Photography Tips
Improve your skills with our expert photography advice
Master the Exposure Triangle
The three elements of exposure—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—work together to create a properly exposed image.
- Aperture (f/stop): Controls depth of field and how much light enters the lens
- Shutter Speed: Determines how long the sensor is exposed to light
- ISO: Adjusts the camera's sensitivity to light
Balancing these three elements is key to achieving proper exposure while maintaining the creative aspects of your image.
Golden Hour Photography
The golden hour—the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset—produces a soft, warm light that enhances almost any subject.
Tips for golden hour shooting:
- Plan your shoot in advance using apps that predict golden hour times
- Arrive early to set up your equipment
- Experiment with backlighting and silhouettes
- Use a slightly warming white balance (cloudy setting)
- Incorporate lens flare creatively
Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds divides your frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections creates more balanced and engaging compositions.
When to use it:
- Landscape photography (horizon on top or bottom third)
- Portrait photography (eyes along top third line)
- Any scene with a clear subject that benefits from asymmetrical placement
Remember, it's a guideline, not a rule—knowing when to break it is just as important as knowing when to use it.
Night Photography Essentials
Capturing stunning night images requires specialized techniques and equipment:
- Tripod: Essential for long exposures
- Remote shutter release: Prevents camera shake
- Manual focus: Autofocus struggles in low light
- Shoot in RAW: Provides more flexibility in post-processing
- Start with 30s, f/2.8, ISO 3200: Adjust from here based on results
For astrophotography, use the "500 rule": your maximum shutter speed should be 500 divided by your lens's focal length to avoid star trails.
Leading Lines
Leading lines are compositional elements that guide the viewer's eye through the image toward the main subject. They create depth and add a dynamic quality to your photographs.
Common leading lines in photography:
- Roads and pathways
- Fences and railings
- Shorelines and rivers
- Architectural elements
- Natural patterns and textures
For maximum impact, position your lines to lead from the corners of the frame toward your subject.
Natural Framing
Natural framing uses elements in the scene to create a frame around your subject, adding depth and drawing attention to the main focus of your image.
Examples of natural frames:
- Doorways and windows
- Archways and tunnels
- Tree branches and foliage
- Rock formations
- Urban structures
Frames don't need to be complete—even partial frames can effectively direct attention to your subject.