Master photography: 27 indispensable professional tips for prospective photographers

In a world in which visual aesthetics play an increasingly important role, it is essential for prospective photographers to refine their skills. Tips for experienced photographers can help to get the best out of your pictures.

Let us work together on improving your photography in this post. In this article we will present 27 indispensable tips on photography that will significantly increase your skills.

Many of these advice can even be implemented with a high -quality smartphone, since there are now many technologically sophisticated options in this segment. Nevertheless, you will achieve the best results in implementing the photo tips with a mirrorless system camera or SLR camera .

Below you will receive a comprehensive overview of numerous professional tips for photographers. However, please note that we can only scratch the surface as part of this article. Professional photography is an incredibly complex topic and includes many different disciplines such as image composition, technical know-how, creative techniques, deep understanding of symmetry, geometry and color theory, exposure, etc.

Photography means more than just pressing the trigger; It's about capturing emotions and moments. With the best tips on photography and understanding for the meaning of a harmonious image structure, prospective photographers can continuously improve their skills and create impressive photos.

To deepen the respective tips, you are welcome to scroll at our references at the end of the article in order to continue to immerse yourself in the respective topic.

Basics of manual photography + equipment

01 Functional principle of a camera

Basically, two things happen in photography: light is absorbed and saved.

A camera works similarly to the human eye: the light is bundled by the lens and converted into a picture inside the camera on a sensor.

Depending on the light intensity, the lens adapts - it reduces itself in light light or opens in low light. The lens bundles the incident light, which, depending on the aperture (high number of aperture = closed, low aperture = open), meets the sensor (with a mirrorless camera).

The sensor then saves this captured light and creates a picture from it.

02 The exposure triangle of manual photography

Solid foundations are essential for aspiring photographers to assert themselves in the world of photography. the right aperture is of crucial importance for the quality of your pictures.

In manual mode "M" you have full control over all settings. The aperture , shutter speed and ISO together form the exposure triangle .

Initially, it may seem somewhat confusing to keep an eye on these parameters and adjust them correctly. But over time, they are becoming more and more secure in dealing with it and their camera can easily operate.

The choice of the right aperture not only affects the depth of field of your picture, but also the incidence of light on the sensor . The shutter speed in turn determines how long light falls on the sensor and thus the motion blur in your photo.

The ISO value indicates how sensitive the sensor reacts to light-the higher the value, the more noise can occur.

With a little practice you will be able to learn to optimally take advantage of the exposure triangle and to achieve the results that you imagine. So it is definitely worth it to familiarize yourself with manual mode more intensively in order to expand your skills as a photographer.

03 Select the right camera

The best camera is always the one you have at hand "

is a popular saying among photographers. This means that even if you don't have a professional camera, your cell phone can be a good alternative to capture special moments. Imagine how impressive a sunset can be and how a shame it would be not to be able to capture this moment - but luckily we have almost all of our smartphones nowadays.

There are also numerous opportunities for photography beginners to find a suitable camera. There are a variety of manufacturers with cameras in different price ranges-from cheap models for a few hundred euros to high-end devices in the higher four-digit price segment.

Before you choose a camera, you should think about what exactly you want to take pictures and which budget is available to you. In the end, not only the price of the camera counts, but also your passion for photography and holding out special moments in life.

So make the best of the equipment that is available to you - because the most beautiful memories often arise from unexpected situations!

In his expert guide about the purchase of a entry-level camera, professional photographer, specialist book author and podcast host André Leisner helpful tips and instructions on the camera purchase for photography beginners .

04 Basic accessories

For professional photographer André Leisner, four things are particularly important for vital equipment:

Tripod for blurred pictures

Stability is of great importance when choosing a suitable tripod A blanket -free picture is crucial, so it would be annoying if the slightest gust of wind moves your camera and the image becomes blurred.

In addition to a stable surface, a remote release or self -timer important factors for a sharp recording, since even the smallest touches during the exposure period can lead to blurring.

Replacement battery for your camera

There is hardly anything worse than a camera that refuses to serve in the middle of a shoot due to empty batteries. It is therefore advisable to buy additional replacement batteries in order to be secured even with longer shootings.

Long -term exposure in particular take up a lot of battery capacity. In addition, batteries are less powerful in the cold season than on warm summer days.

Better to be on the safe side with memory cards

Similar to batteries, it is advisable to have an additional memory card with you than too little.

If you should forget to format a memory card and still need the content or a card is defective, you always have a replacement ready.

Learn photography with a focal length

Learning photography is very well supported fixed focal length With a fixed focal length, zooming is not possible, so you have to move to find the desired image section. Even if this may seem uncomfortable at first, it helps to develop a better feeling for distances and the composition of the image.

Another advantage of fixed focal lengths is their high light intensity compared to zoom lenses-at a similar price. This is because in the case of zoom lenses, compromises in relation to optical performance must always be taken into account, while with fixed focal lengths, it is sufficient to concentrate on the distance to the motif.

05 The role of lenses

The lens is as important as the camera (the body) itself. When buying a camera, you shouldn't start directly with the lowest class, for example at Nikon with the 3,000 series. The 5,000 series offers itself as a good entry option and, for example, has a practical folding display, which makes it easier to take pictures from difficult positions in particular, such as head or close to the ground.

So it can be worthwhile to invest a little more money in a higher quality camera in order to achieve better results later and to be able to work more flexibly. A high -quality lens can make the difference between an average photo and a masterpiece - so it is important to pay attention to quality and not to save.

The actual picture is created by the lens. "

The sensor only stores what the lens gives it optically. It is therefore important to know which lens or which focal length should be used in which situation. A wide -angle lens shows a lot of the environment, while a telephoto lens enlarges details in the picture.

However, image compression is even more important: it optically moves the background closer to your main motif or further away. How this effect fails depends on the focal length.

In the following video, Stephan Wiesner 3 essential lenses for landscape and portrait photography :

First steps: experiment and learning phase

06 Don't be afraid of mistakes

Your first 10,000 recordings are the worst. "

is a well-known quote from the famous photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson .

Try to try out and make mistakes because you can learn from it. This applies to photography itself as well as to settings, image sections or the subsequent processing of photos.

The more time you invest in photography, the more conscious your progress will be. Over time, you will look at your pictures with a trained look and maybe even discover those where you ask yourself: " How could I find it beautiful?" .

It is normal to make mistakes - after all, they serve to improve us.

07 get feedback from other photographers

Look for communities in which you can exchange ideas and post photos to get feedback. Which channel is best suited for you - Facebook , Pinterest , Instagram , fotocommunity.de , 500PX , Behance , Reddit , Eyeem or YouTube - you have to decide for yourself.

Are you particularly interested in light settings, i.e. how the light was used during a photo shoot? Then there is a Facebook group called “Behind the Scenes - Photography | ISO1200.com” , which you will certainly find very helpful.

There, photographers from all over the world share their pictures and the lighting structures. It is impressive, which is often possible with little equipment. You will find a lot of inspiration in the group.

Particularly successful settings can be saved in a folder so that you can look up later if you need suggestions for a shoot.

08 photography and experimentation

You not only take pictures during your travels, but also near your own home. Don't be one of those people who buy expensive photo equipment for a trip and then leave you at home unused.

Do not wait for the next opportunity to take pictures, but always look for interesting motifs.

Get used to taking your camera with you everywhere and not leaving out the opportunity to take pictures.

Also experiment with topics outside of your usual areas of interest and explore new areas and unusual camera settings.

Extend your horizon by trying out new techniques such as dealing with artificial light , macro photography or party photography .

Don't be afraid to try new things - every well -planned photo will help you with your photographic development.

Image design, motif and illumination

09 Pay attention to the image structure and the composition of your photos

A well -thought -out image structure and a successful composition of your photos can make the difference between an ordinary picture and an impressive masterpiece.

Experiment with various elements such as lines , shapes , textures and symmetry to maximize the visual effects of your recordings. Remember that the image structure directs the viewer and helps him to clearly grasp the motif.

Play with the balance of positive and negative space and with the golden cut to achieve a harmonious representation. By conscious placement of objects in the front, medium and background, they create a spatial depth and skillfully lead the viewer's gaze through their picture.

Always keep an eye on how every element contributes to the overall picture to ensure that your photos not only look good, but also tell a meaningful story.

10 The third rule and the golden cut

Have you ever looked at pictures of other photographers who you particularly liked?

Often it is exactly the ones that are designed third rule and the golden cut These composition rules help to arrange individual elements in the picture in such a way that they create tension and direct the viewer's gaze.

The third -party rule can usually also be found as a setting option on your camera display: a rectangle divided into 9 small squares. This makes it easier for you to place your main motif at the beginning.

11 Design the image when you recording

A photo often becomes interesting when, for example, a third of the area shows the city and two thirds of the sky. Or if the sky has no structure (no clouds), a river or a street looks more appealing. If everything is placed in the middle, there is a lack of tension.

The lines on the display are horizontal and vertical. If the main motif is at one of the intersections (left or right), one speaks of the golden cut.

There are many photographic wisdom that can be helpful, such as: a foreground makes the picture healthy - which means that the image is more depth when it is divided into different levels. Another wisdom says:

When the sun laughs, take aperture to eight "

The optimal adjustment of the aperture in bright lighting conditions is often crucial to obtain image details. Automatic exposure programs can sometimes fail and falsify the colors.

12 use natural light for impressive recordings

Light is the key to breathtaking photos. The way the natural light surrounds its motifs can make the difference between good and outstanding pictures. Photographers who master the light are able to capture a unique atmosphere and bring their pictures to life.

Pay attention to how the light falls on your motif, experiment with different times of the day and shadow constellations. Also use reflectors or umbrellas to steer the natural light and achieve targeted effects.

By conscious use of natural light, you can lift your photos to a new level and give them an authentic charisma.

Master this technique to give your pictures a special depth and liveliness.

5 video tutorials on the subject of light, shadow and exposure:

13 Work with different perspectives and perspectives

A gentle wind strokes the landscape as you raise your camera. The world looks different when they look through the viewfinder. Use this change consciously and play with different perspectives.

A simple step to the left or right can completely change your picture. Photography also means leaving the familiar and breaking new ground. Try it out!

Take your time to explore different perspectives - down from above, at eye level or even from bottom to top. Discover the variety of photography through your own perspective. It is the unconventional views that often lead to the best pictures.

14 lead the eye with guide lines

Management lines are an important part of the image composition, since they lead the viewer through the picture and help him to relate the different elements to each other. You direct the viewer to certain areas of the photo and can help to convey a story or mood.

It is crucial to find the right perspective to optimally use management lines. Sometimes this means to bend down or take a higher point of view to properly align the lines.

Whether it is about letting a road along a horizon disappear in the course of the image or using fences to release a view of a motif - management lines can be used in a variety of ways. In landscape photography, rivers or mountain combers can serve as natural guidelines and show a clear path through the image to the eye of the viewer.

For portraits, for example, the course of a staircase in the background can be used to direct the view of the model.

Even with still life, you can create interesting compositions with the help of shadow lines or geometric forms.

The conscious use of management lines opens up countless creative opportunities to design your pictures and help to specifically draw the viewer's attention.

15 Framing: Set image sections correctly

Your photo is a section of reality. The edges of the picture serve as a frame. It is alone in your hand what you want to show within this framework and what is not.

With this crucial cut, however, you have to pay attention to where your image edges run and possibly cut out objects. Always make sure that the edges of the image are harmonious to ensure that no people or elements are cut off unfavorably and the distances look natural.

16 Meaning of colors and contrasts in photography

The art of photography lies not only in the capture of moments, but also in the targeted use of colors and contrasts . A picture can look alive through the right choice of colors or transport a special mood.

The understanding of colors and contrasts enables photographers to raise their pictures to a new level. Experiment with different colors and contrast stages to optimize the effect of your photos. Make sure how different colors behave and how you influence the overall picture.

Use the contrast between light and shadow to achieve interesting effects and to draw the viewer's attention.

17 Height of the camera position vary

You have probably noticed a photographer in a very uncomfortable attitude. Perhaps you have asked yourself why these contortions are necessary to look laboriously through the viewfinder in an oblique position? Wouldn't it be much easier with tripod and a remote trigger?

This is indeed correct, but the right position can give the motif more expression. For example, when we take pictures of a dog, the picture often looks quite boring when you take pictures from top to bottom. But if you go at eye level of the dog, i.e. kneels or lies in a frog perspective, the picture gets an interesting note.

Of course, the dog's keeping also plays a role - whether it sits or lies. By taking the same height as the dog's head (i.e. eye level), the image will immediately appear more exciting. Try it yourself!

The same applies to children or objects outside of our normal field of vision. The bird's eye view can also be something special - beyond a group from the window, photographed from a ladder or even with the help of a drone.

Experimenting with various camera positions creates completely new possibilities for creating interesting images.

18 View of the essentials

• What statement would you like to convey with your picture?
• What should be the focus of your planned picture?
• Is it a building, a way or a person?
• Do the lines in the picture run towards the motif, leads, for example, a path to the main motif or does a street steep the viewer's gaze from the picture?
• Did you succeed in successfully directing the viewer to the motif as you intended?

Ask in the community you have chosen or for friends about their perception of the pictures. Do you name the central motif or is there something that distracts you from it? Do not take critical feedback personally and consider them as a constructive suggestion for future photo shoots.

There can also be people who could show everything and they always find something to complain about or just don't recognize the beauty - even if the photo is perfect. These people should simply be ignored and cannot be influenced by them.

Tips for more creativity in implementation

19 Design creatively with aperture and exposure time

The settings of the camera such as aperture and exposure time play a crucial role in photography. In addition to the correct exposure, you also have creative functions . The aperture can determine whether your picture should have a blurred background or should be sharp throughout.

With the shutter speed, you have the option of freezing movements or presenting blurry ( motion blur ). Although it initially appears simple, these settings offer enormous design potential for your photos.

This rule applies to motifs in motion:

The further the aperture is open ( small number of aperture ), the shorter the shutter speed. This does not blur the movement, but can be frozen.

Open aperture = blurred background

The greater the opening of the aperture, the lower the depth of field, which makes the background appear nicely blurred.

bokeh shows up in its full splendor.

Closed aperture = large depth of field

The depth of field increases when a larger number of aperts is chosen (ie, the "smaller" or more closed the opening of the aperture).

With values ​​over 8 to 11, it is not only to be focused on the foreground. However, it should be noted that either the shutter speed or ISO sensitivity must be increased.

20 Work with long exposure

A long exposure is a fascinating method to create breathtaking, almost surreal landscape photos With this technology you can capture the dynamics in your image by the closure of it is open for several seconds or even minutes.

This creates an effect in which everything that has moved during this time is shown blurry. This has a particularly impressive effect in the representation of flowing waters such as rivers or waterfalls.

In order to achieve a successful long -term exposure, it is essential that your camera is on a tripod. This is the only way to prevent blurring impairs the image and blurred results. The choice of the right location and the hiring of aperture and exposure time are also crucial for the success of your recording.

With a skilful long exposure, you have the opportunity to capture magical moments and give your photos a very special atmosphere.

21 use depth of sharpening creatively

The depth of field of a photo describes how far the area in the image is shown sharply. A high depth of field means that both the foreground and the background of the image are sharp. This can be particularly advantageous landscapes or architectural photos

In contrast, a low depth of field to a blurred background, while the main motif remains in focus. This technology is often used in portrait photography to direct the viewer's eye to the person and to hide disturbing elements in the background.

A low field of field can be achieved through various settings on the camera: a large aperture opening (small aperture number), short focusing distance to the motif, long focal length of the lens and a larger sensor can contribute to this.

In order to generate additional depths in your portraits, you can also work with different levels - not only with a blurred background but also with blurred elements in the foreground. This creates a spatial effect and the photo looks more alive and interesting for the viewer.

It is important to take these aspects into account in photography in order to achieve the desired effect with the viewer and make your pictures even more appealing.

22 interference in the foreground

If you do not find a suitable foreground at the location, you can also hold lenses directly in front of the lens. This technology gives your photos a unique creative note and enables you to achieve interesting effects.

Almost every object can be used to create this special look - be it through flowers or leaves to bottles and other everyday objects.

Prisma Photography , in which you hold a glass prism directly in front of the lens, is also particularly popular Breaking the light creates fascinating rainbow effects and unusual patterns on your recordings.

With this method you can let your creativity run free and create impressive pictures that stand out from ordinary photos. Try different items and experiment with different angles and lighting to achieve unique results.

23 The golden hour

The so -called “golden hour” is a term that describes time immediately after sunrise or shortly before sunset In this special phase of the day, the sunlight shows up in a warm and pleasant tone, while it is relatively deep in the sky.

This combination of light and positioning of the sun gives photos of a particularly aesthetic quality and contributes significantly to the atmosphere and mood.

It is therefore recommended to take pictures if possible during these magical hours in order to create impressive images with a special charisma.

Do not forget the blue hour

During the sunset , the sky turns into a particularly intense blue that envelops the landscape into a magical atmosphere. The gentle contrasts and the warm light create a magical mood that enchants every viewer.

If the twilight starts slowly and it is almost dark, it is advisable to open the aperture to 2.8 to capture enough light. In such moments it becomes clear how important it is to keep your camera available and capture the moment.

It is then a photographic challenge to capture this special mood in the picture - be it through a clever game with exposure time and aperture or through targeted composition.

The beauty of a sunset can be caught so diverse: be it through impressive landscape shots with the colorful sky in the background or detailed close -ups of plants in the evening light.

The art is not only to photograph the motif itself, but also to capture its emotions and energy - because these invisible elements are often the key to a really convincing photo.

Photography technology

24 really sharp photos

In the end, it is important that you always take razor -sharp photos According to  the expertise of the experienced professional photographer Markus Thoma, three main factors in particular :

1. First of all, you should opt for a maximum shutter speed of a maximum of 1/200s if you take pictures out of your hand. An exposure time that is too long can lead to the image blurred and blurred.
2. Furthermore, the choice of a suitable panel important in order to achieve the desired depth of field. Depending on the motif, you can vary here and either set more or less depth of field.
3. Another important point is the use of the back button autofocus in combination with an additional button for the eye autofocus. This function enables you to quickly and precisely focus on the desired object.

Stephan Wiesner also provides a few helpful quick tips:

Fortunately, we have recently been a wealth of powerful online tools to significantly improve photos and pictures even after the recording.

Modern AI tools have revolutionized the ability to increase images without loss of quality . Thanks to this technology, it is now possible to improve the image size, photo resolution and image quality with ease. An outstanding example is the free tool of Depositphotos ( https://depositphotos.com/de/upscaler.html ), which is based on artificial intelligence.

Users can thus have their photos scale in the best possible quality and thus achieve razor -sharp results. By using this advanced software, it becomes easy for photographers, graphic designers and all other users to create high -quality images or to have existing recordings better.

With the support of AI technology, detail and sharpness are optimized, so that no pixel formations are recognizable even with a strong enlargement. The offer of such innovative tools clearly shows how much pictorial representations were able to develop thanks to progress in artificial intelligence.

25 Photography in RAW format

By default, your camera is set to JPG format, which is sufficient for most users. But if you seriously get into photography and want to produce high-quality pictures, you should think about switching to RAW format .

Compared to JPG, RAW offers a much greater amount of image information , which enables finer details to work out and make more precise processing. The biggest advantage of RAW is its extended dynamic area.

This allows more information to be saved in both the brightest and darkest areas of a photo. This means that you are much more flexible when post -processing and, for example, restore burned -out lights or can get lost details back in shadow areas.

Another plus of RAW is the fact that you are actively involved in the development process of your photos. Unlike JPG images, you have to work with a special converter to get the best possible result from the raw data.

This may seem a bit tedious at first, but with a little practice you will quickly realize what creative scope this method offers you. Overall, it is definitely worth using the RAW format for ambitious photographers.

The improved image quality and flexibility in post -processing make this file type a valuable addition to your photographic tool set.

26 use tripod (even if it seems unnecessary)

In landscape photography, the use of a tripod of great importance to achieve perfect recordings. The tripod plays a crucial role, especially with long exposure, since it ensures stable and blurred images.

But it is often underestimated that a tripod is also worthwhile if you photograph motifs that are normally taken out of hand. Due to the slower movement of the tripod, you are forced to deal more intensively with the image composition.

This means that you make your photos more consciously and don't just snap on it. The result is more well -thought -out and considered composed pictures. Another advantage of using a tripod is the possibility of finer adjustment of the image section and the precise alignment of the camera.

This allows you, for example, avoid disturbing elements in the background or specifically steer the focus on the main motif.

In addition, a tripod enables you in difficult lighting conditions such as at dusk or at night. Due to the stability of the tripod, you can use longer exposure times without running the risk of your pictures blurred.

27 Dealing with difficult lighting conditions

light of crucial importance in the world of photography Especially in situations with difficult lighting conditions, photographers can face challenges. But with the right tips, impressive images can be captured even under these conditions.

Choose the aperture of your camera carefully to optimally use the light. Experiment with various settings to work out the motif as best as possible.

The change in the perspective can also help to capture the light better and thus create unique photos.

Use the background consciously to set contrasts and underline the mood of the picture. With a little practice and patience, difficult lighting conditions can also be used to your advantage.

How do you take pictures at night? | Learn to photograph in the dark | Night photography tutorial

References

• André Leisner : Consistent Camerwork for Photography Beginners ; https://photography-leisner.de/leist-und-preise/fotokurs/ratgeber-kamerakauf-anfaenger/
• André Leisner : Photography Beginner Guide , https://photography-leisner.de/ achievements-und-preise/fotography-anfaenger-guide/
• Markus Thoma : 40 professional photography tips for impressive photos , https://journal.markusthoma.com/fotography-tipps/
• Amrish Mudgal on Pixpa : The 25 best online photo communities and forums for photographers , https://www.pixpa.com/de/blog/online-photography
• Sina Blanke on lights in the world : the 70 best photography tips of all time , https://lichterderwelt.de/fotography-tipps/