A camera isn’t just for Christmas
I always carry my camera with me when I’m out and about on a walk. This photo was taken on an iphone by Rhian.
Are you hoping Santa will leave a brand new camera under your Christmas tree this year?
If, like me, there’s a bit of a tech geek inside you, then unwrapping the latest digital SLR, a mirrorless or compact camera, or even a new mobile phone with the latest camera built in, will bring a big smile to your face! Have fun - enjoy it. You’ll end-up with loads of pictures of the kids unwrapping presents, granny and grandpa asleep on the couch and your own reflection in a bauble! They are all compulsory photos; go for it!
However, when you put the Christmas decorations away at the end of the festive period, make sure you don’t put your camera away at the same time. Unfortunately, too many people only grab their camera on special occasions and, when they do use it, they default to the ‘auto’ setting and hope for the best.
The result is often mediocre images which will disappoint and discourage you from using your camera for anything other than holidays or selfies. Which would be a terrible waste.
If you want to get the best out of your new camera (or even a camera you already own) then here are a few hints and tips to help you on your way:
Make yourself a cup of coffee (or better still, pour yourself a whisky), get comfortable on the settee and spend a few minutes working out what all those dials, buttons and menus are for on your camera. Yes, you can refer to the user manual but, let’s be honest, user manuals are about as interesting as the deeds to your house and are guaranteed to put you to sleep within 5 minutes. If you need help, have a look at YouTube. I guarantee there will be plenty of set-up guides for your model of camera. If your camera allows you to programme in your own user settings, take the time to do it. It will make life a lot easier when you’re out and about taking photos.
Remember, cameras don’t take great photographs, photographers do. Your camera is simply a tool that enables you to capture an image. If you want that image to be as you originally envisaged it, you’ll need to understand how you can use the various creative tools at your disposal. For example, find out how to use your aperture settings to create those lovely blurry backgrounds. Use fast or slow shutter speeds to freeze action or create smooth and serene water. Use ISO to enable you to capture star shots at night and think about lens selection to either crop in tightly on your subject, or give you an awe-inspiring panoramic view of a wonderful vista. Again, YouTube is an excellent starting point. If sports photography is your thing, then find out how you can get action-stopping sport shots. If landscape photography floats your boat, then read-up about how best to create an image fit for your lounge wall.
Here’s an exercise to help you work out which camera settings you should use in different situations. Put your new camera down and pick up a couple of glossy magazines. It doesn’t matter what sort they are. Thumb through them and select half a dozen images that really appeal to you. Then ask yourself what setting you think the photographer used to create those images? Did he or she use a telephoto or wide-angle lens? Did they select a wide aperture (a small f number such as f2.8) to create a blurry background which are popular with portraits, or was it a bigger f number (f16) to ensure everything in the image is in focus? Did they shoot at 1,000th of a second to freeze a breaking wave, or at 1/3rd second to show movement in the water? When you’re out with your camera, these are the questions you’ll need to ask yourself, so the more you practice, the more instinctive the process will become.
Bear in mind that the technical process of capturing a well exposed and sharp image is the easy bit (your camera does most of the hard work for you). Finding a striking composition is far more difficult. There are plenty of online courses, videos and magazine articles to help you get your head around the subject of composition, but in my experience going on a course with a professional photographer is by far the best way to improve your skills. Being able to talk to a pro and understand why this composition works better than that one, is so helpful. Yes, it will cost money and take time, but both are investments worth making and it’s great fun.
Practice, practice, practice. There is no substitution for getting out with your camera and using it as much as possible. Using your camera will become second nature and you’ll spend less time thinking about apertures, shutter speeds and ISOs and more time thinking about compositions and light - which is the fun and the rewarding bit.
Never leave home without your camera. Yes, I’m serious. I never go for a walk without my camera. I may come home without any shots but if an opportunity presents itself, at least I have the means to capture it. How many times have you been out and about and said to yourself: “that would make a wonderful photograph”, only to realise that you left your camera at home? Modern cameras are smaller than they’ve ever been and are therefore easier to carry about with you.
Set yourself a mini project. Photograph 12 shots that tell the story of the village in which you live. Make a calendar to give to relatives next Christmas. Produce a portrait photo of each of your kids. It doesn’t really matter what the project is; having one will help you build your skills and understand the photographic process.
Finally, don’t give-up if you have a few disappointing results. Despite the latest developments in camera technology, capturing stunning images isn’t easy. If it were, where would the fun be in taking photos? Learn from your mistakes and keep at it. I can guarantee that when you do capture a stunning image - and you will - the feeling is fantastic.
I do hope these few pointers are helpful. And I hope Santa makes your dreams come true this Christmas!