10 Steps For Better Photography

 Here's 10 quick tips to help you on your photography journey...

1. Take photos EVERYDAY. Yes, you heard me. It sounds like a chore but even if you just pick it up and take a photo of your breakfast or the mess on the playroom floor or even the dog. Trust me, every time you pick it up and shoot you’re learning.
2. Vision. Think about what you'd like the final image to be like. Do you want it to be full of giggles and bright colours or moody and dark? Having a rough plan will help you choose your settings and backgrounds.
3. Background check. Always make sure that your background compliments your subject and doesn't take away from the image. For example you don't want to take a photo of your little ones and have the garbage bins in the background or the door to the toilet open.
4. Clear the clutter. While checking out the background remove any distracting clutter. Even if you just pop the objects to the side while you take the image and pop them back again afterwards.
5. Zoom in. If you can't remove background objects and clutter zoom into the subject. This will help your subject to stand out. 
6. Lighting. You always want to make sure you have sufficient lighting which works for you and not against what you're trying to do. If you're inside pull your subject closer.
7. Always have your camera ready to fire! Keep the batteries charged and download your photos regularly (and back them up) so you have room on your memory card. If your camera is on the bench and ready to go you will have more chance of using it then if it’s away in the top shelf of your cupboard
8. Don’t worry about making mistakes. It’s how you learn and on the brightside you might accidently capture something really cool by mistake.
9. Camera settings. Before you start shooting, make sure you choose the right setting. If you're photographing action you'll need a fast shutter speed. If you only want a small amount of the image in focus  you'll need a smaller f/stop value (wide aperture).
10. Be patient. When you're first learning it can take some time to nail those settings. Try not to get frustrated and take a deep breath. We're so lucky these days to have digital cameras. You can take 100 images and only keep a couple of good ones. 

Above all, keep learning and growing. You'll be glad you did. 

Tracey xx