Ten Tips for the new guy
By Jonathan Coffey
6 June 2008
Don't worry we've all been there a time or two. You're new to photography and terms like AV and TV or B don't sound so simple, but perhaps you got that down. What about histograms and such? Although there is plenty to learn it must be made done in steps. Not too fast now my son; so here are some tips.
Remember you can read and read websites and articles all you want, but the real best practice for this hobby of yours is to get out there and shoot. Shoot a whole bunch and never stop applying what you learn. For example when I first started out I read about AV (Aperture Priority) and I read all about DOF (Depth of Field) I was so excited that that very same day I went out and shot with all different types of apertures, creating some horrible, ugly and some not so bad photos. Over time I got the hang of it and it helped me to better understand what it was I was working with and how I could manipulate it.
Just one more note before we get started on our tips. Since the invention of the great and popular digital SLR camera, notepad sells have decreased quite a bit. See back in the day, they hate it when I say that, when we all used film we would have to write down all Exxfi data for each and every shot, seeing how now with computers and such all that data is processed for us so we don't have to, but I still do encourage the notepad; why? Well its simple. When first starting out you will want to right down notes, perhaps these 10 tips, locations, settings and different ideas you have to capture the right shot. Trust me you will be very upset if you're out for a walk one day and all the sudden fireworks go off right above you! And you can't remember the proper setting to shot them! Ahhhhh, better luck on the 4th. I can't tell you how many stories I've heard from new guys who miss a moment because they forget to write it down. So let that be our first tip.
1) Write it down! Dummy. Trust me as you get started you'll thank me.
Let's move on.
2) Don't be afraid of vertical shots. Too many photos I've seen come across my desk by these new and upcoming guys are ruined because it was poorly framed horizontally.
3) Don't just shoot the shot from the direction you approached it. Often times you'll see new ideas by walking around it, over it, beside it, eye level, and any other crazy variation you can think of. Don't be afraid of what other people are saying about you. You know what your doing. And besides when your published in JPG magazine you can rub it in their faces.
4) Know when to shoot. The say the best times to shoot are a half hour before and after sunrise and sunset, and that may be true, but don't limit yourself to those times only. Look for days with overcast clouds and take a model outdoors, or head out right before a storm and capture great moving water and amazing rain clouds. Don't be afraid to mix it up a bit.
5) Look at photos. Browsing through photo albums by well-known artists can spark you imagination into what you can do. Don't forget to read the Exif data!
6) Location, Location, Location. Remember to stake out any possible locations you want to shoot. Be sure and do your research before you travel as well, but also, never underestimate your own backyard. Most homes have at least something to shoot; moss, rocks, bugs or flowers. All these make great things to practice on anytime of the day.
7) Accessories. Don't just take a camera with you ever. Get a bag; something that will keep your camera and lenses protected. Also don't forget your umbrella, filters, flash, back up batteries etc...
8) Remember before any shot to check your settings before you shoot. All to often you'll get out of the car and click away; only to find out that your white balance was set to Tungsten. Bummer.
9) When shooting events you often can get a limited press pass if you ask. They may not let you in the media booth, but it would keep the security guard from asking too many questions. Contact the event host's media specialist and ask for help in getting a badge.
10) Travel. I don't mean to Europe, or Asia. What I mean is downtown, or the next city over. You'll be surprise of all the treasure found in a new town. I'm sure you'll get tried looking at the small tree out in front of your house if you never go out, but you might be surprised at the tree when you come back; a new view perhaps, or just the right light. Not only that but you'll have plenty of shots from your trip.
There are plenty of tips out there and I encourage you to read them and study them. Lastly remember to keep your head up.
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