Since all of you enjoyed my first photography post using my DSLR camera, I thought I would include a few more tips. Since practicing with my camera, I am noticing my shots are improving.
(my mom found my parent’s wedding cake topper..isn’t it adorable!?!)
I think the biggest part of learning is just to practice. I have been shooting as much as possible in manual mode. In manual mode, you are able to change all the settings to get the exact shot you want.
5 Steps To Shoot In Manual Mode:
- ISO- select an ISO according to your lighting condition. (ex above: ISO 100)
- Aperture- Select on Aperture based on how much light you need and for the effect you are trying to achieve. (ex above: F5.6)
- Metering Mode- Select a Metering Mode to measure the light in a specific area within your scene. (ex above: evaluative)
- Shutter Speed- Adjust your shutter speed for the Correct Exposure (Adjust until needle is in center) (ex above: 1/4000)
- Focus, compose, and shoot
After you get the technical stuff done, you can have more fun playing with the composition of the photos you take.
A few tips for getting a great shot:
-Use the rule of thirds. Place your subject off 1/3 to give your image more impact and balance.
-Use natural frames, such as trees or arches, to frame your subject.
-Use a plain background so it doesn’t distract from your subject.
-You can change the message of the photograph by changing the angle.
-Keep it simple. Don’t add too many ingredients to a photograph.
There are so many fun accessories to get. The instructor suggested a tripod for getting great food photos. He also discussed purchasing a puffer which helps diffuse light when using the flash. Well, to my surprise, my coworker bought me one for my birthday!
See the difference..Puffer is on flash on right. It just gives it a softer coloring.
Pretty neat, no?
Other Swanky Scoop:
-I won Erica from Fashion Meets Food’s Giveaway! Thanks so much Erica!
-I am off work until next week! I decided to take a few days off and am celebrating my birthday on Friday. I will be sure to recap! Kristen knew I was off Friday, so today she sent chocolate covered strawberries to my work! My favorite! Thanks Kristen!
How is your week going? Any photography blogs you know of and love?
Thanks for reading!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE your photography posts. I really look forward to getting a digital SLR myself soon, and learning the ropes. Enjoy your day and your upcoming birthday!!!
I just recently got a new Canon myself… and have discovered I have SO much to learn. These are all great tips, though! Thanks for sharing.
Curious… what lens are you using for most of your shots… especially food?
Thanks so much! I have a lot to learn. I use a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens. It came standard with my canon. For food photography pictures, the instructor mentioned purchasing a 55mm/f 1.8 lens which I think costs around 100 bucks. Why do I find expensive hobbies?
Great tips, I never use manual mode. I am going to look into photography this summer. I am sure there’s a food photography class in NYC. Happy Birthday.
oh wow, how nice of Kristen! thanks for the tips on the photography! i’ve never tried manual mode (i can barely use automatic.) i think you’re right though, it’s all about practice. AND i just have to get over my self consciousness…
What a great giveaway win! And those strawberries…yum…perfect bday gift i f you ask me. Hope you have a good one of course.
Just check out your photography posts – no wonder your photos are always perfect, Kristen! I’m bookmarking this page to help me practice with my new dslr. I’ve never heard of a puffer before, and now I think I’ll have to look for one
Happy early Birthday! Have a wonderful birthday weekend and enjoy those yummy strawberries!
Thanks so much!!
I really like these tips. As well as that cat portrait. And the vase. I also love increasing my aperture to reduce the depth of field. Looking forward to more fun photos!
We soooo need a birthday vacation!!! Get me outta here!!!! 27 seems scary!!
Your pictures rock Kristen! I love all the outside ones of different items, and of course kitty.
I need to read through my camera’s manual (point and shoot) to see what kind of settings I can adjust. More practice is needed by me for sure!
Hope you have a great birthday and extra time off from work
Thanks so much!
awww, that wedding cake topper is adorable! So sweet to have saved it!
My week is good. So sweet of Kristen to send those strawberries. Great pics. So glad you are learning how to use your new camera.
Your photos are looking fab!
love the puffer those strawberries do look tasty!