An expensive camera won’t make you a better photographer, but knowing a few key principles on how to properly snap an image will SHARE your images with your friends, family, and the world. Pay attention to these three pillars of good photography every time you open the shutter and become second nature.
Composition
Know your subject, the exact focal point, and how to position it within the frame to accentuate the element you viewer sees first
- Learn and practice the Rule of Thirds
- The primary element should be positioned either along one of the lines or at their intersection
- Experiment with holding the plane of the lens at different angles to the subject
Focus
A sharp photo is a better photo every time, especially if you intend to produce a print
- Study the focal controls in all modes for maximum sharpness
- When natural conditions like low light, moving subjects, and multiple focal points try to confuse the camera’s auto-focus, you’ll need to understand how to compensate
Exposure
Correct exposure is the third pillar of good photography.
- A modern DSLR or mirrorless camera will have multiple exposure settings intended to maximize whatever effect you are going for under any condition.
- Read the camera’s manual to familiarize yourself with how and why exposure is controlled in each of those modes.
