Photography Tips for DSLR Users

Here’s a quick video with 10 (+1) tips for DSLR users from photographer Thomas Hawk.

What would you add to his list?

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22 Responses to “Photography Tips for DSLR Users”

  • Emon Says:

    Know your rights when you’re being questioned or stopped.
    http://emonome.com/archives/696

  • Shai Coggins Says:

    Thanks for sharing this video, Darren.
    Actually just made my own top 5 list -
    http://www.shaicoggins.com/index.php/weblog/top-5-photography-lessons-ive-learned-so-far/

  • Ben Says:

    I would add, more expensive camera does not = better photos. Start with reading, research, and learning.

  • Silverhalide Says:

    Tip #11 - Don’t shoot reflective surfaces square on. Say for example, if you’re making a video of shooting tips in front of a window, place the camera so that it isn’t at right angles to the window, that way, you can avoid annoying reflections of the camera, and the back of the presenter’s head.

    (And seriously, if you’re using flash, this will prevent the ugly glare of the flash from showing up in the picture, or throwing your metering off.)

  • Odyn Says:

    Tip #12 - Take your dSLR with you. If you tend to leave it at home you’d be better off buying an ultraportable compact camera and keep it in your pocket everywhere you go.

  • Tracey Says:

    Take your camera with you everywhere! I even carry it in the car when I take my kids to school. Some shots are once in a lifetime and won’t wait for you to go home to get your camera!

  • A. Marques Says:

    I’ve been a fan of Thomas’ work for some time now and although almost exaggeratedly simple, these tips will improve, to some extent, anyone’s photography.

  • Sreejith K Says:

    I liked the last statement. “The best pictures in the world are yet to be taken”. Thanks for sharing the video.

  • Michelle Says:

    GREAT tips! Thanks for sharing!

  • Angela Says:

    “The best pictures in the world are yet to be taken.” - Thomas Hawk

    I don’t have a DSLR, but these tips can still come in handy. I’ve been wondering how I should go about buying a tripod for my new Nikon. So thanks for posting this. I’ll be sure to remember those great tips.

  • JCSeamons Says:

    The video gave me a lot of tips and help. Now I can tell my purist friends to leave me alone because photoshop does help improve pictures!!

  • sime Says:

    ***Keep your gear clean and well looked after, it will look after you right back*** [wanders off to clean gear]

  • Bonita in Pink Says:

    Awesome tips!
    Thank you!

  • G Says:

    I notice lots of people do indeed take A LOT of pictures,since it doesn’t really matter with digital. I often do this myself too, but just for the sake of your own photography, don’t just take a batch of pictures while adjusting your settings. Think about what you’re doing, TRY to get it right from the first time. There will be times you won’t get that many chances to get that shot, get to know your camera and what it does in certain light conditions.

  • Terry Says:

    These are nice basic tips, but I do disagree with his tip to use Photoshop. There are other photo processing programs that will accomplish the same processing for a LOT less money.

  • Bilka Says:

    This video was like watching paint dry. I understand that we are all at different levels here and I respect that but this was all common sense stuff, even for first-timers. We all know that we should change ISO and use a tripod and take lots of pictures and… blah, blah, blah….. Read any instruction manual that comes with a camera and you’ll learn this stuff. This is just another rehash. I for one would like to see some more useful and advanced issues covered for a change?

    Bilka

  • Bilka Says:

    This video was like watching paint dry. I understand that we are all at different levels here and I respect that but this was all common sense stuff, even for first-timers. We all know that we should change ISO and use a tripod and take lots of pictures and… blah, blah, blah….. Read any instruction manual that comes with a camera and you’ll learn this stuff. This is just another rehash. I for one would like to see some more useful and advanced issues covered for a change?

    Bilka

  • Bilka Says:

    Sorry for the double post. I was trigger happy on the submit button.

    Bilka

  • Tom Says:

    Totally agree with KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! As a street photographer, I am always nervous to shoot a random person on the street because I always think they will come up to me and get pissed (They actually have many times)…but it’s ok as long as you are on public property. Here is an AMAZING Lawyer who knows all of the photographer’s rights and put them in a pamphlet that I always keep in my bag (Just print, and fold!)

    http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm

  • JoPhoto Says:

    Re: Tip #6 Know your rights
    Never assume you can photograph anyone you want to. In some European countries, for example, you cannot just take someone’s photograph without their permission, as each person is deemed the copyright owner of his or her image. If you take their photo and they object, they are within their rights to demand its deletion, or the film in your camera. This is a major difference with North America and Europe.

  • Mike Says:

    Good tips! I’ve also got my list of 10 tips for photography (film and digital):

    http://windycitycameraphile.blogspot.com/2007/12/10-photography-tips.html

    See what you think!

    Thanks

  • Maurice Prokaziuk Says:

    I review every shot in Photoshop. Some need minor tweekeing and some need major work. It certainly dosen’t hurt to spend a few minutes to see if you can improve on the shot.

    Thanks for the great tips. I’m still looking for a good tripod and your tip will help narrow down the choices.

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