basically, the idea is to take pictures with a third of the scene centered on the subject. This will draw the viewer’s attention to the subject while utilizing negative space to offset visual focus. This camera trick has been around for longer than photography itself, and it’s a great way to take better pictures.
The first step is to view your image on your camera’s grid. Most cameras have this feature, but you might have to look for instructions in the manual. Once you do, place your key subject at the intersection of the lines. Using the rule of thirds will make your photographs more visually interesting and help you tell a story.
ND filter
Using an ND filter in your photographs can enhance landscapes and portraits. They can also be used to play with depth of field in bright conditions and create motion blur. These filters are a lot more impactful when you are trying to take pictures off a moving bus, plane (check first if the airport security allows DSLR or disposable camera on plane), or even a cruise ship as these filters can bring your subject to the foreground. Of course, you would also need to prevent excessive movements and turbulence; so, it helps if the camera or the lens comes with an inbuilt image stabilizer. Whether you are taking photos in manual mode or in Aperture Priority, you can learn how to use an ND filter to improve your photos.
When using an ND filter, it is important to keep it clean. You should wipe off any dust, fingerprints, or sea spray before using it. You should also use your camera’s live view to focus manually before attaching the filter. Using a tripod is also important to take the best photos.
Wide-angle lens
Wide-angle lenses can help you take more interesting photos. They are a great way to capture people and other subjects in the entire frame. You can also use these lenses to bring objects into the frame that would otherwise be out of focus. To take better photos with your wide-angle lens, learn how to use it to its best advantage.
One of the first benefits of using a wide-angle lens is that it makes your foreground appear more prominent and the background recedes. This gives you a different perspective and makes the subject seem more dramatic. Another advantage of using a wide-angle lens is that it creates negative space in your photos, which is the space in the photo that doesn’t attract attention.
Prism
You can use a Prism camera trick to take better photos. First, you should be sure to use a tripod. This will keep your hands steady while you use the camera. Then, use one hand to hold the prism while focusing on the subject. Next, you should frame the subject in the middle of the photo. You can also try holding the prism on one side of the lens to see if it creates a distortion effect in the photo. You can also turn the prism a little to increase the effect of the distortion.
You can also use the Prism camera trick to make your pictures look like a kaleidoscope. This will give a sense of movement to the images, which are usually static.
Self-timer
Using a self-timer is a good way to take better photos, especially if you’re taking macro shots or working in low-light situations. The timer will help you focus and eliminate camera shake. In addition, using a timer can save you the trouble of carrying extra equipment. However, the timer’s usefulness depends on how long you need the exposure to be. The longer the exposure, the less noticeable the camera shake will be.
A self-timer camera trick is also useful when taking group shots. If you use it correctly, the self-timer will focus on your subject and not on the background. In such a situation, you can use a tripod, or even your camera bag. If you’re shooting on an uneven surface, your horizon might not be level, so use the lens cap to level the camera. Another useful self-timer camera trick is to shoot wide, as this lets you adjust focus after the photo is taken.
