Hello Steemit Followers!
Understanding the fundamentals of your camera and how each of the settings operate is overrated. Let me say that again... It's overrated!
There is no need to learn every single setting.
If you ever hear a photographer telling you that shooting in manual is the only way, tell them they are wrong! There is nothing wrong with using the automatic setting on your camera. What's important is capturing the emotion and the moment.
Emotion in photos will always trump what aperture or shutter speed is used. To ensure you capture emotion here are three tips I use.
- Make sure your camera is always in standby mode or your finger is on the on/off switch so you can quickly take a photo when the moment happens.
- When you are taking photos of people listen to the conversation and anticipate when a smile, laugh or reaction will occur. That's the time you want to press the shutter button.
- If you are at a wedding and you have lots people around you, use your vision to look in multiple directions. While looking through the viewfinder I also look at the reflection on the rear LCD screen to see what's happening behind me. If I see some emotion evolving behind me, I'll quickly turn around capture it and then return to what I was photographing. Some of my favourite photos have been captured that way.
So next time you pick up your camera don't fumble with the settings, just turn it in and let the camera adjust everything for you. Master the emotion first then over time you will naturally progress into mastering the settings.
