For the amateur photographer, it can be frustrating to constantly take pictures that are lacking that special something. While there are hundreds of photography sites on the web, many of them use jargon that is unfamiliar to the novice who flounders in a sea of lenses and gibberish. There are some basic tips and tricks that every photographer should know, to help them achieve the perfect picture.

The Right Camera

There are hundreds of professional cameras on the market, with different lenses and selections in equipment, and new cameras coming out every year. The best way to choose a camera that is right for you is by visiting stores and picking the minds of the salespeople, and frequenting online forums. Sites like the Sony camera forum offer expert advice on a wide range of products from various manufacturers, usually based on the leading manufacturers – Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, and others. The Sony camera forum offers advice on popular cameras such as the Sony Alpha, Sony A55, and all things Sony, including lenses and accessories. By visiting forums, amateurs will find opinions and advice from other photographers and experts.

Set Your Camera Correctly

Before heading out to shoot photos, check the basics, that there’s an sd card in the camera, and that it’s set to JPEG, with the largest image size and maximum compression. Then set the other factors that will affect photos based on where the photo shoot will take place and what the lighting will be like. This way the camera will only require minor adjustments onsite. Check the exposure bracketing, AF mode, and focus point selection, as well as picture styles and color modes. Some cameras, like the Sony NEX series, require additional lenses added onto the camera itself. It’s important to remember to bring along the right lens. It’s a good idea to reset the camera after every photo shoot so that the camera is ready to snap on a whim.

Composition

Many times in photography the term ‘composition’ is used because it’s an extremely important part of an image. The Rule of Thirds is one of the most widely used rules in photography. It basically means that when looking through the viewfinder one should imagine three lines going across the screen vertically, and three lines horizontally, splitting the image into a grid. Some Sony cameras come with a feature that actually shows the grid on the screen. Key elements should be placed on these lines or at the point where any of the lines intersect. This will result in a more powerful image than having the subject centered.

Lighting

Lighting is an entire subject on its own, but one that is worth looking into. It is easier to manipulate indoor lighting than outdoors, but different things can be done to make outdoor lighting work with the image. One basic rule is that the broader the light source, the softer the light, and the narrower the light source, the harder the light. From here, there is much that can be studied concerning lighting in relation to photographs, and any amateur who is serious about the work should take the time to experiment and learn about the subject.

About the Author
Penny Talbot is a photography lover and tech geek. She recommends the Sony camera forum as a great information source about the Sony Alpha, and all Sony cameras, lenses, and accessories.