9 Fantastic Photography Tips from a Professional Photographer
I’ve spent the last 5 years or so as a professional photojournalist and documentary photographer. I work as a freelancer in New York but have photographed in more than 40 countries in every corner of the world, both on assignment and on my own. Here are some photography tips I’ve gathered on the way, which can be applied to any type of photography and any skill level of photographer.
TIP: Focus Less On The Camera
The most common question I get is “what camera should I buy?” The question you should be asking is “what lens.” Good glass will last forever whereas digital camera technology is rapidly evolving. If you are just getting started, purchase a standard, not too expensive digital camera that allows you to change lenses, and spend your splurge budget on one super good quality lens.
@DarrenOrnitzPhotos, Managua, Nicaragua
TIP: Use Light
Light is everything. In general, avoid taking photos during the middle of a sunny day as the light will be more harsh. The absolute best time to shoot with natural light is “golden hour,” which is an hour after sunrise or before sunset. Have fun experimenting using different types of light and test out how it affects the look of your photographs.
@DarrenOrnitzPhotos, St Mary’s Church, Lalibela, Ethiopia
TIP: Shoot In Manual Mode
The best way to use your camera to the fullest of its potential is to switch from automatic to manual. Learn to set your ISO and then control your shutter speed and aperture depending on the light and what the priority is for the photograph. Do you want motion in your image? Do you want to freeze the action? How much of your image do you want in focus? There is a lot you are able to control. To learn the settings of your camera, try out an Intro to Digital Photography class or just get out there and try shooting in manual.
@DarrenOrnitzPhotos, Dakar, Senegal
TIP: Use Prime Lenses
A prime lens is one that has a fixed focal length. Not only do prime lenses usually have better glass but they force us to become better photographers. Instead of relying on a lens to zoom in and out (which often times leaves us flatfooted) a prime lens will force you to move and interact with your subjects. I use a 50mm lens a lot and it’s really a great lens to learn with.
@DarrenOrnitzPhotos, Sanaa, Yemen
TIP: Be Patient
When you try too hard to search for the the ideal photograph you often miss the shot. Slow down. The background of a frame is one of the most important elements. Find an interesting background, set your proper exposure, and wait to see what unfolds.
@DarrenOrnitzPhotos, Nicaragua
TIP: Take Photographs That Interest You
My friend Katia Repina is an amazing photographer who constantly encourages me to find the things that scare me and photograph them. Find subjects that you care about and pursue those topics. Photography is an art form and a form of expression. You will always produce work you feel more connected to if the subject of your photographs is something you feel strongly about. Love dogs? Shoot animals. Are you a nature person? Take your camera hiking. Do you enjoy connecting with the elderly community? See if you can shoot a story at a retirement home. Push your boundaries and use photography as a way to get to know and explore yourself.
@DarrenOrnitzPhotos, Panama City, Panama
TIP: Connect To Subjects First
Part of being a good photographer is understanding the people you’re photographing. If you are doing documentary or portraiture work, you should get to know the people you are shooting before you pick up the camera. The past year, I spent a good amount of time in Panama documenting a story on a gang intervention program. The first week, I left my camera at home so I could get to know the people I would be photographing, which helped people feel more comfortable around me and allowed me the chance to get to know the community better. Over a year into the project now I still only spend only 50% of my time with a camera in my hand and 50% making sure I am building personal relationships with those former gang members off camera. The better you know someone, the more comfortable they will be to express themselves fully and the better you will be able to capture their essence.
@DarrenOrnitzPhotos, Mustang, Nepal
TIP: Reflect On Your Intention
Digital cameras make it easy to fire off a thousand shots without a clear focus. Before you start, take a moment to reflect on why you are photographing a particular subject and the story you are trying to tell. One way to slow down is to shoot in film when you are getting started, which limits the number of exposures and forces us to be more mindful before pressing the shutter. Think about the story you are trying to tell and how it can best be told. What angle? What lighting? What setting? Shoot with intention.
@DarrenOrnitzPhotos, New Hampshire, USA
TIP: Never Stop Learning
Read articles, look at books and magazines, go to talks, take a class, look up the work of other photographers. There is so much to learn from and be inspired by across all genres of photography.Take photographs every day! I cant urge this enough. Practice, experiment, take risks, think outside the box. These are the best ways to develop your eye and get better.
I encourage you be vulnerable and share your work when possible. Want to get some feedback directly from me? Check out the photography classes I’m teaching this month at Fluent City, comment with your personal photo blogs, and go take photographs!
