20 Photography Tips from Our Twitter Followers
Last week I asked some DPS readers who follow this blog via Twitter (our account is here) to share some of their photography tips with us.
The catch was that they had to do it in 140 characters or less (the limit that Twitter allows per message). Here’s a collection of 20 of their photography tips:
- “I would recommend any serious photographer a Tripod. It’s indispensable for any photography & most if your hands won’t stay still” - maniar
- “don’t spend your time looking at the lcd screen…you end up missing fantastic moments. The pictures will still be there later!” - burks
- “Shoot in RAW mode if your camera has it. Offers so many more opportunities for editing than shooting in JPEG” - PattyHankins
- “don’t just stand there. Instead of moving the camera, move yourself…” - XmasB
- “Always remove the lens cover.” - fireeducator
- “Get closer to the object.” - Celebtur
- “Expensive equipment don’t make great photos. Great photographers do.” - quicklunarcop
- “Fill the Frame” - ebradlee10
- “shoot the magic hours(!!); remember the exposure triangle; look for a new/unique angle on your subject. :-)” - laepelba
- “Keep taking photos, look at your photos, then take more photos. Learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to experiment.” - NeilCreek
- “You can’t take a photo without a camera so always carry one - even if you don’t get a great shot you had a chance at getting it.” - HelenBradley
- “Learn to expose and light correctly the first time using JPEG - at the highest quality, saves time and work later. no RAW needed” - woodmike
- “For portraits: fill the frame with your subject!” - onedadslife
- “Relax, take your time and get the shot you want.” - mvern78
- “just get out there & shoot…learn your camera =)” - docm2b
- “it’s the archer, not the arrow.” - Supermassive
- “keep your batteries charged because you never know when you might want to use the camera to get that special shot” - StuartL
- “assuming digital, you can never take enough shots” - d0rk4l
- “Shoot, shoot, shoot. (wish I followed this more often)” - Kellygrape
- “Understand the basic rules of composition, get a feel for them, apply them regularly - and break them occasionally!” - John1954Moi
What would you add? Leave your 140 character photography tip below.
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Don’t think about rules. Don’t think about how badly you want to make that shot. Don’t think about trying to make money, impress friends, capture the moment, or share a memory. Don’t think anything. Let the camera be an extension of your eyes and arms, squeeze and you’re done.
Know your camera well!
Your twit followers have some great recommendations. I really like the one that says remove the lens cap. You would think that is a duh but not always.
I need to get use to carrying a tripod with me. Shoot, shoot is so true. I recently took a bunch of pics of the fires in Northern California and you can see them at http://picasaweb.google.com/admiral70/2008ShastaCountyFires
Would love feedback.
I love that you’re on twitter…I check your site more often now. It’s a good reminder!
Don’t forget the rule of thirds.
Turn the camera on.
Bring extra memory cards or film
Bring extra batteries
If you don’t remove the lens cap, then just think of it as a really strong neutral density filter.
learn rules, look at work of great artists, do it your way.
Manual is the way to go. Full control of your camera opens the doorway to full creativity.
Learn all you can about your camera, buy the best batteries you can afford.
‘Bend your knees.’
White Balance, White Balance, White Balance.
The best camera is the one you remember to bring with you! ;-)
I agree with #7 and #16… but as an amateur photographer and owner of a good camera and two awesome lenses (Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and Canon 70-300mm f/2.8L IS USM) I would have to say that having good equipment can make you a better photographer.
Sorry, that’s more than 140 characters.
My 140 character answer would be: INVEST IN A GOOD LENS OR TWO.
Use what I call the triangle method. Start out wide and work your way in to the finest details and then work your way back out.
This forces variety in your photographs, rather then 100 of the same image just different subjects.
Rosh
http://www.newmediaphotographer.com
Don’t be lazy. Go out and shoot! I mean capture life in your photos. :)
Take art classes and read photography manuals. Not vice versa.
The greatest photographers have art (or music) degrees, not engineering…
Watch thousands of photos. Not jpg on web sites. Photos. You’ll find them in galleries.
It’s the photographer AND the camera. One of the two alone is never enough.
If you want to play violin like Paganini did, you need a Stradivari, nothing less.
A crappy photographer with a great camera makes crappy photos; a great photographer with a crappy camera, also. If you’re not great, don’t waste your money with expensive gear; but if you want to become one, don’t waste your time with lesser toys.
Don’t go through PS tutorials depressing buttons like a monkey: if you understand the magic behind, you’ll be able to do it with every other software.
Print, print, print. At home or in a lab. But always print.
It don’t mean a thing, if you ain’t got that print!
;-)
as a newbee, i feel we should determine the angle and light the subject will look exclusive, before we go for a shot.
Take your photo. Then turn around. There’s probably another great photo behind you.
Assuming you have digital, get a big card and don’t delete any photos you’ve taken…the LCD doesn’t give you the full picture.
If you feel the emotion of the moment, you have a better chance of capturing it.
Bring extra batteries(for your camera and flash) and memory cards
http://www.petelanglois.net
” it’s the archer, not the arrow ”
yes, but except David vs. Goliat, all others used proper weapons for their opponents.
you can’t kill an elephant with a stone, can you? also, you can’t push a $100 camera to do what a Hasselblad does. first things that come to mind, are low-light photography and sports : the extra quality of the sensor, higher iso speed, shorter shutter speeds, more control .. you name it.
your camera is a tool. you are the master. a combination of you two, and of a good subject, makes great photos. don’t neglect either side.
nice i like that info going on vacation next week maine ma ill use these points thank you walt
Use your mind, not only your sight!
I love # 5… sad but true!
Getting a BJ while driving while taking pictures… BAD idea.
See the light- look at the shadows.
“If you ain’t got a tripod, use a wooden chair!”
Sitting down, leaning against a lamppost, resting your camera on a fence, all help to make steadier images.
If you must handhold, use the viewfinder not the LCD screen; or put the camera strap round your neck and pull it taut.
Read your camera manual at least twice. Every other time that you read you would sure learn something new.