Capturing the Moment: Essential Tips for New Photographers
by Craig Spiesman
Craig Spiesman suggests that embarking on a photography journey can be exciting and challenging as you learn to bring the scenes to life through your lens For any beginner, mastering a few basic concepts can make a difference in the quality of your photos and the stories they tell. With foundational skills and practice, you can start capturing beautiful images reflecting your unique perspective
First, get comfortable with the core settings on your camera shutter speed, aperture, and ISO often referred to as the exposure triangle. Shutter speed controls how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light, with fast, freezing action and slower speeds creating motion blur, ideal for shots like moving water Aperture, measured in f-stops, influences the depth of field, determining how much of your photo is in focus. A lower f-stop blurs the background to highlight the subject, while a higher f-stop keeps more elements sharp, ideal for landscape shots Finally, ISO adjusts the camera’s sensitivity to light; higher values work well in low light but can add noise Learning to balance these three settings gives you control over light, focus, and mood in your photos.
Lighting is another powerful photography tool, often distinguishing between a good shot and a great one. Natural light is an ideal starting point, with early morning and late afternoon offering the soft, warm light that photographers call the “golden hour.” This lighting is flattering for portraits and landscapes alike Cloudy days also work well, as the diffused light minimizes shadows For indoor photography, positioning a subject near a window can create soft lighting, while experimenting with artificial light sources can add interesting shadows and highlights
Composition is where your creativity shines through The rule of thirds is a helpful guideline for framing: imagine a grid of two horizontal and two vertical lines dividing your frame into nine sections Placing key elements along these lines or intersections adds balance and interest to your photo Leading lines, like pathways, rivers, or even lines on a road, help guide viewers' eyes to the image's focal point, creating a sense of depth. Trying different angles, like getting closer to a subject or shooting from a low or high vantage point, can also reveal new perspectives and unique details
The key to growing as a photographer is consistent practice. Experiment with settings, light, and framing; don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone Over time, these basic techniques will become second nature, allowing you to focus on creativity and storytelling With patience and a willingness to learn, every beginner can transform their vision into captivating photographs, one shot at a time.