Good day to all! Timur Mustaev is in touch with you. I, too, was once a beginner in this wonderful business of photography. I had to go through a lot, study a lot of material, necessary and unnecessary, and accordingly spend months of practice before receiving good results. But it will be much easier for you if you carefully read all my articles on the blog. In which I explain in great detail and in simple language all the intricacies of photography.
Dear readers, in my article I am addressing newcomers specifically. Well, it’s time to dot the i’s and start understanding your own expensive toy – your camera! I will try to cover all the necessary basics of photography for beginners in an accessible and fairly brief manner. Professionals, don't go too far! After all, it never hurts to remind yourself of the main technical aspects of photography, which will be discussed below.
Terminology
There are several key concepts that you cannot do without when working with photography. These are aperture, shutter speed and light sensitivity (ISO) - all three the most important parameters are aimed at working with light, that is, they determine the entire exposure. In turn, we can say about a photograph that it is either under- or overexposed, as well as normally exposed. This is precisely related to the selected parameters during the photographing process and means that the resulting image is, respectively, too dark, overexposed, or normally lit. Now let's look at everything in more detail.
- The aperture may look different in appearance, depending on the lens model. Once upon a time it consisted of a rotating disk and holes in it, and which consisted of simple sets plates Now, a modern lens consists of a so-called iris diaphragm - a partition consisting of several thin blades (3, 5, 7, etc.). In this form, this mechanism has tangible advantages: it is easily adjustable, small and compact, but still the design is quite fragile.
- Excerpt. The shutter, or curtains, in the camera are responsible for this parameter, and it determines the time the light hits the matrix or film. There are several types of shutters. For example, the old Zenit cameras had a curtain-slot shutter. It must be said that it was quite slow, which is why it had fewer capabilities, but at the same time it could be easily repaired. Also, in principle, there is nothing to break in point-and-shoot cameras, where the shutter is central, similar to a blade diaphragm. Already in Nikon and Canon digital SLR cameras, manufacturers have switched to a lamellar shutter, or a shutter made of three plates. Thanks to it, you can set both long and very short shutter speeds.
- Photosensitivity. You can guess from the name that this is the sensitivity of the camera matrix or film to light. In general, this sensitivity is set initially, and it can only be changed using a special signal amplifier located inside the camera. It is this that allows you to make the photo brighter if the ISO is increased to 200, 400 or more, so that you can shoot in poorly lit conditions. One, there is a problem this process: The higher the ISO, the more likely to appear“noise” in the image, that is, grains that spoil the quality of the frame.
Separately about color
Light in photography is everything; photography is translated as “light painting”. Pay maximum attention to this moment in the photograph. At the same time, we cannot ignore the issue of color. Everyone wants bright, rich and realistic photos? I have no doubt that yes. When talking about image tones, we need to introduce a new term - white balance. This is another camera setting that aims to convey various color characteristics perceived light. That is, this is the whole spectrum of colors and their combinations. Usually they talk about warm (red, orange, yellow), cold (green, blue) shades of a photo, as well as neutral and pastel ones.
A lens is a “smart” optical device; it is capable of measuring and calculating the number of light rays in a certain area, and then determining all the colors and shades in the picture. But he may not always cope with his functions perfectly. Therefore, he needs help - shoot not only in auto white balance mode, but also independently assess what the weather is like outside, whether it’s cloudy, perhaps sunny, or maybe add a little red, etc. remember, that White color should be white in your photographs too. Keep an eye on this and, if necessary, set the correct white balance through the camera menu. You can also use color filters to adjust the color effect.
Basic modes
Of course, as a priority, it is advisable to learn how to shoot in manual mode (M) - one in which the photographer sets all the exposure parameters independently. But while you are just learning, I do not recommend you use this mode! Everything has its time. Also, there are other modes of camera operation, when at most you only need to control one shooting parameter, and the camera will take care of the rest. In addition to the manual mode, there is aperture priority (A or Av), shutter priority (S or Tv), semi-automatic (P), where you only need to determine ISO. And, in fact, for the really “lazy” there are creative modes that you select to suit the shooting situation, be it landscape, portrait, etc.
Camera Specifications
No camera is complete without a sensor device. In digital devices, this is a matrix - a device with photosensitive cells that react to light, and in film devices - a flexible tape (film) on which a special material is applied. It is worth noting that digital has a number of advantages over film. And most importantly, the ability to view the image immediately and then carefully process it. The peculiarity of film is that it not only registers a photo, like a matrix, but stores it.
In addition to the sensor, any camera includes a whole set of main and additional components and mechanisms, without which its operation is impossible. Knowing the camera from the inside will not only broaden your horizons, but also enrich your knowledge specifically about the specifics of photography. And this hasn’t hurt anyone, because the more you know about the structure of your equipment, the more efficiently you can work with it!
Let's look at the most important technical characteristics of the camera.
- Focal length. Not to be confused with the distance from the photographer to the subject! This is a completely different distance of just a few millimeters, and it is measured from the center of the lens to the matrix. Typically, this value is written on the lens barrel itself, for example, 50 mm. It is believed that in terms of focal length, lenses are wide-angle, that is, covering a large viewing angle of the surrounding view, normal and long-focal. The latter are capable of bringing distant objects closer, increasing their scale. They are also called zoom lenses.
- Aperture is a camera property that means its ability to convey the brightness of a picture. It also has a designation on the lens, for example, 1:1.8. This is a very important indicator, which determines the ability to photograph in low light conditions, and, in fact, the price of the optics.
- Depth of field (DOF) is the area of space in a photograph in which objects (animals, people) appear clear and sharp. This depth of field can be small or large: either some part big picture, or all objects in the frame will be in the sharpness zone, that is, clearly visible. To adjust the depth of field, you can change the aperture values or focal length: Depth decreases when the aperture is open and great importance F.
What are these black dots?
Dear newbie, if you look through your viewfinder, you will see some dark marks there. Don't even think about it, it's not trash! These are just focal points. By the way, a very significant element in the camera. Thanks to these points, the camera is able to automatically focus on an object or several objects in the field of view. You can also adjust the focus using the settings and select each time a specific point in a certain part of the frame where it is located.
Let's say the main subject or character of your photo is slightly off-center, and you decided to photograph it that way. So that it is not blurred, and instead of it there is something completely unnecessary in the foreground, you can simply choose the main point that suits you best from the available ones. This focus point will usually flash red in the viewfinder during the adjustment process.
From personal experience
There was a time when I, too, was just beginning to master the art of photography and seriously wondered where to start? At first, my shooting was limited to turning on the camera, setting it to auto mode and pressing the shutter button... Think about it, to understand the basics of photography, you only needed to know three basic concepts! I can tell you with confidence that necessary information not much, and she's not scary at all. I hope in this article you were able to verify this.
My advice for young amateur photographers is to start in order. Familiarize yourself with the basic terms, understand what is where, and what it is responsible for. In practice, it is better to take one parameter, play with its value, and after mastering it, move on to the next one. So, for example, if you want to photograph people, then don’t bother with manual mode, select aperture priority, opening and closing it, you can sharpen only one person or an entire group. To capture movement, shutter priority mode will help: a long shutter speed will blur the movement, and a short shutter speed will seem to freeze it. Remember, composition and meaning in photography are very important, but without knowledge technical points, you could ruin a potentially perfect shot!
Important! Read your camera user manual in detail. Read it not once, but 3-4, or maybe more. This will help you a lot in your endeavor.
And finally, I want to recommend you a very good video course “ Digital SLR for a beginner 2.0" The author explains the basics of photography in great detail. So many useful tips and chips that you simply need.
Goodbye readers! Good luck to you on your path to mastering the complex and very exciting profession of photography. I would be glad if you start visiting my blog more often, as there are many more interesting, useful and exciting things waiting for you here. Here you will get everything necessary knowledge and information about various secrets and tricks of photography. So, subscribe to the news and stay updated!
All the best to you, Timur Mustaev.
When given the opportunity to seek advice from a professional photographer or photography teacher, most beginners ask about the “right” camera or the “best” lens, or the “biggest tip” on how to become 50 times better in no time. Such questions seem quite logical when you first pick up a camera.
But the budding amateur photographer should stay away from these questions... at least for a while. Photographic equipment is important and you will learn a lot of useful tips from the pros, but you need to keep the most important things as a priority.
Follow these seven tips and start your photography journey on the right foot.
First train ride. Photo credit: Spragues
1. Education is primary, technology is secondary
You know what they say, “spend your money on experiences, not on things.” Scientific research support this statement. The point is that even a fleeting experience will remain part of your personality, and not just an object that you own.
It's not only great advice for life, but also a completely underrated recommendation for photographers. When choosing between a brand new camera or lens and a workshop or trip to an amazing place, most beginners will choose technology. Don't make this mistake.
Attend good seminars or go on photography tours to unfamiliar places. Famed National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson once said, “If you want to be a better photographer, be where the cool stuff is happening.”
The Canon EOS-1D X won't do you any good if you don't know how to use it... and unless you have something in your yard that needs to be photographed at 14 frames per second. Spend money on education, gain experience, forget about camera equipment for a while.
New profile photo. Photo by: Valentin Kouba
2. Shoot for yourself, not for others.
If you're shooting with the goal of creating something similar to other popular images, getting likes or comments, then you're not on the right track. This applies to all forms of art, especially when you are a beginner. Your main audience is yourself.
Shoot what you love. Focus on the things that inspire you. This should bring you joy first and foremost. People will notice and appreciate your creativity and individuality.
Little photographer. Photo by: Jaromir Chalabala
3. Create artificial limits for yourself
One of the best ways For a beginner, improving skills means limiting yourself. It is possible in the genre, but now we are talking about technology.
Try shooting exclusively with your smartphone for a month and see how your ability to visualize the composition of a shot changes when you stop worrying about image quality. Or limit yourself to one lens for two or three months, and you will notice how your understanding of focal length grows by leaps and bounds.
Limitations are one of the best ways to grow. Intentional boundaries in the use of equipment, shooting only at certain times of the day, black and white photography for a month - these are excellent options for artificial boundaries.
An effective way to develop your skill is to master new facets of the craft, setting limits for yourself.
Shoot me, photographer! Photo by: Vadim Trunov
4. Find your niche
This is the first piece of advice I give to every newbie, although they rarely listen to it.
Every aspiring photographer dreams of Jimmy Chin, Steve McCurry, Henri Cartier Bresson and Paul Nicklen simultaneously appearing in his face. But you cannot become a master at the same time in street and travel photography, in the portrait genre and in photography wildlife...or you can, but someday later, not right away.
Experiment in different areas of photography; you don’t need to make a choice right away. But once you find what you like best, focus on that. You will be surprised how much your growth will accelerate when you let go of the obsessive need to do everything.
Determine your specialization. Find your own niche and focus on it. Explore the depth of your genre instead of covering everything superficially.
Nothing to lose. Photo by: Pedro Quintela
5. Slow down
One of the things we've lost with the explosion of digital photography is the recognition of the value of time spent. When you can fit up to 1000 RAW images on a memory card, why not set it to burst mode and record 14 frames per second, right? No, that's not right.
Yes, sometimes speed really helps to capture a great shot, but it's reminiscent of the saying: “Even a blind squirrel can accidentally find an acorn.” Don't be a blind squirrel. Learn to breathe calmly, scout the area, carefully compose the shot, and shoot patiently.
Pressing the shutter should be the culmination of thought and preparation. Are you planning a composition that you would like to capture? Reconnoiter the area in advance and determine best time days or even a season to take a photo? Do you evaluate the filming potential of the scene you saw without even being on set?
Digital photography has brought with it a lot of possibilities and we do not suggest abandoning it. Just start shooting as if your camera was loaded with a roll of 36 frames of film. Slow down, it's worth it.
Young Buddhist monks. Photo by: Saravut Intarob
6. Join the community
Choose the community you like and join 500px or Facebook or Google+ or others.
Joining a group of amateur photographers has undeniable advantages. They would rather point out the mistakes you made or offer interesting prospects, which you yourself might not have guessed.
It's also incredibly rewarding to share your love of photography with other photographers and the world. Without getting bogged down in popularity contests, keep filming for yourself. But in the community, your professionalism will begin to grow faster.
A happy day has come and you have purchased a SLR camera. There is a lot of inspiration and plans, but only the power button is familiar. In fact, the camera is quite trainable and anyone can handle it. If you plan to shoot a little more than your friends for avatars, then all roads for learning are open to you. The article will help you understand the terminology and set off on a creative voyage.
First steps
DSLR Photography Basics
Let's start with some simple explanations about capturing your new camera. The right hand should lie on the handle, and the left one below, as if supporting the lens. The position of your hand on the lens allows you to quickly change the zoom if you are using a lens with a variable focal length. Forefinger right hand rests on the shutter button.
How to set up a DSLR camera
For simplicity, we will use the “3 pillars” theory. Only we will put on them not the planet Earth, but a photograph. For good shot you need to be able to use each of the “whales”. Let me introduce! Keith number one is the diaphragm. Whale number two - endurance. Whale number three is ISO. And now, in order, about each one.
Diaphragm
Know that photography is drawing with light. And this light penetrates the camera matrix through a hole called the aperture (F). You can adjust its size. Possible options from F-1.2 to F-22 (sometimes higher). The following rule works: the smaller the number F, the bigger hole. It is clear that with a value of F- 2.8, the hole will be larger than with F- 8, which means there will also be more light. As a practical method, it is necessary to set desired value aperture for high-quality shots without overexposure. You need to set the aperture so that the right amount of light enters the camera.
Excerpt
Another tool for controlling light. Shutter speed (t) is the time the aperture is open. It's simple. The longer the hole is open, the more light enters the matrix. Consequently, the lighter the frame turned out.
ISO
These three letters indicate the light sensitivity of your camera's sensor. Photosensitivity is the ability of a matrix to change its parameters under the influence of light. The ISO value can range from 100 to 6400. If you set the ISO to 400, then in this case the matrix will receive less light than in an equal period of time, but at a value of 1600. It would seem that there is no reason to rack your brains - set the ISO higher, and shoot for yourself to your health. Ah, if only everything were so simple... But if you turn up the photosensitivity level too much, noise (grain) will appear in the photo, and if this gives a certain charm to a film photo, then to a digital photo there is nothing particularly aesthetic here . On modern cameras you can set ISO automatically. At first, you can use this option, but as you gain experience, try to set the light sensitivity level yourself, relying on your own knowledge and intuition. 
Tip: The main thing is to practice a lot by changing these three camera parameters. Then you will understand what and when to switch.
Shooting modes
If you want to get high-quality photos, forget about modes like “Portrait”, “Landscape”, “Flower” and so on. The camera has 4 main modes, and we’ll talk about them in more detail. Note: camera manufacturers use different designations. The instructions will help you determine which letter indicates a specific mode. This is a very useful book that was sold to you complete with the equipment. We advise you to read it. You will find a lot of useful information.
A (Av) Aperture priority mode
Under such conditions, a person sets the aperture value, and the camera independently selects the shutter speed value.
Aperture is one of the main parameters in the settings and is designated in the camera by the letter F. This shooting mode is suitable for portraits. You open the aperture as much as possible and get beautiful bokeh(Bokeh is an artistic blur of the background).
S (Tv) Shutter priority mode
In this case, the photographer sets the shutter speed, and the camera itself chooses the aperture value. We remember that shutter speed is the time for which the aperture opens to allow light to pass through. Time is measured in fractions (for example, 1/1000 - 0.001 seconds, 1/100 - 0.01 seconds, 1/10 - 0.1 seconds, and so on). If you want to “freeze” an object in motion, you should set a short shutter speed; if, according to an artistic idea, it is necessary to blur an object, for example, water, then increase the time and the moving object will blur.
M Manual mode
This is the mode of independence. You choose your aperture and shutter speed settings. Professional photographers shoot only in manual mode, since the camera is not able to fully understand your idea and implement it. But if you have just started your creative path, practice on modes A and S. Once you gain experience, switch to manual.
And a few more important points that will be useful to you.
Focusing
In photography, its quality is important. One indicator is proper focusing. Focus is the sharpest place in the frame. When you look through the viewfinder, you see the focus points. Depending on the camera model, their number may vary. When you lightly press the shutter button, one (or several, depending on the settings) dots will light up in red. This means that it is in this place in the frame that the focus will work.
It is possible to focus on several points at once, but we recommend choosing one. By big secret we tell you that the central point of focus has the most best quality. Always work with her. But what if the subject is on the side, for example? There is an exit. Focus on the center point and, without releasing the shutter button, build the desired composition. That is, even if you move the focus but do not release the button, the place where you initially focused will remain sharp.
The lens can focus in automatic and manual mode. It is clear that it is easier to work with automation. If the shooting requires taking photos quickly, then there is no time to focus. This happens, for example, in reporting work. When 5 frames are taken per second. But for experimentation and to get a good feel for your workhorse, it’s better to use manual focusing. By the way, some cameras only have it. But this is rather an exception.
File type
A photographer can work with two types of files: JPEG and RAW.
JPEG is a compressed file type. Such a photo will be ready for printing directly from the camera and its weight is much less, unlike RAW.
RAW (raw) is a file type that necessarily requires post-processing special programs. He contains more information about photography, so it weighs a lot more.
If you've just picked up a DSLR camera, it's best to start working with JPEG. Once you have practiced photography, switch to RAW. All professional photographers They shoot only in this format, as it allows you to make more corrections without losing image quality.
White balance
This is one of the parameters of the color image temperature transmission method, which determines the correspondence color range Images. The human eye automatically adjusts the white balance, so we perceive the color of an object correctly in any lighting. It doesn't work that way with a camera. He needs a hint as to what type of light you are currently working with. It could be the sun or an incandescent lamp. Then the camera won't lie about the colors.
In the bad case, you will simply end up with a very yellow or very blue photo, which is not a true representation of reality. At the beginning of your journey as a photographer, you can set this parameter to “auto” mode, but it doesn’t always work out right. Therefore, we do not recommend using it all the time; a camera is just a device that can make mistakes and thereby spoil your picture.
Having a DSLR camera opens up a ton of new possibilities for creating high quality photos. Become professionals and don't shoot in automatic modes. This is convenient, but then don’t be surprised why the result doesn’t make you happy at all. Why didn't it work out the way you wanted? Once you understand all the settings and learn to operate them with your eyes closed, things will go well.
Next you can think about the artistic side of photography. But it shouldn't take you long to find a mode switch or increase the aperture. You risk missing out important point. We hope our answers to the question “How to use a DSLR” will be useful to you.
They will tell and show novice photographers how to properly hold a SLR camera, correctly set up the camera in different conditions photography, how to beautifully place objects in the frame and much more that you need to know to learn how to take beautiful photographs.
However, you should remember that free lessons photography for beginners is not Magic wand. Neither photography lessons, nor teachers at a paid photography school, nor a certificate of photography courses, nor a diploma in photography will make you a master of photography if you spend more time on theory than practice!
Achieving success in learning photography is very simple - take a lot of photographs, everywhere, in different conditions, and only sometimes, but regularly study the theory of photography!
Photography lesson 1
How to hold a camera correctly
You would be surprised how many amateur photographers don't know the basics of using a camera and still can't figure out why their photos don't look great! Many of them are already adults, having graduated from school long ago and even received higher education. Is it worth spending time learning things that everyone understands?
Photography lesson 2
How to press the shutter button correctly
Using “recompose” photography is the most important object in the photograph will always be the sharpest, this is how professional photographers shoot. But sometimes it can be difficult to catch the climax of the events being photographed, especially if you are photographing with a camera long delay shutter release. You can reduce the shutter lag...
Photography lesson 3
Aperture priority or shutter priority?
Is it better to use aperture priority or shutter priority? The answer is simple - it depends on what you photograph! In Tv or S shutter priority mode, the ability to shoot a moving subject without blur will increase. On the other hand, if you want the background of the photo to be blurred, select Av (A) mode - aperture priority. However, in this case you may need a photo tripod.
Photography lesson 4
Part one
What is depth of field and how to control depth of field
If you look closely at a photograph where there are objects located at different distances from the camera lens, you will notice that with the exception of the main subject, some objects, both in front and behind the main subject, are also quite sharp... or, on the contrary, blurry.
Part two
Lens focal length and blurred background. First rule of depth of field
What is the focal length of a lens. What is the angle of view of the lens. What is the relationship between the viewing angle of the lens, focal length and depth of field (blurring the background in a photograph). Press the lens focal length buttons and watch how the depth of field changes depending on the focal length of the lens
Part three
Blurred background and lens aperture. Second rule of depth of field
In this Depth of Field tutorial, you will learn about a more powerful tool for changing Depth of Field. To see what a photo will look like with a closed aperture, use the aperture repeater - a button by pressing which you can forcefully close the aperture to a set value and evaluate the depth of field before taking a photo. Lens aperture switch buttons below the picture
Photography lesson 5
Basics of composition in photography
Please remember how you felt when you looked at a masterfully shot shot? What attracted your attention to the photograph? It's hard to answer this question, isn't it? The thing is that a well-taken photograph attracts your attention on a subconscious level...
Photography lesson 6
Taking a portrait
Portrait is perhaps the most important type of photography. Not because if the photo is unsuccessful, the model may be offended, or even... :-) Because the portrait reflects not only external feature subject - a good portrait photograph always conveys the mood or feelings of the model.
Photography Lesson 7
Landscape and macro photography
Landscape and photography from a very close distance - what can they have in common? Landscape photography is the opposite of portrait photography, in the sense that everything in the frame must be sharp. For landscape and macro photography, it is better to use compact cameras with a small matrix...
Photography Lesson 8
Panorama photography
Panoramic photography is a relatively new and very effective mode available only in compact digital cameras. However, even if your camera doesn't have a panorama mode, you can still take a great panoramic photo.
Photography Lesson 9
Correct exposure
Correct exposure is very important for taking a good photograph - it is the most important component technical quality photos. Since the artistry of a photograph is partly a subjective assessment of the image (there are no comrades in taste and color, as they say), the class of the photographer determines his ability to take a frame with the correct exposure in any lighting conditions...
Photography Lesson 10
Equivalent exposure pairs
Let's imagine that you are shooting a portrait and you need a minimum depth of field - you open the aperture completely. To obtain the correct exposure of a photograph for the selected aperture, you need to select the shutter speed. Now, let’s imagine that we went into the shadows. There is less light - the photography conditions have changed... We'll guess correct setting camera or take test shots?
Photography Lesson 11
What is ISO in photography and camera?
Do you know that depending on the characteristics of a particular camera and lens, the available shutter speed and aperture values change, and it may happen that you will not be able to select a suitable exposure pair. If you do not have the opportunity to set the correct exposure pair, you will not be able to get a correctly exposed frame: o(What should you do? Will the frame be ruined by incorrect exposure?
Photography Lesson 12
How to take photos with flash
Why does the built-in flash often turn on in an automatic machine when there is already so much light? Do you know why the built-in flash is used in dark room- not the best best idea? How to eliminate the main disadvantages of the built-in flash and how to use an on-camera (external) flash...
Photography Lesson 13
Photography in unusual conditions
How to properly photograph a sunset. How to photograph fireworks or a carousel. Have you been told that you can’t take pictures against the Sun? You can get great photos when shooting against the Sun if you learn how to use...
Photography Lesson 14
Camera settings: manual mode M or SCN?
Many amateur digital cameras do not have a manual shooting mode M and therefore do not allow you to manually adjust the camera. But, there are camera settings that allow you to get around this drawback... But even if your camera has a mode designated by the letter M and you want to quickly master it, then this photography lesson will be especially useful for you - I will explain the logic of choosing exposure settings for often encountering stories.
Photography Lesson 15
What is white balance?
Have you seen color photographs in which all the colors came out with some kind of yellowish or bluish tint? You might think that this camera is not good enough... or something is broken in it... :o) In fact, any working camera (even the most expensive one that shoots in AWB mode can take such photos. It's all about the mysterious for a beginner, a setting that professional photographers often shorten to two letters - BB...
And yet: how to photograph your first photo masterpiece. Application of these simple rules And practical advice photography will very soon allow you to photograph your first photo masterpiece.
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Have you just bought or been given a digital camera and don’t know which way to approach it? Start with us from the first lesson! (This page contains ALL eight lessons from the World of Digital Photography school.)
By the end of the photography course, you may not have become a Photographer with... capital letters with your own photo studio, filled with expensive professional light, but you will definitely be able to take a competent photograph. Now everyone can study, if not all the facets of photography, but its fundamentals, basic principles and realize their hidden potential as a photographer!
Photography from scratch Lesson No. 1. Digital camera device
In this lesson you will learn: Operating principle of the camera. What are the main elements of a camera?
This is what our first lesson will be devoted to...
(The article is very detailed, long and voluminous, so it is included on a separate page of the site)
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