If you are new to the world of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, you may find that photography has become a bit intimidating. It takes time to learn how to use a DSLR camera effectively. Here are five easy ways to improve your DSLR photography.
Books
The first thing you can do is read that long manual that came with your DSLR camera. That is a book in itself. Then you can read The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1 by Scott Kelby. This book describes a multitude of tips for taking pictures in various situations. Kelby narrates the different points as if you were on a shoot with him. It is a fun and refreshing read. Another book to consider is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. This great book describes what exposure is and how to properly expose a shot. It is a must read for any photographer.
Blogs
There is a wealth of information about photography online. But there are a few blogs that you may find particularly useful and interesting. Ken Rockwell is one example. His blog has great equipment reviews and tips for DSLR photography. Nikon owners can visit nikonians. This site is dedicated to Nikon DSLR users. There you will find discussion forums, tips, equipment reviews and even an online magazine. Strobist is a great blog for learning how to light a scene. Finally, take a look at the blog by Chase Jarvis. Jarvis is one of the most innovative and creative photographers in the industry today. His work will astound and inspire you.
Stock Photography
You do not have to be a pro to sell stock photography. Thanks to the Internet, anyone can sell stock photography online. Learning how to sell stock photos will help you become a better photographer. Stock photography agencies like Bigstock, 123rf, Shutterstock and iStockPhoto provide excellent, free education on photography. These sites provide great tutorials and articles on how to shoot stock. When your uploaded photos get rejected, they provide valuable feedback. When your photos are accepted, you know you have advanced as a photographer. All of this is free. In fact, you may even earn a little money in the process.
Flickr
Flickr is a free online site where you can share your photos with other photographers. It is a place where you can start your own portfolio. You can learn from the seemingly endless examples of pictures there. There are also discussion forums arranged by type of shot, lens, camera and more. Seeing these pictures and discussing them provides another excellent learning opportunity.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The single most important thing you can do to improve your photography is practice. You have a unique advantage over professional photographers. You can shoot what you want, when you want. The pros are usually working, shooting events like weddings and other ceremonies. However, you are free to shoot portraits, landscapes, close-ups, sports or whatever you can dream up. So go out there and practice! It costs nothing to shoot with a DSLR, except maybe a spare battery.
These are five easy ways to improve your DSLR photography. With a little time, you will become a serious enthusiast. Then you will realize how much more there is to learn. Happy shooting!
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