This is an admirable goal! However, with such a wealth of information available regarding photography, figuring out where to start can be daunting. Here are some ideas to get you on the road to quickly improving your skills so you can take stunning pictures.
If you discover a location that you would like to photograph and do not have your camera, make a note of it and return when you do have your camera. A little notepad or journal is a great item to have on hand so you can remind yourself of places you want to return to.
If you're on a trip, it's best to start capturing photos the moment you leave. Think of traveling itself as a good opportunity to take pictures, besides the shots you will take once you reach your destination. Document each phase of your vacation -- the airport is always good for some interesting shots.
Think about getting a tripod. A good tripod will steady your camera. This tip is especially good if you ever plan on taking long-distance shots, or if you plan on shooting shots in dimly lit settings. Using a tripod will also enable easier and better composed self-portraits and timed shots.
Get some editing software, either as a free download or a paid purchase, and use it to experiment with your photos. Professional photographers make software adjustments to their pictures all the time, so you need not feel like you are "cheating" in any way if you make use of photo editing software to improve your pictures. Oftentimes a photograph can change from being "so so" to "oh my goodness"! with minor alterations.
If you are photographing a person or a group of people, remember to take the shot from eye level. This makes your photographs more personal and will draw more people to the photo. If you are taking pictures of children, you will need to get down to their eye level.
Are you planning on doing some photography of objects that were left out in the rain? You can create this effect yourself with a spray bottle that you can mist over the subject to give the appearance of "rain."
* If you are traveling and notice a place that is perfect to photograph, note the location so you can easily come back at a later time with the proper equipment. You can keep up with interesting sites by always carrying a small notepad on your person to notate a spot you would like to revisit.
Take pictures of the souvenirs you purchased when you travel. Take photos of the shop where you made the purchase, or snap the item on its own with an interesting backdrop. This helps create stories for your souvenirs that you can enjoy when you return home.
Increase shutter speed when shooting in low-light settings. This will help prevent any blurring on your final product. Try using a shutter speed of a minimum 1/200 or use 1/250.
Don't pack your equipment carelessly when traveling. Take cleaning equipment and back-up batteries, as well as all the lenses you expect to make use of. Never pack more than you need. Think about which items will be convenient for taking on your trip.
Read through your camera's manual. Camera manuals have a certain bulky heft that discourages reading. Most people simply ignore them or throw them away altogether. Actually spend some time reading your manual instead of tossing it. This is a great way to learn the ins and outs of your particular camera.
Try experimenting with different colors and angles, and all the different features located on your camera. You do not need an original object to take a high-quality picture. A good photographer makes even insignificant objects look interesting. Experiment to find your style.
The above tips show a few different ways that you can capture a scene with the power of photography. You have to do some learning and take a lot of bad photos, but it will all pay off in the end when your friends marvel at your gorgeous photos.
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