Learn And Master Photography

One of the first tasks you must consider, when choosing to learn and master photography, is the art of picking the right camera. For all intensive purposes, POS (point and shoot) cameras are very similar and it isn't until you get into the SLR models that it makes a huge difference. For this lesson though, we will focus on cameras and other basis factors which you should know.

Buying a camera may seem like quite a daunting task to the newcomer. It should not be a big ordeal. It should be entertaining and educational for you. If you are at all interested in photography, then don't let the process of finding that special camera be a let-down for you. You will grow in knowledge with time.

The best camera to start with, will probably be a point and shoot camera. They are relatively inexpensive and will stand the test of time. After all, if you lose interest in the profession, you didn't waste a ton of money on equipment. This is why it is suggested you start with this route.

Advanced point and shoot cameras are available in your common stores such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Future Shop, and Circuit City. The reason you may be attracted to these cameras is also because of their great picture quality. When you are able to take 6 megapixel pictures, reduce their size and print them out on photo paper, they truly look stunning. These cameras tend to be automatic in most of the features, but allow you some room to grow as you learn more of the features.

The next type of camera is a SLR. This stands for a single lens reflex. Today though, you may see some cameras that are DSLR. This means it is a digital version. You won't see a LCD screen on these, instead, you will have to look through the viewfinder. The large LCD screens are typical of standard and advanced point and shoot cameras. Pressing the shutter button will lift up the first mirror and the CCD image sensor or film is then exposed to light, thereby taking your picture.

Now as you may know, lighting is a crucial element to any photo. There are three main types of lighting that you should remember. They are fully diffused, direct diffused, and direct.

Direct Lighting: This is the kind of light that produces a pitch black, crisp shadow, with very little detail (if any at all) within the shadow.

Direct Diffused Lighting: There is still one light source in this type of effect. However, this light source is diffused through or against objects. Objects of example could be a wall, thin material, tree leaves, and water. There is also some detail within the shadows because they are not as black as direct lighting.

Fully Diffused Lighting: This type of lighting has many different light sources entering the picture or subject, from many different angles. There is normally not a lot of shadow, if much at all in these kinds of pictures.

When taking pictures, try to do it in thirds. Imagine your frame being cut into three sections both horizontally and vertically. Taking centered pictures is a mistake many newcomers make. Add that extra touch of angles and spice up the picture. You will be amazed at what it can do for your work. If you like nature, then take your pictures around sunset or sunrise, if you can get up that early. The angles of light play a very big role in how the final piece will turn out.

The more pictures you take, the better you will become in time. You will begin to learn other aspects of photography such as focus, dimension, aperture, focal length, and zoom. When you combine your knowledge of these aspects with a SLR or DSLR camera, your photos will be astonishing to both yourself and your viewers.