The Best Beginning Photography Tips

Welcome to wonderfully addictive world of photography. We have a great community. As the title says, these tips are meant for those beginning photography. I'm sure they will be useful.

1. Necessary Equipment – There is no need to spend thousands of dollars when you just begin exploring photography. There is some standard tools that every amateur photographer should have though.

A SLR (single lens reflex) camera is necessary in order to go beyond the day to day point and snap camera. SLRs give a lot more control over the shutter speed and aperture (iris opening in the lens). Together, the aperture and shutter control the picture's exposure.

The basic lenses arethe telephoto lens, standard lens, and wide angle lens. If you are just learning how to use a SLR then the standard lens that probably came with it is okay for learning the general controls. I still recommend that you eventually get one of each of these lenses.

It is always a good idea to use a tripod. Even the most subtle shake of the camera body can cause blur. The stabilizing device will help keep this from happening.

2. How to Choose a Subject – When people look at photographs they should not have to wonder what the subject is. Make it dominant in the photograph. There should not be too many things drawing people's eyes away from the subject.

3. Composition – The easiest composition rule of thumb to use that gives the best results is the Rule of Thirds. This rule boasts the idea that just the right amount of stress in the photograph creates more interest.

This rule is completed by separating what is seen in the viewfinder into nine equal parts with two vertical lines and two horizontal lines (much like a tic-tac-toe board). The interesting points of the picture should be placed where the vertical lines and horizontal lines intersect.

Vertical lines and horizontal lines in the shot (the horizon or side of a building) should be located on a corresponding (horizontal or vertical) line in the virtual viewfinder grid (tic-tac-toe board).

4. Portraits – Always remember that the scenery is not the subject of the portrait, the person or people are. Go with close-ups for the head and shoulder shots. Whenever possible, use the viewfinder to crop out anything distracting that may be around the subject.

If there are still distractions in the background, narrow the depth of field to blur it out. A narrower depth of field causes the background and foreground to be blurred but still keeps the subject clearly in focus.

5. Landscape Photography – Here the scenery is the subject. Using and infinite depth of field keeps as much of the landscape in focus as possible. Most landscape photographers use a wide angle lens to increase perspective (the field of view of the lens).

Always use a tripod or other stabilizing device when shooting landscapes. An infinite depth of field requires a small opening in the aperture. This often requires that the shutter be open longer than usual. The most minute shake of the camera with an open shutter will cause blur. As stated before, a tripod or other stabilizing device greatly diminishes the possibility of this occurring.

6. Wildlife – Practice at the local zoo. You will be able to get some great photos of wild creatures without having to worry about becoming their next meal.

For the larger predators, ask the zoo's customer service when the feeding times are. This is when you will get your best action shots. With that in mind, be ready to use shutter speeds of 1/400 and lower.

Do not forget, the only thing that will end up in the photograph is what can be seen in the viewfinder. So make that little area look as interesting as you can.

I hope you have found something useful in my best beginning photography tips.

Jonnie Blaylock is an amateur photographer that enjoys helping everyone learn the basics of photography with his beginning photography tips.