Photography 101: Understanding the Basics of Taking Great Photo

Photography is a fascinating art form that allows you to capture and preserve the world around you. Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, knowing the basics of photography can help you take better photos and express your creativity.

In this article, we'll cover the essential elements of photography which are:

1. Exposure

2. Composition

3. Lighting

4. Colour

Exposure

Exposure is the amount of light that enters your camera when you take a photo. It's determined by three elements:

• aperture

• shutter speed

• ISO.

The aperture is the size of the opening in your lens that lets light in. The larger the aperture, the more light enters the camera. The shutter speed is the amount of time the camera's shutter stays open to allow light to enter. The slower the shutter speed, the more light enters the camera. ISO is the camera's sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the camera is to light. Understanding these elements and how they work together can help you achieve the right exposure for your photos.

Composition

Composition is how you arrange the visual elements in your photo. It includes aspects like framing, balance, and perspective. A well-composed photo can convey a message, create a mood, or tell a story.

To create a visually pleasing photo, you can use the rule of thirds, which divides your photo into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place your subject on one of the four intersection points, and your photo will have a balanced and harmonious composition.

Example of rule of thirds, placing the subject(s) 1/3 into the image from the left.

Lighting

Rubjerg Knude Fyr - Photo taken at Golden Hour (sunset)

Lighting plays a critical role in photography. It can create depth, texture, and contrast, and affect the mood and atmosphere of your photo. Knowing how to use natural and artificial light can help you create stunning photos in any setting.

The golden hour, which occurs during the first and last hours of sunlight, is the best time to take photos outdoors as the light is soft and warm. When using artificial light, such as a flash or studio lights, you can control the direction, intensity, and colour of the light to create the desired effect.

COLOUR

Colour is an essential element of photography. It can convey emotions, create contrast and harmony, and enhance the visual impact of your photos. Understanding colour theory, such as complementary colours and colour temperature, can help you use colour effectively in your photos. You can also use colour grading tools to adjust the colours in your photos and create a specific mood or atmosphere.

CONCLUSION

Photography is an exciting and rewarding hobby or profession that requires a basic understanding of the essential elements. By mastering the fundamentals of exposure, composition, and lighting, you can take your photography skills to the next level and create stunning photos that capture the beauty of the world around you. Keep practicing, experimenting, and learning, and you'll soon be able to take photos that inspire and amaze.