Supplies for Photography
Here are some supplies that you should consider getting:
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Camera
This is clearly the most important thing for photography. You can use any device that takes pictures, even your cell phone!
a. If you plan on using a phone, I recommend downloading VSCO, a free app for iPhones and Androids with features that your inbuilt camera does not have.
b. If you want to buy a camera, I would recommend checking out this website to choose a camera that fits your budget, but any camera will work fine and it is up to personal preference.
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A Tripod
Whether your plan on using a phone or professional camera, a tripod is essential to getting an even frame. This gives the photographer the ability to be able to adjust their subjects or add props to the frame.
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Hard Drive
While hard-drives are the most common, any memory storing device can be used. A hard drive is essential to keep all your photography stored in a safe place. You may even want to come back and look at old pictures and see how much you have improved!
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Filters/Additional Props
Filters are optional but can help enhance your photos. Some filters can be used to protect your camera lens, while others are used to change the lighting in your picture.
NOTE:
Filters can get expensive, but there are also creative ways to get around buying filters(such as creating your own).
Steps to Taking a Good Picture
- Now that you have all the supplies you need, it's time to start taking pictures! If you need inspiration, feel free to check out the inspiration generator or browse through the inspiration ideas to get inspiration!
- When you know exactly what you want to photograph, it's time to get the composition set up. Carefully place
your subject and props based
upon the composition you have in mind. If those props are hard
to move, you my want to
consider moving your camera instead.
NOTE:
The composition techniques used will be different for every photo.
- Now that every thing is in place it's time to set the lighting. Change your ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed to get the lighting effects you want. If your photo requires it, you may want to use a filter or use an external light source.
- Finally, it the moment you've been waiting for: the moment where you take your picture. Take the picture and make any adjustments that you want to make. Remember that it's rare to get the perfect shot on the first take. You may need to go back and change your settings to get the shot you want.
- Optional: Once you have taken the photo you want, it's time to edit it. Use the photo editing tool that you are most comfortable with.
- Once you are happy with the photo you have taken, it's time to save it to your SD card or hard drive. You wouldn't want to lose the photograph you spent a lot of time and effort creating.
Photograph Food
Food photography is an interesting topic that combines the art of photography and cooking. Your Challenge: Photograph one of your favorite foods! Whether its homemade or store bought, give the food a story that tells the viewer more about it.
Photograph a Person
Portrait photography is so special that it has it's own branch of photography. It's your turn to take an picture of someone who is special to you. Use your photography skills to show the viewer that person's personality!
Take A Picture of a Sunset or Sunrise
Sunsets are some of the most calming things to watch (and photograph)! Who doesn't love the pinks and oranges that start each day? Use this as an opportunity to get outdoors and try to get a picture of the sunset or sunrise at a location nearby.
Create an Ad
An important application of photography is in creating advertisements to market a product. Pretend you are advertising for a brand. How would you go about doing that? Your Task: Take a photo or short video advertising a famous brand that you use often.
Use Water to Enhance your Image
Water can be used for a variety of special effects such as reflection or even distortion. Find a way to incorporate water into your photograph!
Take Advantage of the Seasons
Make your picture unique by taking shots in different seasons. Get outside and take advantage of the fall colors, budding flowers and soft snow outside; they don’t stay forever.
Incorporate Fire
Fire can add a plethora of moods to your photograph. In addition, it can be visually pleasing. All you have to do is take a picture incorporating fire or even a single flame.
Travel Somewhere New
Taking pictures in the same locations every single day can get boring. Take this challenge as a chance to explore the areas near you or travel somewhere new. A change of location is sure to give you new ideas!
Plants Photography
Plants come in all sorts of sizes, shapes and colors. Try to grow your own plant and capture it using a photography lens or visit a nearby garden. The picture above was taken at the Dow Gardens in Michigan.
Black and White
Black and white photography is not a thing of the past. In fact, this topic is being re-explored and modernized. With today's technology, it isn't hard to take black and white photography. You can even turn a color photograph into a black and white.
Photograph a Location
Architectural photography is a big field and consists of both older styles and modern buildings. Both styles can be breathtaking and lead to an amazing photograph. Take a picture of the style you prefer more or is available near you!
Unusual Perspectives
Take a picture of something at an unusual perspective. In the example above, this photo was taken from an airplane. What extreme perspective will you take your show from?
Play with Shadows
Since photography is all about light, then the absence of is should be just as interesting. Whether you prefer to take portraits, landscapes or just photograph puppets, this challenge is extremely flexible and is up to interpretation!
Reflections
Reflections are fun things to explore and are very common elements in many photographs today (Although they are most common in landscape photography). To create your photo, you can use a plethora of object: mirrors, water, or even sunglasses.
Fashion Photography
Similar to brand photography, the idea is to advertise. This time the object is a piece of clothing or shoes. Whether you want to incorporate a model or take a still life style photo is up to you.
Textures
Best done with a macro lens, the goal is to capture a texture of some sort. Unlike other prompts, this photography doesn't necessarily have to have a subject, just a texture. Will yours be soft, hard, rough, or warm? Or will it be a blend of many different textures?