Improving Your Photography Without Spending More Money
One of the best things about photography is that you don’t need expensive equipment to take great shots. Improving your photography skills is all about learning how to use the tools you have to their fullest potential. Here are some tips for improving your photography without spending more money:
Composing Your Shots
- Rule of thirds
One of the most basic principles of composition is the rule of thirds. This involves dividing your image into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and placing the most important elements of the shot along those lines or at their intersections. - Leading lines
Leading lines are a great way to lead the viewer’s eye through your image. Look for natural lines in the scene or create them by placing objects in your shot in a way that leads the eye towards your main subject. - Framing
Framing is another way to draw attention to your subject. Look for natural frames in the scene, such as archways or doorways, and position your subject within them.
Using Available Light
- Golden hour
The golden hour is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset when the light is soft and warm. This is a great time to shoot because the light is more flattering and you can create beautiful contrast in your images. - Window light
If you’re shooting indoors, look for natural light sources like windows. Position your subject near the window and use a reflector or white surface to bounce light back onto their face. - Avoid using on-camera flash
If possible, avoid using an on-camera flash when shooting indoors. Instead, try to use the available light in the scene, an off-camera flash or invest in a fast lens with a low aperture to let in more light.