How to learn to be a photographer. How to photograph objects. Programs for professional photo processing.

The ability to take decent photographs, although not a direct responsibility of the traveler, is still very desirable.

Nowadays, almost every active person has a SLR camera, but as I noticed, most use auto mode.

Perhaps someone thinks that this is not necessary at all, because the automatic mode already produces good quality pictures, but the fact is that only direct control of the camera provides ample opportunities.

Judging by my inquiries, people would like to use the settings of the device, but They think photography is hard to learn.. To dispel this myth, my today's article is called upon.

AT this case we are only talking about cameras of a fairly high level, that is, about DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The latter are a much more practical option for the traveler.

First, let's define what it actually is - good camera on which it makes sense to use manual mode. At the heart of a digital camera is a photo sensor, called a matrix, on which light passing through the lens of the lens is focused. In terms of principle, a modern camera is no different from a film camera - the film was simply replaced with a photomatrix.

Matrix size

So, the most important parameter as the camera itself is the size of the matrix. I don’t want to go into theory, all this can be read on specialized resources or Wikipedia, I will only note that the physically larger the matrix, the higher the signal-to-noise ratio, and, accordingly, the image quality.

The standard in the consumer segment are the so-called full-frame matrices (they also say full frame), their size is identical to 35mm film.

Therefore, in photography, all matrix sizes smaller than 36x24 (full frame) are counted through the crop factor. This crop factor essentially means how many times the matrix is ​​​​smaller than full-frame.

For example, most DSLRs have a crop factor of ~1.5, which simply means that their sensor is one and a half times smaller than full frame. I do not want to touch on how the crop factor affects focal lengths yet, maybe we will talk about this another time.

When talking about high-quality cameras, we can say that the lower limit of the size of the matrix is ​​​​in the limit of the crop factor - 2. Everything that has a smaller matrix can be considered a soap dish and is not considered in this article.

How many megapixels do you need

One more note: for some reason, it is believed that the number of megapixels in modern cameras is growing only under marketing pressure. Allegedly, on the old low-pixel DSLRs, the picture was much better.

This statement is nothing more than retrograde and longing for a “warm tube sound”. The increase in megapixels in SLR cameras in combination with new image processing algorithms only improves detail and reduces noise On the photo.

Let's proceed directly to shooting in manual mode. I know that for many, such shooting is associated with childhood memories, when, under the guidance of a parent, we measured the exposure setting with a photo exposure meter and calculated the shutter speed depending on the required aperture. Friends, on the street of the 21st century, everything has become much easier.

Depth of field

Let's get back to the camera. We do not need a fully manual mode M, so we turn on mode A. In this mode, we controlling aperture size, and the camera itself will select the shutter speed. It is very important to understand here that the size of the aperture determines the depth of field - one of the most important shooting parameters.

Most likely, you have seen more than once how photographers separate the main subject of the composition from the background with blur. This is just the result of using the aperture. Remember, the wider we open the diaphragm, the more the background will blur.

Conversely, if our composition is a landscape, and we need to sharpen everything that enters the frame, the aperture needs to be covered. Numbers indicating aperture value go to reverse order: that is, at 3.5 the aperture is opened wider than at 8, and the depth of field will be lower.

The second factor that affects depth of field is the focal length of the lens. The larger it is, the more the background is blurred. The wider the lens angle, the less blur.

The third is the distance from the lens to the subject and from the subject to the background.

That is, roughly speaking, portraits should be taken at a greater approximation, setting the aperture to the most low value(number). Here's an example for you. I want to shoot a girl in the city, separating her from other people with a blurry background.

I twist the lens to the maximum (most often with SLR cameras go glass 18-55mm), and with my feet I go up to the girl so that she fits into the frame as I need - in full growth, waist-deep, only her face.

Thus, I make the distance between the camera and the subject as short as possible in this situation, which will blur the background well.

I set the aperture to the most open value (smaller number), most likely it will be 5.6 in your DSLR. I take pictures and get a great portrait.

There are so-called portrait lenses. They are not zooms: as a rule, their focal length is 50mm, but they have a very wide open aperture - 1.4-1.8. The more the aperture is opened, the more the background is blurred.

Tip: do not photograph people next to walls or large objects, ask to move away so that there is at least five meters of free space behind. it will give the photo "air" due to the contrast of the subject with the background.

Now, if you decide to shoot a landscape or architecture, you just need to set the aperture to a smaller one (the number is larger). Just don’t get carried away, for matrices with a crop factor of 1.5, approximately at aperture 10, the diffraction limit begins, at which the image detail begins to fall. Those who are interested in the nature of the phenomenon go to Google, the rest take the word that the aperture should not be set further than 8.

Excerpt

Shutter priority mode S is used by photographers much less often, to solve some specific creative tasks. For example, we want to take a picture of a speeding cyclist to convey his speed. We set the shutter speed to be longer (experimental) and when the biker flies by, we pass him with the camera, pressing the shutter release.

As a result, we will get a clear person in the photo, and the background will be smeared in motion. It's called wired filming.. But I repeat, shutter priority is used very rarely, especially by amateur photographers. Therefore, in 99% the camera is in aperture priority mode A.

It would seem that since the machine selects the shutter speed itself, then we have nothing to follow, but unfortunately, this is not the case. The fact is that the less light there is on the street and the more we press the aperture, the longer the exposure time is needed for our frame to be exposed.

At slow shutter speeds, the hands are not able to hold the camera absolutely still, and the picture comes out a little blurry. Photographers call it a shake.

To find out at what shutter speed there will be no movement, you need to look at the shutter speed offered by the camera and compare it with the focal length of the lens. For example, if you have this moment there is a wide angle of 25mm, then the shutter speed should be no longer than 1/25(the number in the denominator is greater - it means shorter, if less - it means longer).

Thus, by increasing the focal length of the lens, the need for light also increases. In the same place as in the previous example, twisting the lens by 55mm, our minimum shutter speed will be already 1/50.

To combat shake, a stabilizer is installed in the cameras, and this device allows at least halving the need for light. That is, using a stub, with a focal length of 55mm, it will already be quite possible to photograph with a shutter speed of 1/25.

What to do if, no matter how hard you try, you can’t get a fast enough shutter speed and the photos come out blurry? You can open the aperture slightly (just remember that this reduces the depth of field), you can rest your elbows on your stomach, you can put the camera on some object.

The stabilizer prevents blur due to hand shake, but if there are moving objects in the frame (people, cars), then in the case of a slow shutter speed they will be blurry.

But the easiest way is to increase the sensitivity. I deliberately do not touch the ability to use the built-in flash, because the result will usually be deplorable. Avoid shooting with the built-in flash whenever possible.

Light sensitivity (ISO)

In order to shoot in low light conditions, the camera matrix is ​​able to work in high sensitivity mode. This means that when you increase the ISO by one point, the need for light is halved. If you can’t achieve the minimum shutter speed at which you can take a good shot, increase the ISO.

Unfortunately, the ISO limit is not infinite - as it increases, the amount of digital noise increases dramatically, which eats up details in the shadows, color shades, etc. Improving the light sensitivity of matrices is the subject of improvement in modern cameras, and today it is already quite possible to shoot at ISO3200, almost without losing image quality.

Lens Sharpness

All photographers love sharpness. This parameter depends on the optical properties of the lens. More expensive glasses are not always sharper, because Other factors determine the price: constructive optics, weight, dimensions, subjective assessments and of course, the red stripe at the front lens. 🙂

It must be remembered that almost always zoom lenses will be generally less sharp than primes. This is easily explained, because in the case of a zoom, the manufacturer needs to combine too many variables, and for a lens to be sharp at all focal lengths, it must cost and weigh like a locomotive. Zooms tend to have the most blur at the edges: at their widest and farthest angles.

Another important feature is that each lens has its own sharpest aperture. This information is not advertised, but you can find out by taking a few test shots in different values. As a rule, an open aperture is the most blurry. Therefore, if you want to make a portrait in which every eyelash is visible, close the aperture a little bit, sacrificing a little background blur.

That's all the information you need to start taking pictures the way you want, and not the way the camera seems right. In my opinion, everything is very simple, if you practice a little. I am sure that by taking some thoughtful shots that you yourself will like, don't want to go anymore to automatic mode.

Despite the fact that today everyone can buy a camera or take photos with a smartphone and tablet, not everyone can achieve good picture quality. Why is this happening and what do you need to know to turn your passion for photography into a hobby?

Before understanding how to learn to photograph, it is necessary to deal with the existing misconceptions that can interfere with us.

The first misconception is that good pictures can be taken with a good camera.

No matter how high-quality your camera is, without a photographer it is worth nothing. After all, any technique is just a tool. To get good photos with it, you need a professional who knows how to handle the camera.

Here you can draw a parallel with drawing. If you can't draw but buy expensive paints and brushes, you won't get better at drawing.

Beginning photographers are better off not using professional equipment at all. Because there will only be disappointments ahead. Dealing with all the settings is quite difficult, because professional camera Designed for an experienced professional. On the early stages such cameras are suitable, with which you can take pictures automatically, so that the photographer can only choose interesting subjects without thinking about the technical side of photography.

Choosing one or another model will help determine the purpose of photographing. To do this, you need to answer the question: am I going to take pictures for memory or plan to learn how to photograph?

Misconception #2 - Taking Pictures Is Easy

Most creative pursuits, including the art of photography, seem easy until you start to comprehend them yourself. However, any creativity requires special preparation.

So, to learn how to photograph, you need technical and creative knowledge. The first is the camera setting, and the second is the ability to compose the frame, choose the angle and lighting.

In addition, it is necessary to make efforts to gain certain knowledge and find an opportunity to hone skills. And for this you will have to choose places for filming, go on distant and not very journeys.

When experience with the camera is gained, photography will become a pleasant and easy experience. But to achieve this, you need training, training and experience, as in any business.

Misconception three - to take a good photo, you need to read the instructions

Technical questions are very easy to master. But photography doesn't end there. Photography is an art, so creativity is indispensable here.

Even experienced photographers are always tormented by the following questions:

• what to photograph?
• how to arrange objects in the frame?
• which plot to choose?

Tips for beginners and advanced

The main problem for beginners is the lack of artistic taste. So the first piece of advice is:

Tip number 1. Form an artistic taste!

How to do it? Simple enough. To do this, you need to look at photographs taken by masters, go to their exhibitions, visit art galleries.

Looking at paintings and photographs, analyze why exactly these objects came to the attention of the master, how he built the composition and how he worked with light. This approach will allow you to gain experience, which can then be used in your own work.

Tip #2: Travel!

You won't take good photos if you stay at home. The camera, like a dog, needs to be walked. You don't have to travel far from home. You can simply not miss interesting events in your city. They will give you a lot of stories. In addition, an amateur photographer does not interfere with practicing shooting in a variety of conditions.

Without choosing a suitable location, it is impossible to shoot landscapes and even portraits. And do not forget that every journey is a source of creative energy, inspiration and new experiences.

Tip #3: A little self-criticism never hurts!

Progress in photography is impossible without a critical attitude to your photography. Even if you are praised, try to find flaws in your work.

Learning to photograph will be difficult without analyzing your photos and understanding where the mistake is made.

Tip number 4. About the technique of photography and choosing a camera

Without knowledge of the technical side of the matter, learning to photograph will be difficult. You cannot fully trust the automation of modern cameras, as they can make mistakes in the brightness and sharpness of the picture.

The minimum set of knowledge on photography technique comes down to studying

• principles of image formation in a camera;
• focusing work;
• concepts of "white balance" and "exposure".

You also need to know how to set up the camera. As for the latter, you do not need to buy it in the hope that you will become a pro very quickly. In addition, the first camera must have a manual shooting mode.

These cameras include SLR Cameras and compact cameras with removable lenses.

I would like to complete this article with photographs taken by a photographer from Montreal this fall. In the pictures, he captured a natural disaster.

Have you thought about making photography your hobby? Share your opinion in the comments.