Many photographers use DSLR cameras (short for “Digital Single-Lens Reflex” camera) since they offer superior image quality and give users more control over how their photos look. While they’re more expensive and tricky to use, a DSLR could be a great investment if you want to take your photography to the next level.
When in doubt, try many different subjects and see what works. It’s like taking selfies: post the good ones and delete the rest!
Make sure there’s no light source shining on your subject. If you’re photographing in front of a sunny window, for instance, you may need to turn off all the lights inside the room. You can also put a spotlight or bright lamp behind your subject.
iPhones: Open your camera app. Point your camera at an object, then press and hold on the brightest part of the image until “AE/AF LOCK” appears on the top of the screen. This stands for “Auto-exposure/Auto-focus” lock. Make sure to select the brightest part of the image so that the objects in the foreground appear dark. [3] X Research source Android: Open your camera app and scroll left or right and select “manual” (or “professional” in some Android versions). A set of icons will appear on the bottom of your screen. Select the one on the far left shaped like a small rectangle. This lets you adjust your “metering,” a. k. a. the amount of light your camera takes in. 3 rectangular icons for different metering options will pop up. Select the one on the far right with a dot in the center. Then, point your camera at your subject and tap the brightest part of your image. This will make everything darker, ensuring that objects in front of a light source will appear silhouetted. [4] X Research source Pixel Phones have great cameras, but they don’t come with the same features as iPhones and Androids. Instead, download a third-party app or adjust your photos in post-processing to get perfect silhouettes. [5] X Research source
For dark spaces, like a room lit with a single candle, you’ll probably need to set your smartphone’s camera exposure settings to “max. ” If you have a DSLR, you can also adjust your camera’s lens and shutter speed for the low-light environment. For sunset and sunrise photos, make sure to pick a spot where you can see the horizon—like a beach.
Photographing objects from below can also make them appear “towering” and powerful. For instance, a child flying a kite looks rather innocent when shot from an adult’s perspective, but photographing the scene from ankle-level could make the child and kite seem larger-than-life. On the flipside, photographing objects from above can make them look unusually small.
Movement will make an image feel “alive” and dynamic, while stillness can convey serenity and simplicity. Play with both and see what happens. Experiment with distance as well. A closeup of a hand has a totally different energy than a photo of person, taken from far way.
Always make sure your camera is in-focus before taking photos. Take a few test shots to check the focus, and adjust as needed. You can also take the same photo multiple times before moving on to the next shot. Keep checking the photos and adjusting your camera as you go.
A partially empty background can work too—for example, a boat floating in front of the setting sun on a cloudless day.
Many smartphone cameras and DSLRs come with built-in post-processing features. Download third-party photo editing apps for your smartphone. These usually have more options and versatility than whatever software came with your device. Use high-end image editing software like Adobe Photoshop to give your photos a professional look.
