5 Photography Techniques to Try

Whether you are a beginner in the world of photography or have been a professional for several years, there are always new photography techniques to try.

Technology has changed in recent years and photography has really never been easier, with the modern camera often needing little more than a point and shoot from the photographer.

These cameras offer amateur photographer access to many of the techniques that professionals use to produce some incredible photographs. The ability to take hundreds of images quickly and store them on a camera memory card in the hope of getting a couple of really decent shots has also changed the way we look at photography.

Take a look at sites like ClickASnap and you will see plenty of images captured by amateurs that have been able to take advantage of these features. 

Whilst technology has made many aspects of photography somewhat automatic, there are always ways in which you can improve your images. 

This means going back to the techniques that we have, maybe, letting technology take over. Read on as we look at 5 photography techniques that you really should be looking at trying. 

Impressionistic Focus

Forget about trying to get everything in focus and try creating an image that is intentionally out of focus. Doing this can really help to soften the subject matter in your photograph, giving an impression rather than that more classic image. 

A wide aperture will create an image where the majority of the frame is not in focus, but impressionistic focus gives you something where no part of your photo is in focus.

It is well worth setting your camera to manual focus and experimenting to see what effects you can get with blur.

Learn to use a tripod

A tripod is one of the most useful pieces of kit a photographer can have, but because they are cumbersome many photographers avoid them. Start using one and you may well see a real change in your photographs.

Digital cameras are incredibly light and whilst this makes them easy to cart around it also makes them harder to hold steady when taking a photograph.

This is where a tripod will come into its own and you could really see a change in your photographs. This is the best way to get the clearest possible photos but will still need some practice.

The rule of thirds

The rule of thirds has been around for centuries. Long before photography, it was used for other art forms. This is a really basic technique that everyone really should learn and makes the difference between a good photo and a great one. 

Imagine there is a grid of four lines, 2 vertical and 2 horizontal on your image and divided into thirds, this will give you nine equal squares. Your main subject should be in one of the four intersecting spots and not right in the centre.

Projected image

When you project shapes, colours and light onto a surface you add dimension to your image. The surface you use can be anything, a person, an object – it doesn’t need to be a backdrop.

You could even use a green screen and later replace this with photo editing software. This is a great way of creating more fantastical or abstract images.

Unusual filters

There is a huge range of things you can use as filters so don’t limit yourself to the ones you might buy in a camera shop. Anything you use in front of your camera lens can be a filter, some will work, and some won’t so try experimenting. Things to trial are sheer fabric, cling film, and even a plastic bottle.

If you believe your photography is getting a bit dull and lacklustre, harnessing these skills could help you get some great new perspectives on how to reignite your passion.

For more techniques and advice from photographers, both professional and amateur, why not join a Photo Sharing site for inspiration.