How to take a good photo - 5 expert tips

To take good photos, having the right equipment is crucial. You don’t necessarily have to own a DSLR or mirrorless camera. In fact, most modern-day smartphones are often far more capable of taking photos than some professional camera models.

While skill and creativity play a significant role, the proper tools can enhance any photographer's ability to capture stunning images. Let's explore the essential photography equipment that can help elevate you to take good photos.

Good exposure is crucial for taking good photos. It's all about controlling how much light enters the camera to create a well-balanced image. Three key elements work together to achieve the right exposure: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. While we have a guide on this already, we’ll give you a brief overview of how each of these elements works.

Aperture

Aperture refers to how wide the camera's diaphragm opens while taking a photo. It's measured in f-stops, with lower numbers indicating a wider opening. A wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8) allows more light to enter, which is beneficial in low-light situations. It also creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background while keeping the foreground in focus. 

A narrower aperture (e.g., f/16) keeps both the foreground and background in focus but lets in less light. Every lens has a "sweet spot" in its aperture range, typically about two stops below the maximum aperture. Most lenses become noticeably sharper between f/8 and f/11, with some high-quality lenses maintaining sharpness up to f/16.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed is the length of time the camera's shutter stays open, exposing the sensor to light. It's measured in fractions of a second or full seconds. A fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000 sec) can freeze motion, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects without blur. However, it also means less light enters the camera. A slow shutter speed (e.g., 1 second) allows more light in but can result in motion blur for moving subjects.

To avoid camera shake, a general rule is to use a shutter speed that's equivalent to the inverse of the effective focal length or faster. For example, with a 50mm lens, use 1/50 sec or faster.

ISO

ISO determines the camera sensor's sensitivity to light. Lower ISO values (e.g., 100 or 200) produce the highest quality images with minimal noise. As ISO increases, so does the sensor's sensitivity, allowing for shorter exposure times in low-light conditions. However, higher ISO values introduce more noise, which can give photos a grainy appearance.

When shooting in good lighting conditions, it's best to keep the ISO low to avoid noise. In low-light situations or when a fast shutter speed is needed, increasing the ISO can help achieve the desired exposure. However, it's important to find a balance, as too high an ISO can significantly degrade image quality.

Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a fundamental composition technique that can transform ordinary photos into captivating images. It involves dividing the frame into a three-by-three grid, creating nine equal sections. The key to this technique is positioning the main subject or focal point along these gridlines or at their intersections, known as power points.

By aligning elements with these gridlines, photographers can create a sense of balance and visual interest. For instance, when capturing landscapes, placing the horizon along the upper or lower horizontal line can emphasise either the foreground or the sky, depending on which is more compelling. In portrait photography, positioning the subject's eyes along the upper horizontal line can result in a naturally pleasing composition.

Leading lines

Leading lines are a powerful tool to guide the viewer's eye through the image towards the main subject. These lines can take various forms, from roads and rivers to architectural elements like staircases or bridges. The direction and shape of these lines significantly impact the image's mood and energy.

Diagonal lines can inject a sense of movement and dynamism, while curved lines create a more gentle, flowing effect. When combined with the rule of thirds, leading lines can create truly compelling compositions. For example, a winding path could lead the eye to a subject positioned at one of the power points, creating a harmonious and visually interesting image.

Symmetry

Symmetry in photography occurs when elements in the frame are reflected, creating a balanced and harmonious composition. This reflection can be complete or partial, depending on the desired effect. Symmetry can be found in various forms:

1. Radial symmetry: Often seen in architectural or macro photography, where elements diverge from a central point.
2. Horizontal symmetry: Common in landscape photography, such as trees reflected in a still lake.
3. Vertical symmetry: Frequently used in portrait and architectural photography.

Symmetry can create a sense of calm and order in an image. However, it's not always necessary to achieve perfect symmetry. Sometimes, introducing a slight asymmetry can add intrigue and prevent the image from feeling too static.

Photography is super versatile and encompasses various genres, each with its unique challenges and techniques. Let's explore three popular genres: landscape, portrait, and street photography.

Landscape photography

Landscape photography allows photographers to capture the natural beauty of the world. To improve in this genre. Here’s how to get started with taking good photos of landscapes:

1. Plan the shoot: Research the location, check weather conditions, and use apps like Sunrise Sunset Times to plan for optimal natural light.
2. Use appropriate equipment: A wide-angle lens and sturdy tripod are essential for capturing expansive landscapes and ensuring stability.
3. Master composition techniques: Implement the rule of thirds, leading lines, and foreground interest to create depth and guide the viewer's eye.
4. Experiment with perspectives: Try shooting from different heights and angles for unique viewpoints.
5. Use filters: Neutral Density (ND) filters can help control exposure and create stunning motion blur in clouds or water.

Portrait photography

Whether you’re photographing pets or people - here are some tips on taking the best portrait:

1. Focus on the eyes: As they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul, so ensure they're sharp and well-lit.
2. Get the posting right: We have a guide on how to pose for photos, jam-packed with lots of tips. A rule of thumb is to have a good selection of poses you have in mind and create micro-adjustments as needed.
3. Choose the right lens: An 85mm lens is ideal for natural light portraits, while a 50mm lens works well for environmental portraits.
4. Master lighting techniques: Experiment with different lighting setups to convey various moods and emotions. For simplicity, use natural light and ensure your subject is facing it to fully illuminate them in the best lighting possible.
5. Communicate with your subject: Guide them on posing and help them feel comfortable to capture natural expressions. If you’re photographing pets, have someone use a toy off-frame to grab their attention for specific shots.
6. Consider the background: Choose a complementary background that doesn't distract from the subject, and ensure all the colours (such as clothing, accessories and backgrounds) complement each other. Read more easy photography tips to help in this area.

If you’re using a DSLR, some are fitted with an on-camera flash. It’s common for novices to make use of it, but due to their lack of control, they can make photos appear flat. 

To avoid this, we recommend investing in a speedlight (essentially a detachable flash), which can sync with your camera’s settings or be manually adjusted if you just want a slight fill of light. To take a good photo, you want it to be well exposed in the first place. Flash acts as a tool to do this, but it should not be the go-to for every photo.

What are some quick effective tips for taking good photos?

To capture high-quality photos, identify your main subject and ensure it remains the focal point by keeping it in focus. If possible, move closer to your subject, especially if it's a person, until it dominates the frame. This technique helps to draw the viewer's attention directly to the subject.

How can I enhance the appearance of my photos?

To improve your pictures, start by cropping them to the desired frame. Adjust the white balance to ensure the colours look warm or cool - depending on the mood you’re after. Next, enhance the exposure and contrast to make your images pop. Increase vibrancy and saturation for more vivid colours. Sharpen the images to add clarity. Finally, save and share your enhanced photos.

What steps should I follow to photograph like a professional?

To take photos with a professional look, first understand and choose your subject carefully as it will be the central theme of your photo. Adjust your lighting to suit the mood and focus on framing your shots to draw out specific details. Customise your camera settings to fit the scene and subject.

How can I improve the quality of photos taken with my phone?

To take better photos with your phone, practise regularly and familiarise yourself with its camera features. Learn to use natural and artificial light to your advantage. Compose your shots thoughtfully, focusing on one subject at a time. Keep your phone steady while shooting. Experiment with different exposures to see what works best for you.

We hope these tips have you excited to get you taking better photos than ever before. You can even apply all of these skills to taking good selfies! If you want more information - contact us to see how we can help you get good photos, especially if you plan on printing them with us!