Digital Photography FAQ's : Canon EOS-300D / Digital Rebel / KISS Digital FAQ : New User Questions :
What are some things I can do to improve my photographs?
One site that I think gives some good free advice is:
They sell courses but much can be learned about there method just browsing their website. For example, their articles on the photo of the month can be quite instructive. I am not endorsing their classes. I do think there basic three step method to taking photographs is sound.
Here are a few technical suggestions. In general these are less important than compositional factors.
- Make sure that if you handhold a shot your shutter speed is high enough. Take the focal length of the lens and multiply by 1.6. So a 50mm lens would give 80. Make sure that your shutter speed is at least as fast as 1/(FL * 1.6). In other words a shutter speed of 1/80th of a second is ok (barely) for a 50mm lens but to slow for a 70mm lens. Some people can do better than this. Many people can't handhold even this speed well.
- Buy and use a good tripod. A good tripod is good only if you will carry it. The steadiest tripod in the world is worthless if you won't take it with you.
- Buy and use a good monopod. A monopod isn't as steady as a tripod but is more portable and will give you a stop or two over hand holding a shot.
- Buy and use a lens hood for your lens. This well help give you better contrast and reduce flaring in some situations.
(RP)
What lens should I buy?