Digital Home Thoughts: Photo 101: Setting Up the Shot

Think Often, Especially About Light
I'm big on thinking. It's through thinking that one can accelerate his or her learning processes, as well as picking up new things. It also makes one more aware of what is going on, from before the photo is taken all the the way to post-processing work.

Photography is an art and a science, like I said earlier. It's the art and science of recording light. Thus, thinking about light is an important part of photography, though one neglected by many. Things like how the light is falling over the scene you're going to take, or the effects that you wish to achieve via the way the light is entering the camera. Over the next few columns I'll be talking more about the basics of the technical stuff, and while I'll emphasise how these effects work, it's important to think about how these things happen, because a little creativity and thinking can combine to create some really nice results.

But more than just getting nice results, it also helps one to analyse what went wrong in case the shoot didn't turn out well. Having a quick mind is sometimes necessary when the action starts unfolding really quickly! Like I said, this will really help you in getting up to speed, and getting good shots quickly!

Don't Get Lost in Technology
I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone not to get lost in technology. Especially so in digital photography, with new cameras and technology released frequently.

The good news, however, is that most cameras are now capable of very decent photos, and if you buy a camera from a brand with a good reputation, chances are it'll be decent to very good. A real lemon is rare nowadays, unless you get unlucky and there's a QC problem (happens, unfortunately).

Don't forget that, even after new cameras are announced, it's not going to change the fact that your current camera will continue to produce the same photos you've been happy with (otherwise you wouldn't be using it, right?). Try not to be like some I've seen; they change cameras (or even entire digital SLR systems) faster than they change clothes. Your bank account will thank you for that.

Don't Give Up!
Photography is a vast field that covers many topics, both technical and artistic. It's a never-ending process of learning - even pros who have been in the business for decades, never stop learning. There's always something new to learn, and while your results might not be impressive initially, don't give up! Think about what you've done wrong, where you think you can improve, then go back and try again!

With a healthy attitude about learning, anyone can eventually produce very nice photos for their collection. This is one of the great things about photography as a hobby; the creation of a work that you're proud to call your own and can share with those around you. It's a hobby I hope you'll find to be immensely rewarding.