How to Improve Your Photography Skills Using Personal Photographic Assignments
Pick a weekend and only use one lens., Spend a whole day taking photographs with just a single aperture., Do the same as above, but apply it to shutter speed (S or Tv...). , Take a weekend, or even a week and shoot only manual., Do the same as...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Pick a weekend and only use one lens.
No matter what, just that one lens.
Make it work.
If it's a zoom, pick a focal length and stick with it.
You will learn that focal length and a lot more about composition. (If you can't do it for the weekend, try it for a day). -
Step 2: Spend a whole day taking photographs with just a single aperture.
It will help, considerably, to use Aperture Value or Aperture Priority (or whatever they call it). ,, Stay completely out of any of the programmed modes., (You might want to make sure your vision is good or your diopter is set correctly.) , If you have a backup, or one that you don't use often, use it. (This is really only helpful if you also shoot with film). , Some rules are:
Rule of Thirds Balancing Elements Leading Lines Symmetry and Patterns Viewpoint Background Depth Framing Cropping , Get some practice in.
Something like panning or freezing action, etc. , Practice using it with various subjects and angles. , No, not copyright violation, but try to reproduce the effect they accomplished in the photograph. -
Step 3: Do the same as above
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Step 4: but apply it to shutter speed (S or Tv...).
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Step 5: Take a weekend
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Step 6: or even a week and shoot only manual.
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Step 7: Do the same as above
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Step 8: but manually focus.
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Step 9: Switch up the camera.
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Step 10: Pick a 'rule' and stay with it.
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Step 11: Explore various techniques with your camera and do only them for a while.
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Step 12: Choose a type or setup of lighting and stick with it.
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Step 13: Reproduce others' works.
Detailed Guide
No matter what, just that one lens.
Make it work.
If it's a zoom, pick a focal length and stick with it.
You will learn that focal length and a lot more about composition. (If you can't do it for the weekend, try it for a day).
It will help, considerably, to use Aperture Value or Aperture Priority (or whatever they call it). ,, Stay completely out of any of the programmed modes., (You might want to make sure your vision is good or your diopter is set correctly.) , If you have a backup, or one that you don't use often, use it. (This is really only helpful if you also shoot with film). , Some rules are:
Rule of Thirds Balancing Elements Leading Lines Symmetry and Patterns Viewpoint Background Depth Framing Cropping , Get some practice in.
Something like panning or freezing action, etc. , Practice using it with various subjects and angles. , No, not copyright violation, but try to reproduce the effect they accomplished in the photograph.
About the Author
Edward Kelly
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in pet care and beyond.
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