A simple shot:
35mm
Aperture wide open at 1.4
ISO 250
shutter speed 1/125
The dog is napping on the bed. To keep the camera steady I set it on a book. The biggest challenge was waiting for the moment when the sun came around to the right spot through the window; and of course: trusting the subject would remain still! I chose to blow the shot out – no Photoshopping.
Not everything in photography has to be expensive. And the reverse is true – even the best equipment won’t give you excellent photos.
Don’t succumb to the idea: “I’ll fix it in Photoshop”. Capture the best image – bring it into Photoshop when you’re ready to enhance the photo, or correct a blemish.
It’s about lighting. The camera sees the light you allow. If your camera has manual settings you can begin grabbing great shots in a variety of lighting situations. There are 3 main areas to learn – ISO, aperture and shutter speed.
To begin – play with the ISO. Set your camera still. If you have a tripod great – if you have a timer or trigger even better. Despite how still your hand is even pushing the button will jiggle the camera. Remove that element. Begin setting your camera at a low ISO 100 (typically for outdoors). Take a shot – increase to the next available ISO and continue your testing. This exercise will open up to you how your camera is processing at these ISOs.
It’s a simple beginning, with you controlling the camera! Have fun.