Tip #1: Use the sun

The sun is a photographer’s best tool and an unrivaled source of light. The main ingredient that separates amateurs from professionals is the quality of lighting. While professionals often provide additional lighting or bounce cards (shiny material used to reflect sunlight) to help achieve the perfect shot, you can increase the caliber of your photos if you know how to use the sun.

Taking a photo in bright sunlight will darken the subject and there will be a significant loss of detail. Always try to take photos with the sun behind you; this way you are using sunlight to naturally illuminate the people or objects you are taking a photo of.

But what if you’re in India trying to take a picture of the Taj Mahal, or you’re trying to take a picture of your friend scoring the game-winning goal, and the sun is in front of you, casting rays light directly? on your camera? Obviously moving the subject in these scenarios is not an option. Depending on the angle of the sun from the lens, you can lessen the impact of the sun by casting a shadow on the camera lens.

Think of it as you would if you were driving down the highway, but the sun is shining in your eyes. In this case, he uses his hand to shield the sun from his eyes. Apply the same principle to your camera lens. Lens shading can be done with a business card, note card, or even by hand. Hold the camera with one hand and use the other hand to block the sun’s rays.

Tip #2: Level your eyes and fill the frame

Getting up to a child’s eye level is a great way to capture precious photos. It takes you down to their level and creates a much more attractive photograph. Try to take some photos from behind the child while he is playing, as this not only shows what the child is doing, but also where he is going, and also shows life from the child’s perspective.

Getting closer is another key to getting better photos. If you’re taking photos of your Cocker Spaniel, don’t shoot from across the room. Instead, get closer to your pup and let his face fill 75% of the frame. Keeping the background simple is a good way to direct the viewer’s gaze to the subject of the photo, and if this isn’t possible, filling in the frame is an easy way to minimize the distractions of a busy background.

Tip #3: Shoot often, kill often

Professional photographers typically take thousands of photos during a one-hour photo shoot, but the end result will only be a few hundred photos. The trick to being a good photographer is to take at least two or three shots per expression or action, and then choose the photo that best captures the moment.

Practice taking several photos when nothing exciting is happening. Create photo sessions with friends and use this time to learn a little about your camera. Try adjusting the ISO setting (your camera’s sensitivity to light) depending on how well the subject is lit. Practicing and understanding how to use your camera will help you improve your skills when important events occur.