PHOTOGRAPHY 4 BEGINNERS Issue# 36

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Essential guides for £250CASMAEMRASWUONRGTH

1G0RESATTEPSSHOTOTS
Practical hands-on shooting advice
Master important exposure settings
Discover your camera bag essentials
Top tips & techniques

Shoot
the moon Switch to
How to capture RAW now
the night sky

Why you should leave
JPEGs behind forever
COMPOSITIONEasy tricks for better…
Learnthephotorules Usefreshperspectives Workwithleadinglines Experimentwithzoom

ISSUE 036



WELCOME
Issue 36

Welcome

5essential skills As it’s my first issue taking the reins of Photography
you will learn For Beginners, we thought we would pack it full of
in this issue fantastic features, practical tutorials and useful
tips to help kick-start your springtime shooting.
01 ACE COMPOSITION There’s a great Beginner’s Guide to composition
on p18, where you’ll discover how to compose
Discover how to take striking stunning shots in-camera, and a helpful ten-step
shots in-camera on p18 guide to perfect photos of any subject on
p28. We’ve also got an ten-page feature
02 CREATIVE PORTRAITS on why you should switch to RAW, along
with advice on shooting landscapes
Head to p38 to shoot, edit using your cameraphone and more.
and share a creative avatar
I hope you enjoy the issue. Don’t
03 SHOOT THE MOON forget to share your shots online!

Turn to p42 to capture sharp Hayley Paterek
shots of the night sky
Deputy Editor
04 PERFECT VISTAS Follow us at @PFBMag

Learn to capture landscapes
on your cameraphone on p50

05 DISCOVER RAW

Find out how to shoot and
edit RAW images on p56

For more great photo tips, head to photoforbeginners.com

Get in touch with us… Ask questions, leave feedback on the magazine or share your shots via the following social sites…

@PFBMag PFBMag PFBMagazine [email protected] photoforbeginners.com

Photography for Beginners 3

CoIssune36tents 84
18
rLeavteieswt ekdit
cTroicmkpsofsoirtiboentter
Nikon D5300 and
Discover how to capture more rated inside
stunning shots in-camera
ESSENTIALS with our top tips

06 Your photos Learn composition rules on p20

Send us your shots for a chance to Creative portraits
appear in the section that’s just for you!
Create a cool
10 Readers’ challenge online profile pic

Get your hands on some slideshow 38
software by entering our competition

12 How to share your photos

Ways to send your shots to the PFB team
for advice and to share with our readers

14 Need to know

Check out Olympus’s latest camera and
win a landscape masterclass in Argyll

16 Join the debate

Would you share your shots online without
a watermark? Tell us your thoughts now

17 Win a camera worth £250

Be in with a chance of winning a fantastic
Samsung WB350F by entering today

46 Subscribe!

Save money on your copy of Photography
for Beginners with our exclusive offer

78 Ask the team

Your questions answered and problems
solved by our panel of photo experts

82 Quick start guide

All you need to get to know your camera
in just five minutes

84 Upgrade

On test: Nikon’s latest DSLR, the Sony
RX10, the Fujifilm X-A1 and more

92 Accessories

Latest cameraphones reviewed, essential
landscape accessories and more

98 Architecture cheat sheet

Learn the key things you need for
incredible architecture shots

70 42

Choosing Shoot the moon
the right
Capture sharp shots of the night sky
cloud
storage

WHAT THE ICONS MEAN…Your quick-start guide to all the icons you’ll see in Photography for Beginners

Cameraphone: Compact: Small, DSLR:Usuallymore Compactsystem Shutter speed: The Aperture:Thedepth
Smartphonesthat low-costandeasy- expensive,but camera:Goodimage timeyourshutteris offieldofanimage,
arealwayswithyou to-usecameras goodimagequality quality,lightweight openfor,inseconds as an f-number

4 Photography for Beginners

46SUBSCRIBE TO... OGEFFT IMSSOUNEESY! CONTENTS
Issue 36
28
SHOOT
g10resattesphsottos
18 Easy tricks for better
A practical guide to getting composition now
fantastic images every time
Shoot images with more impact by
Adjust shutter speed on p31 Master metering on p32 following our composition tips and tricks

56 28 10 steps to great shots

ScawpittcuhretotoRdAaWy Discover the secrets behind getting a
great shot with our step-by-step guide
Find out how RAW can
transform your shots 36 5 tips for natural portraits

Improve your people pics in an instant

38 Scrheoaottiv, eedpiotratnraditshare a

Transform your online profile with a
mind-bending avatar image

42 Shoot the moon

Get sharp shots of the moon tonight

44 Capture a backlit still life

How to take a photo with a difference

48 Story behind the shot

Find out how to photograph light trails

50 oTankyeosutrucnanminegralapnhdosnceapes

Tips for capturing fantastic vistas

54 Retouch phone captures

A step-by-step guide to using the
Handy Photo app

EDIT

56 Get to grips with RAW

Discover the benefits of shooting in
RAW for bigger and better quality shots

66 Add a light leak

How to create a retro camera effect

68 Use the History palette

Learn how to undo editing adjustments

SHARE

70 Choosing the right cloud
storage service

A roundup of the best cloud storage
options that are available online

74 OlorcgaatnioisneinyoEulermsheonttssby

Assign places to your images

76 Print your photos

5 tips for printing your
photos at home and on
the internet
Enhance exposure on p62 OrSsphehaoratcrohffeoorrybPFeogBiunMrangersosn..h..cootms at...

For back issues & more go to…

READERS’ GALLERY

Your photos
Take a look at our favourite photos taken
A SmWaemmsouIrnNygc1!a6rdGBESvearmysiwsuosnwFruugaewll1,pt.6eoasrrviGnazmaeBemislawSoasbfnDilunedeHnnqocCegnourln.maicndwleoeivtiilmmaol lnrou/esreucykecivaerda by our talented readers this month and be
inspired to send in your own

Reader: Damien Harrow
Fairfield Church, Kent
“I set the camera to bracket
and fired five shots with
different exposures, then
used Photomatix to turn them
into an HDR image.”
Shot on: Nikon D7100, 35mm
lens, ISO 100, f8, 1/30sec
Sent in via: Email

6 Photography for Beginners

YOUR PHOTOS
Readers’ gallery

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 7

YOUR PHOTOS Reader: Lisa Donoghue
Readers’ gallery
A Break From Life
Reader: “I had no intentions of taking any
Matthew Woodhouse photos, but towards the end of the day,
the clouds and the light took on a
The Dark Hedges strange look. I decided to race home,
“This was taken at 5:10am, grab the camera and basically chase
before sunrise. The trees were the strange clouds in the sky.”
all in shadow, so I decided to Shot on: Sony Alpha SLT A-65, ISO 100,
park my car in the middle of f10, 1/125sec
the road (there was no traffic
at that time), turn on the car Reader: Ian Angus
lights full beam and take the
shot using a remote release.” Young Bird
Shot on: Canon EOS 60D, ISO “The was taken on the path down
100, f22, 20sec to Threave Castle. He sat on the
fence post and I managed to get
Reader: four shots from three feet away.”
Gareth Cheshire-Whatley Shot on: Fujifilm FinePix
HS30EXR, ISO 100, f5, 1/60sec
Lily On A Duck Pond
“I saw the lily and was attracted
by the colour and petals. After
having your magazine delivered to
me with an article on zoom burst, I
felt inspired to give it a shot as my
first editing experience.”
Shot on: Nikon D3100, ISO 400,
f9, 1/160sec

Reader: Shazz Hooper

Disco Ball
“I wanted to try something
creative, so I set up a disco ball in
a dark room, placed it against a
wall to get the light to bounce
back and got this effect.”
Shot on: Canon EOS 70D, ISO
100, f8, 1.3sec

8 Photography for Beginners

Reader: Jo Cantelo Bond Win cameraphone kit!
Title: The Tower Of Gold
Send us your cameraphone shots and you could win a Manfrotto
KLYP kit worth £95/approx $150. For more info head to www.
manfrotto.co.uk. Full terms and conditions available online.

ENTER NOW: Send your shots to [email protected]

Reader: Kaye Amos

Gentle Blues
“These beautiful blue rams are recent

morphs of the common rams. These
fish are very sensitive to certain

environments and need extra care. I
love how vibrant they are and how
chilled they are.”
Shot on: iPhone 4S

Reader: Alun Clinton
Title: Old Pier

Reader: Eleanor Payne
Title: Sunset Silhouette

Reader: Jai Crawford Reader: Teri Humphrey
Title: Innocence Title: Amazing Mother Nature

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 9

YROEAUDREPRHSO' TCOHSALLENGE
RLoewadliegrhst’ gallery

Low-light shootingWE CHALLENGED, YOU DELIVERED…

You might think that low-light situations are not results. In our Beginner’s Guide to Low-light
ideal for photography, as photography is
essentially the recording of light. However, there Photography in Issue 35, we showed you how to
are plenty of great photographic opportunities to
be discovered as the light begins to fade. In actual shoot landscapes, portraits and still life when
fact, the hours of the day when the sun is low in
Learn how to make the most of the sky are best for outdoor photography, as the there is little or no WIN!
fading light in PFB Issue 35. Find this light is soft and golden at these times. You can natural light around.
issue and more at… also get creative with artificial light indoors, We then asked you DePluhxoetsooSfttowryare
experimenting with different setups for your still life to send us your owSfweMnwyAd.oGmuuIssaXtlgyoiPdoihtxeuu.osrcrhtnsooohmSywoot.tosuTs,rrhyifpsoi2shrw0soaoo1trco4ftthshwDaie£nanlt7rcuoe0ex,f/etaw$o,n7hcwt0ioaci.unshrtaaitcelclsooywpoysf
and portrait photos to produce really creative best low-light
photos, and here is
a small selection

of our favourites.

Reader: Darren Price

Stockton Infinity Bridge
“This was taken at sunset. I
knew with the sky being clear the
white bridge would look good
against the blue sky.”
Shot on: Nikon D3200, ISO 100,
f3.8, 3sec

10 Photography for Beginners phoYtooucrhnaellxetnge
Composition

Follow the guidelines from our Beginner’s Guide to
Composition feature in this issue and send us your
favourite photos by 18 March 2014 for a chance to win

MAGIX PhotoStory 2014 Deluxe.
Prize may be substituted for an item of equal value.

Full T&Cs available online.

pyhooortusoeSfroarhrsbcehahgPrionFeBntMesrasg.acootnm READERS' CHALLENGE
Low light

Reader: Kathryn Bowles
Title: Smoking Dragon
Reader: Michael Atkinson
Title: Redcar Beacon Light Trails

Reader: James Walsh
Title: Notre Dame Basilica

Reader: Steve Martin Reader: Melinda Crouch
Title: Reflection Title: On The Lakeside

Reader: Barry Liner
Title: Light Trails North

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 11

SHARE YOUR SHOTS

Here’s how to show us your stunning snaps

Share on our social sites Join the Facebook, Twitter and Flickr communities

PFBMag @PFBMag PFB Magazine

Search for ‘PFBMag’ and click the tab. On our Click the Compose New Tweet box and select Hit Upload to add images. Click on the image
page, hit Photo/Video, then Upload Photo/ Add An Image. Find your shot and click Open. you want to share, then click Share>Grab the
Video. Browse for your image, write a message Write some text, include @PFBMag, then click link. Email it to pfbteam@imagine-publishing.
and click Post for it to appear on our wall! Tweet and we will see your photo! co.uk or post it to us on Facebook or Twitter.

Also share on our website Head to www.photoforbeginners.com now

Create a gallery Be inspired Become our favourite! ALSO ONLINE…
The best of the rest
You can showcase your favourite Browse through all the different We pick our favourite shots to on our great website
images by creating your own categories to be inspired by highlight in our Featured Image
gallery page on our website. It’s other readers’ photos and get section. This could be you soon, Competitions
quick and simple to set up. ideas of your own. so get uploading!
Head to www.photoforbeginners.com and
Enter the enter our weekly competitions to win some
Face-Off really fantastic prizes!

Your shots are Tips and tutorials
entered into our
Face-Off Our website is piled high with step-by-step
section and tutorials and useful tips to help you take
pitted against better photos of any subject.
other people’s
– have fun
watching your
score rise!

News and debate

We help you keep up-to-date with the latest
industry news and releases. You can also
get stuck into hot topics with our debates!

12 Photography for Beginners



NEED TOKNOW

A snapshot of what’s exciting us this month

NsheovterwmithissDoatnSaicgthiot n

The new Olympus SP-100EE has an innovative feature

One of the latest cameras to be launched by scenes. The deep, textured grip on the front of the THE TOP 3…
Olympus has a particularly handy function for camera makes it very comfortable to hold for long
photographing wildlife and sports. The SP-100EE’s periods of time, and the single-finger-operation Reasons why we can’t
built-in Dot Sight helps you keep track of moving control dial allows you to change your settings wait to get our hands
subjects in the frame, even when you are fully quickly and easily. Inside the camera is a 16MP on this camera…
zoomed in, so that you won’t miss a great shot CMOS sensor, which promises high-resolution
opportunity. The Dot Sight is featured on the images, and built-in image stabilisation is on hand 01 We want to see just how
camera body, rather than being an optional and to keep shots sharp even at full zoom. useful the Dot Sight is for
bulky accessory, and automatically pops up above taking shots of fast-paced action
the viewfinder when you switch the camera on. The Olympus SP-100EE has an RRP of
£350/$400. Olympus has also launched a new 02We’re going to see if the
The camera’s 50x optical and 100x digital zoom feature-packed CSC, the OM-D E-M10, and a built-in image stabilisation
will also help you get fantastic close-up shots of super-tough compact camera, the TG-850. For really does keep shots steady
far-off subjects, while the 24-1200mm focal range details on these other new releases, head to our
is versatile enough for shooting a range of different website, www.photoforbeginners.com. 03We’ll discover how easy
this camera is to use for
beginner shooters

Share your shots Frame with ease

Use the optional FlashAir card The built-in Dot Sight is
to wirelessly connect the positioned above the electronic
camera with any Wi-Fi-enabled viewfinder and helps you frame
smartphone, tablet or PC
shots of moving subjects

Add art filters

You can choose from seven
different art filters to apply to
your photos, including pop art,
soft focus and grainy film

Record HD video

Capture high-resolution full HD
(1920 x 1080) 60p movies to
record even more of the action
and accompanying sound

Shoot super macro

The camera’s Super Macro
mode lets you focus on
subjects up close and 1cm
away from the lens

14 Photography for Beginners

NEED TO KNOW
News

This month on… photoforbeginners.com
Capture fun photos of oil and water Take great photos of aeroplanes PLUS ALL THIS
A great photo project to try at home Aeroplanes in flight provide you with
is to take creative close-ups of oil a great opportunity to practise your ǜ Complete guide to
and water. The two do not combine, action photo skills, but knowing how
leaving perfectly circular drops for to get sharp and well-exposed shots camera modes
you to photograph, and our guide will can be tricky. Let us show you the
show you how to get great results. best settings for striking photos. ǜ Street photography

step-by-step

ǜ Great competitions

and exciting news

WIN a landscape photography
masterclass in Argyll!

opGstfheuSotntconoonintteluga-iontwindoe-nosnotencotahset

The breathtaking scenery in The winner of our competition will not only Enjoy a tasty
Argyll is a photographer’s dream win Bill’s expert photography tuition, but also dinner for two
get a free two-night stay for two in the
If you want to brush up on your landscape beautiful Loch Melfort Hotel (lochmelfort. Termsandconditions
photography skills, then the breathtaking co.uk), set in 17 acres of gardens and beach
scenery of Scotland is a fantastic place to on the romantic coast of Argyll, plus a Travel expenses will not be paid by Imagine Publishing or Bill
do it. Knowing where to start might seem a delicious dinner for two. Please note that Baillie. The winner must be of reasonable mobility, as some
little daunting though, so we are giving you travel expenses are not included and that walking will be involved. The two-night stay at Loch Melfort
the chance to learn from a pro. If you enter accommodation at Loch Melfort Hotel is Hotel is subject to availability. This competition is open to
our competition, you could win your very own subject to availability. The winner will liaise residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Imagine
one-on-one photography masterclass with with Bill Baillie at Rainy Cloud Images on a Publishing has the right to substitute the prize with a similar
Bill Baillie from Rainy Cloud Images (www. mutually convenient date for the workshop. item of equal or higher value. Employees of Imagine Publishing
rainycloudimages.com). He lives in Argyll, (including freelancers), Bill Baillie, their relatives or any agents
Scotland and feels very fortunate that he For your chance to win this fantastic prize, are not eligible to enter. The editor’s decision is final and no
has such a beautiful landscape to use as his all you need to do is send your name, correspondence will be entered into. Prizes cannot be
classroom. Bill says: “Photography provides contact details and your best landscape exchanged for cash. Full terms and conditions are available on
me with the perfect medium to capture the photo to [email protected] request. From time to time, Imagine Publishing or its agents
outstanding beauty of Argyll. Its rugged by 3 April 2014 and include ‘Scottish photo may send you related material or special offers. If you do not
coastal landscape, the passing seasons and course’ as the subject header of your email. wish to receive this, please state on your competition entry.
the history that seeps through the land are
the ever-changing backdrop for my work.”

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 15

NEED TO KNOW
Join the debate

JOIN THE DEBATE THINGS WE LOVE #PFBLoves

Do you share shots 01Nikon
COOLPIX S32
without a watermark?

The internet is a fantastic tool for sharing your this can also compromise the look of your shots. Web: www.nikon.com
photos with the world, but it also leaves them Would you share your photos online without Price: £100/$130
vulnerable to being copied and used by others adding a watermark first? Take a look at what our This family-friendly compact is
without your permission. Adding a watermark to Staff Writer has to say and what some of our waterproof and shockproof, and
your images will help you protect them online, but readers think. it has bright, colourful and simple
menus for kids. Plus it comes in a
great range of fun colours.

02Sigma 18-200
f3.5-6.3 lens

Web: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
Price: £350/$500
Sigma’s new lens, compatible
with many cameras, has a very
versatile focal range for shooting
both wide-angle landscapes and
far-off wildlife and action.

03FaceFilter 3
editing software

OUR STAFF WRITER JO SAYS: is making the watermark look discreet so that it does Web: www.reallusion.com
not compromise the photo too much. However, you also Price: £21/$30
If I’m sharing my photos publicly online, I have to make sure that it can’t be easily cropped out This photo retouching tool lets
always add a watermark to them so that and that it doesn’t just blend into the photo, so I usually you apply make-up to portrait
if someone does copy them, at least put it in the centre but make it a very pale colour for a shots for really flattering results.
they will still be accredited to me. It is more subtle effect. Smooth skin, remove blemishes,
easy to create a watermark using and even reshape facial features.
editing software or free online tools, but the tricky part
04Booq Python
Mirrorless bag

What Photography For Beginners readers have to say…

Richard Davis Tim Marshall Simon Kitt Bob Slassor Web: www.booqbags.co.uk
Price: £68/$80
“If someone really wants “I don't see the point, as “I've dropped my “I am not prepared to sit Protect any CSC or small DSLR
to remove your watermark most people have editing watermark due to finding back and let thieves not with this stylish bag. Made from
they will find a way to do software and can remove my pictures were still only steal my images but water-resistant nylon to protect
so, so why ruin a viewer’s watermarks unless you getting stolen anyway and potentially make money your kit against the elements, it
experience?” completely cover a shot.” cropped down.” from them.” can also store a small tablet.

Sent in via website Sent in via website Sent in via Twitter Sent in via Facebook Search for #PFBLoves on
Twitter to see what we love
THE POLL RESULTS SAY 44% YES, 56% NO. GIVE US YOUR VOTE ONLINE TODAY!

16 Photography for Beginners Join the debate at... SearchforPFBMagon...

photoforbeginners.com

WINWA! SBa3m50sFung
Plus three lucky runners-up will each get
a Samsung 16GB SDHC memory card
SmPaAcemL1am6UrsdoGuSrnBy!g

Samsung’s new SMART Camera better quality captures in low light HOW TO ENTER:
WB350F makes sharing shots on without the use of flash.
the go seamless. This cloud- Send your name, contact details and your
enabled camera features Wi-Fi and Its sleek and lightweight build best shot to us by 3 April 2014.
NFC technology, which means it’s also makes it the perfect pocket Email: [email protected]
possible to send images straight companion, and the 21x optical Website: www.photoforbeginners.com
from the camera over to your zoom lens, which offers a focal
smartphone, tablet or home range between 23-483mm, will Terms and conditions
computer in an instant, which is ensure you can capture a range of
ideal for both sharing and backing photographic subjects. This competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
up your shots. Imagine Publishing has the right to substitute the prize with a similar
To find out more about this new item of equal or higher value. Camera colours may vary. Employees of
The WB350F also features a SMART camera, simply visit www. Imagine Publishing (including freelancers), Samsung, their relatives or
16.3MP backside-illuminated samsung.com/uk. For a chance to any agents are not eligible to enter. The editor’s decision is final and no
sensor, which enables you to shoot win this fantastic camera, enter our correspondence will be entered into. Prizes cannot be exchanged for
competition now! cash. Full terms and conditions are available on request. From time to
time, Imagine Publishing or its agents may send you related material or
special offers. If you do not wish to receive this, please state clearly on
your competition entry.

Photography for Beginners 17

It’s possible to take several great shots
of one scene. Just experiment with
different compositions

Gear guide Kit to help you with composition

High megapixel camera Articulated LCD screen Lens with a versatile zoom Tripod with spirit level

Use a camera that can produce high- Being able to tilt and flip your camera’s A large focal range will give you lots of A tripod with a spirit level will help you
resolution photos so that you can crop LCD screen is useful for framing shots scope for shooting wide-angle scenes steady your camera and keep horizons
to recompose without losing image creatively. The Nikon COOLPIX S6600’s and great close-ups. The NIKKOR AF-S straight. The Manfrotto MT190XPRO3
quality. The Nikon D3200 (£650/$600) (£199/$369) vari-angle LCD flips DX 55-300mm lens (£260/$400) has (£185/$245) also has a tilting centre
has 24.2 effective megapixels. outwards so you can tilt it at any angle. a versatile 5.5x zoom. column for even more framing options.

18 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
Beginner's guide

Easy tricks

compfoorbseittteior n
Discover how to capture eye-catching shots in any genre

Composition is one of the most basic skills Although we call them rules, they are Unlike modes and settings, composition
of photography, and yet it is often the actually more like guidelines, as the way you is a technique that can be applied no matter
secret to turning a good shot into a great frame your shots is ultimately a matter of what camera you are using, whether it’s a
one. It refers to what you choose to include personal opinion. However, these rules DSLR or even a cameraphone. It can also be
in your photo and how you position it within come in useful as a great starting point for used with any photography genre, as many
the frame. A visually pleasing composition when you get stuck and can also help to of the rules we will show you over the next
should typically be simple and engaging, inspire you when you’re looking for few pages can be applied when shooting
showing off your subject in the best way something to shoot. Then if you decide to anything from landscapes to action. If you
possible. There are a few tried-and-tested bend or break them, you can follow your don’t get it quite right in-camera, we’ll also
rules that you can use to help you decide own artistic instinct to decide what you show you how to recompose your image
what to include and where to place it. think is best for the shot. using editing software.

Take time composing
by using a tripod

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 19

SHOOTING
Beginner's guide

Rule of thirds
Use gridlines to help you frame your shot

The rule of thirds is perhaps the most is suggested that you place the main focal horizontal lines of the grid to position the
popular compositional technique, as it is point over one of the intersecting points of horizon in either the top or bottom third. If
very easy to master. It involves imagining a the grid, as this is where the viewer’s eye is you’re struggling to picture the grid, many
nine-section grid over your scene and using likely to be drawn to first. If you are taking a cameras have a gridlines display function
the lines to help you position your subject. It landscape photo, then you can also use the that you can switch on and use instead.

SoenleycotugrrcidalimneesracaMmocdesairtsmapcpeslahartmoayrso.'netsSnreragmeasielsgeehrhicnansttvuhcheilotauoatindrnsidzignyworfoginridt,uashlrimnee

Where should I put the horizon? Top tips for composing landscapes

Top of the frame Bottom of the frame Middle of the frame

01 If the foreground is the most important 02 If your vista has an interesting sky, 03If the sky and foreground are equally
part of the scene, position the horizon position the horizon in the bottom important, position the horizon along
in the top third of your photo to draw attention third of your photo to show it off, but be sure the centre. If your scene is reflected in a lake
to it and remove any expanse of dull sky. not to cut out any important foreground detail. or river, this will also help to create symmetry.

20 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
Beginner's guide

Leading lines

Including lead-in lines in your
photo is a great way to help guide
your viewer’s eye through your
photo or towards your main
subject. Look out for natural lines
made by pathways, fences,
bridges or anything else you can
spot, and carefully position them
in the frame. You could even use
the lines of a building or other
structure, or introduce your own
lines into a still-life photo.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Foreground interest
Avoid shooting just the land and sky of a
landscape, as this can make for a dull
shot. Look for something of interest to
include in the foreground, such as a
building, colourful flowers or other
inanimate object. This will serve as the
main focal point, giving the viewer
somewhere to first direct their gaze before
they explore the rest of the photo.

Golden ratio

The golden ratio is a traditional
compositional technique often used
by artists. It follows a design that is

commonly found in nature and is
universally pleasing to the human
eye. The idea is to position the most

important part of your photo
towards the centre of the spiral
and the rest of your main focal
point within its curve. It can be

tricky to master, but some
cameras and editing programs

have a spiral display function
that you can use to help.

Photography for Beginners 21

SHOOTING
Beginner's guide

Eye-catching elements

Look out for visually pleasing compositions

symLomoketforyr
Symmetry is automatically
appealing to the eye and can
be found everywhere, be it in
nature or man-made
structures. It also gives you
permission to ignore the rule
of thirds, as it works best if
you centre your
subject in the frame.

Find patterns
and texture

Interesting patterns and textures
can add to your existing photo or
serve as the main subject of your

shot. Shoot them close-up to
capture as much detail as
possible, and keep an eye
out for repetition too.

22 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
Beginner's guide

Irnecflleucdteions wCoitmhpcoosloeur

Including reflections allows Bright colours will help to grab people’s attention,
you to double up your main and so they make a great compositional element for
subject and can also create ensuring your photos get noticed. Try not to include
symmetry in your shot, or more than three different colours in your shot, as this
you could just shoot the can leave it looking cluttered and overwhelming.
reflection on its own for a
different perspective. Look Frame your
out for mirror images in subject
lakes, puddles and even the
windows of buildings. Look for something else in the
scene that you can use to frame
your main subject. This could be

a natural frame such as tree
branches or a man-made frame

such as an archway. It might
just be a case of shooting from

a different angle.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 23

SHOOTING A longer focal length
Beginner's guide will allow you to keep

Fill the your distance and
frame prevent lens distortion

Take an
intimate
close-up

Sometimes the best way to
shoot your subject is up
close so that they fill the
frame. If your subject is
surrounded by lots of empty
space that doesn’t add
anything to the shot, then
zoom in to take a more
striking image. Similarly, a
close-up will eliminate any
distractions in the surrounding
scene to ensure your subject is
the main focal point of the shot.
This can also make for a really
intimate image, particularly for
portraits, so get your subject to look
right into the lens for a really
engaging photo.

AdsjeutsttinygosurfrIaf mye(ohveuei,garruhtyssitfuft8he-bnainaajupegnmpncdieatnbarciesrfrhoorsfi)ewclstculoihaknsapkg.treehStperahttapteurrte

24 Photography for Beginners

Laecativveessopmacee SHOOTING
Beginner's guide
Leaving active space in front of your moving subject
will help the viewer to visualise where it is moving to. Recompose
Without it, your shot can look a little static and create your shot
the illusion that your subject isn’t moving. If you are
struggling to achieve this, zoom right out to leave lots Solve compositional
of space around your subject that you can crop into problems in Photoshop
later. It is a good idea to leave a large
enough space for your subject to It's not uncommon to open an image on
fit into again. your computer and realise that a horizon
is not completely straight, or that a
bCaocnksgidreorutnhde tighter crop would work better. Here's
how to recompose quickly in Photoshop.
When taking your shot, watch out for anything in the
background that could divert attention away from Straighten horizons
your subject, and re-frame if you need to eliminate
distractions. You could simply change your position to 01 If your horizon is wonky, select the
capture a different background, or add your own Straighten tool and choose if you
backdrop with plain card or curtains. Another way to want it to automatically crop your shot or
simplify the background is keep it the original size. Then draw a line
to use a wide aperture across the actual horizon of your shot.
(small f-number) to
create a shallow Crop in
depth of field and
blur it out. 02The Crop tool lets you choose a
grid to help you recompose your
Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com shot. You can use the rule of thirds or the
golden ratio and highlight the section of
your image you wish to keep.

Flip or rotate

03 Go to Image>Rotate and choose
from the menu options. You can
rotate by a set number of degrees,
choose a custom amount, or flip your
image horizontally or vertically.

Photography for Beginners 25

SHOOTING
Beginner's guide

Break the rules Sometimesyouneed
to trust your instincts

Break eye contact Centre your subject

Capturing your portrait Although following the rule
subject looking away from of thirds and positioning
the camera isn’t always a your subject off-centre in
bad thing. Although eye the frame works for most
contact is more engaging, situations, try placing your
a candid shot of someone subject in the middle to
looking away can still make make them really stand
a big impact. It can also out, particularly so if this
help to show your subject’s also helps you to create
natural emotions without some symmetry.
the forced and cheesy
smiles they typically give
when they are told to look
at the camera.

Don't add a focal point Cut off your subject

By not including an obvious Sometimes including only
focal point, you force the a small section of an
viewer to explore the entire object will encourage the
photo and make up their own viewer to focus on that
mind about it. This will enable area of detail and leave
you to concentrate on using them guessing about what
other compositional elements you didn’t include. This can
to make your image stand out, leave you with an artistic
such as bright colour, patterns abstract photograph of an
and texture. ordinary subject.

Experiment with unusual angles Shoot from fresh perspectives

High angle Low angle Eye level

01 Shooting from a high angle is flattering 02Taking your photo from a low angle can 03Taking photos of people at eye level
for portraits, as you avoid accentuating create a really dramatic shot, will create a natural shot with
the nose and chin, but it's also great for particularly when shooting buildings and everything in proportion. Try this when
shooting a bird’s eye view of landscapes. structures, as it emphasises their height. photographing children and pets too.

26 Photography for Beginners

Ndoutmjumstiefosr

TM

A clear, comprehensive series for people who want to start learning
about iPhone, iPad, Mac, Photoshop, photography and more

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

Print edition available at www.imagineshop.co.uk
Digital edition available at www.greatdigitalmags.com

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SHOOTING
10 steps to great shots

GSTREPESATTO

SHOTS

Follow along to get perfect
photos of any subject

So you want to take some great photos, get in a
bit of practice and improve your camera skills,
but where do you start? It can be a little daunting
when you’re just starting out and lacking
confidence behind the lens, so the best solution
is to break the process down into simple steps.
That’s what we’re going to do for you over the next
few pages, as we’ve worked out that there are
actually only ten steps to taking the perfect photo.

We will start with the tricky decision of what to
actually shoot, because if you’re not already inspired to
photograph a particular subject, then it can be difficult to
decide what to point your camera at. However, there is
always something to photograph and we will show you a
few simple ways to kick-start your creativity.

Once you’ve found an interesting subject to shoot, we
will guide you through what kit to use and which settings to
choose, before showing you how to actually take and then
edit your photo. Everything will be broken down into
bite-sized chunks that are easy to follow and understand,
plus we’ll be busting some of that confusing photography
jargon along the way. So pick up your camera and let us
show you how to take your best-ever photos step-by-step.

28 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
10 steps to great shots

Find a subject

Search for photography inspiration

Choose a genre PTtloorhiyrvacesctkh,hwhaoiaaplolpesrtepinthpiongreeelaossmotsehknoeeftromifrt.re.ieFfonordr esyohxauipmr,pophrleoe,tvoyeognruascpeohtusyldoauncrdhsoetholfesanesfitphneedctsihfiuecbmcjeoeclotosuf r

You could narrow down
your choice of subject
by picking a specific
genre to focus on, such
as portraits or wildlife.
Then you can start
searching for a subject,
maybe asking a friend
to model for you, or
going to a zoo to
photograph the
animals.

Clehtatalepllrhe,anpbgiceektyi.noYguorausdeciolfffuteoldreoennvtleylenpthltoeomortkoaegnoar-cuamhtpafdhodarteyhyoisuntungrrtusiclcthythouoaursteGehbsnoaeavlgneefidntrctoewporhmmitionhptonalAegactrteetaudorprtehtahZioinetr. Set a space

Force yourself to really look for something to
photograph within a small space. That could be your
living room at home, a corner of your garden or an area
of your local town. You’ll be amazed at what you can

find to shoot.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 29

SHOOTING
10 steps to great shots

Choose your kit

Load up your kit bag with everything you’ll need

Pack your camera bag with
all the essential kit before
you venture out on a shoot

As well as making sure your camera is
charged up and that you have enough space
on your memory card, you may need a few
other accessories to help you take great
shots. If you’re going to be photographing in
low light, then a tripod will come in handy for
keeping your camera steady and your shots
sharp while you capture as much of the light
as possible using a slow shutter speed. An
external flashgun will be useful for adding a
more powerful burst of light than your
camera’s flash when taking portraits, and
can be bounced off of the walls or ceiling for
a softer and more flattering effect.

If you have more than one lens in your kit
bag to choose from, then make sure you
choose the best focal length for the scene
you will be shooting. A short focal length of
18-35mm is best for landscapes,
architecture and group shots, but zooming
in to between 50 and 200mm will be useful
for portraits, sports and wildlife.

Pick your settings
Master camera modes for well-exposed shotsTthhseeubnbeejetsxhcttetss.bchtTeeaohpmoofdotsteieuoenrlngavtadiafnmvyoAksobgaruieonsiuylyittdanoogoottaebtwniuytonrmlheoe,ifsgsoyaopuisuttomrtdriiocsnubyyeppkigoryaonhliouwycsnugtouhreag,ittcleamsdlbowtadkcuhmoeniiieolsetnlnrnocacgdecbeodtaehvhtemnenehpooescereeordtuyelnnsiisptganuidhunhhltsiargoonot.alrtgnltyoe.
This is useful for ymywpmottomphhihaPucuioAeecoiikrcnsdapnkdhaItteeeSelathcdi,rwhtxOnhejt(tapueSuedl,oessosr’wsosloeatslwmhsmhfrmueoPeueioTrxterretleevpralintope)aelssbtasrrdsrseceioaihtonsottgyylyueattpnoroliimtanasnnetututrmceggeorteoemsrhsddarl,.,m.eseapawmIbptvekoo(uehaeAwerpdteiti.tllpeiuoeayedlSlo,rorbretthfasiulAhanoe.uinvtkegrTcted)ietynhaaa,ewotencpnlhPreuialdeircaPltsrobrtaldrefletigiagnmjuoaturoisgrvrassyefeeiemhtoytrtdyso,aihusuoewnill
unexpected photo cysfiwhopnooMuedrs.earetYydnhon,iuefuIfaSiopthlOrematayrvaofokeenuedcdt.seotasb(pMloalicmol)akflneeytcahotevieumerbaseoepetttehwovreeetmurreyrsanetesh,tttihsnetihegrn.umgutsp.teDatrnoodn’t
opportunities,
when you don’t
have time to
fiddle with all
the buttons.

30 Photography for Beginners

Capoenrttruorleyour SHOOTING
10 steps to great shots
The size of the opening in
your lens is controlled by your lightiaTnhbgionukt
aperture. Aperture is
measured in f-numbers, with Get the light right for your shots
a small f-number creating a
wide opening and a large Use natural light
f-number creating a narrow
opening. Therefore, a wide Natural light is often the most flattering for
aperture (small f-number) can photography. Shooting when the sun is low in the
be used to let in more light sky will also provide you with a lovely soft light.
and brighten up your shots,
while a narrow aperture (large
f-number) will let in less light
to darken them.

Set your shutter speed

Typ1saohl/hne6ueadn0kpltaeesyrlnee.loogsAcfwtsthsliotgyhohohu3feutt0ttrsitsemeoherauecssct,hphytboeoeyuorueottbrduyhucrfoaatasutnmsoe’dtlnnleehnsrriesaeotl’herdss,adeuwsntsahitbe1uhty/rtao6itypeu0soortlsudosgerwtetcsaothsytwpishunirlutgolettlepvebteeretlunrsnirntpsrfpecoyleaeerssmedahsd.foetTlteiorogsarfh.let t Add artificial light

Adjust your ISO Using a single light source
Your ISO can be used to adjust such as a lamp when
the sensitivity of your camera’s
sensor to the light available. To shooting indoors will cast
make it more sensitive and shadows across your
brighten up your shots, use a
high ISO value, but watch out subject. You could fill in
for noise as this will reduce the these shadows by adding
quality. Some cameras are
better at dealing with high ISOs another light source or
than others, so test yours out bouncing the light back into
to see how far you can push it.
However, it’s best to keep your the dark areas with a
ISO as low as possible and only reflector or piece of paper.
raise it if you can’t use a slower
shutter or wider aperture to Fire your flash
capture more light instead.
Use your flash to illuminate
subjects in poor lighting or to fill
in shadows when your subject
is backlit. Try bouncing your
flash off of a piece of white
paper to soften its effect.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 31

SHOOTING
10 steps to great shots

cEaxpmloerrea ymoeunrus

Discover more essential settings to get even
better looking photos

Master metering Change your metering
mode to suit the scene and
Every time you half-press the shutter
button, your camera measures the get even exposures
available light in the scene so that it can
pick the best settings for you in auto and
semi-manual modes. This is known as
metering, and adjusting your metering
modes lets you control which part of the
scene your camera measures the light for.
Evaluative/Matrix metering reads the light
for the entire scene, so is commonly used
for shooting landscapes. If your subject is
in the centre of the frame, use Centre-
weighted metering, as this will measure
the light for the middle of the scene. Spot
metering measures the light for whichever
part of the scene you focus on and so it
can be used to choose which part of the
scene you want to keep well-exposed (for
example, the bright background to create
a silhouette).

Prevent colour casts in Lbeaalarnncaebsoeutttwinhgiste
your captures by selecting
the correct white balance If you’ve ever noticed that the colours in
your photos don’t look quite right, then it is
probably a white balance issue. Your
camera can sometimes struggle to read
the colour temperatures of different
sources of light. To avoid strong orange or
blue colour casts, change your white
balance setting to suit the scene.

Adjust white balance
settings in the menu

32 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
10 steps to great shots

Focus your shot

Keep your subject sharp by choosing the right setting

Continuous autofocus

If you are photographing a moving
subject, then this is a handy mode to
use. Your camera will continuously
re-focus the shot to keep your subject
sharp, even if they are moving erratically.
This is very useful for if you are trying to
capture animals or children on camera.

Single-point autofocus

Many cameras will let you choose which
part of your image you want to keep in
focus, which is particularly important for
when you are using a wide aperture
(small f-number). Position the focus point
over your main subject so that it stays
sharp and only the background blurs.

Manual focus

Focusing manually is only possible on
some cameras, but can be helpful in
certain situations. For example,
autofocus can struggle when your
subject is very close up, so use manual
for macro shooting. Simply twist the
focus dial until your subject is sharp.

Pre-focus Experiment with your
camera’s focus settings
You can also use manual focus when and get pin-sharp results
photographing moving subjects. If you
know the path of your subject, such as a
car travelling along a road, then you can
pre-focus on an area it is going to move
into and then take the shot when it
moves into view.

Learn composition
Decide where to position your subject
Fsyohololuot’wlsl htthahaevetprwheoaetlllloy-srsturtualecnstduaroneuddt
Before you come to take your shot, it is
important to think about how you are going to
frame it – that is, how are you going to position
your subject in the photo. Composition is of
course subjective, so it is up to you to decide
what works best. However, there are few
tried-and-tested guides that you can use to
help you. Check out our Beginner’s Guide to
Composition on page 18 for an in-depth look
at these compositional rules and see how you
can apply them to your photo. Then, once
you’ve taken your shot, try a new approach
and see how many different ways you can
photograph your subject.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 33

SHOOTING
10 steps to great shots

Take your photo

Choose the right mode and get into position

Select a drive mode that
suits your subject and start
shooting fantastic photos

Now you’re all set up, the time has come to
take your photo. However, first you need to
consider your drive modes. If you’re taking
an action shot, then Burst mode will take a
series of images while you hold down the
shutter button, increasing your chances of
getting a great result. If you want to create a
HDR image, choose autobracketing (if your
camera has it) to take a series of shots at
once with different exposures. If you want
to put yourself in the picture and your
camera is on a tripod, then you’ll need to
use self-timer to delay the shutter so you
have enough time to get into position.
However, if you just want to take a standard
photo, then you can stay on the default
single shot mode, which will take one photo
as soon as you fire the shutter. Now all you
need to do is hold the camera steady with
your feet shoulder-width apart and your
elbows tucked into your sides, and press
that shutter button.

Review your photo
Check the image and learn from your mistakes
Rather than just packing your camera
your photo, make sure you check it in away after you’ve taken
Playback mode on your
LCD screen. Zoom in to make sure that it’s sharp and
analyse the exposure and colours to determine
whether you need to adjust your settings and
take it again. You may even be able to check the
image’s histogram, a graph that shows you how
many bright and dark pixels are in your photo.
If it’s bunched to the right, your shot
may be overexposed, but if it’s
bunched the left, your shot could be
underexposed. Try changing your
exposure compensation setting until
you get the graph to peak in the
middle, as this shows that your
image has an even spread of
tones throughout.

34 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
10 steps to great shots

Process
the shot

Improve your photo with simple edits

If you’re completely happy with how format that retains a lot more
your photo looks straight from the information than a standard JPEG file,
camera, then you can choose to skip then processing your photo is
this step. However, most photos will essential and you’ll have much more
benefit from a few basic tweaks to control over adjusting your exposure
get them looking completely perfect. and white balance. However, JPEGs
Editing software can work miracles need some love and attention too, so
for correcting common problems here are some basic edits that you
such as bad exposure, inaccurate can apply to get the most out of your
colours, soft details and unwanted shot. We’ve used Photoshop
distractions. If you’ve chosen to Elements, but most editing software
shoot in RAW, an unprocessed file will have the same adjustments.

Remove a colour cast Correct the exposure Shadows and highlights

01 If an incorrect white balance setting 02To fix an over or underexposed shot, 03Next, go to Enhance>Adjust
has caused a warm or cool colour go to Enhance>Adjust Lighting> Color>Adjust Color Curves and move
cast, go to Filter>Adjustments>Photo Filter Levels. Drag the arrows to boost the blacks the Highlights and Shadows sliders, and
and select a warming or cooling filter. and whites and brighten or darken it up. give the Brightness and Contrast a boost.

Boost the colours Sharpen it up Correct composition

04 Go to Enhance>Adjust Color> Adjust 05 You can’t fix an out-of-focus shot, 06 Finally, use the Straighten and Crop
Hue/Saturation. Increase the but if some of the details in your tools to recompose your image. You
Saturation slider, but avoid pushing it too far photo are a little soft, go to Enhance> can even use gridlines when cropping to
as the results can appear unnatural. Unsharp Mask and increase the Amount. help you reposition your subject.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 35

SHOOTING
Quick tips

5npshoatotriputorsrtaaifinlotgsr

Capture relaxed
photos outdoors

There are some key ingredients that
go into a great portrait image,
including great lighting and a good
choice of location. However, your
model will make all the difference,
and with good direction and plenty
of natural smiles, you can’t really go
wrong. To help you get some great
natural portraits this spring, check
out the top tips below.

Shoot in the shade Relax the model

Avoid squinting shots when taking a portrait The secret to getting a natural-looking
outdoors by positioning your model under portrait lies in how relaxed the model is.
open shade. This way you’ll be able to get a Don’t just direct on how you want them to
better exposure and still make use of the pose; keep a light conversation going so
bright, natural light within the surroundings. that you get plenty of natural smiles.

Use a reflector Select a mode Set the focal length

Use a white reflector or a large piece of Set your camera to Portrait mode, which Check the focal range your lens has to offer.
white card to bounce light into shadow will take care of the exposure and ensure Most standard zoom lenses are built to
areas on the model’s face. Position the the model appears sharp and in focus. If shoot a variety of subjects. For a flattering
reflector at an angle under their chin to you want to experiment with manual portrait, step back and zoom in between
create subtle catch lights in their eyes. modes, start with Aperture Priority (A or Av). 50-80mm for the best results.

36 Photography for Beginners

Focal length: 18mm
Exposure: F/16,
1/20 sec, ISO 320

15x

ZOOM

Focal length: 270mm
Exposure: F/6.3,
1/250 sec, ISO 320

One lens for every moment

18-270mm

F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD

This Tamron Megazoom-Lens is an unbeatable
combination of flexibility and performance.
Thanks to the 15x zoom the right focal length for every situation is available
anytime. The VC image stabilization and fast, almost silent PZD autofocus
completes the package. The low weight and compactness of this lens leaves
even enough room in your travel bag for souvenirs. Available for your digital
APS-C SLR from Canon, Nikon or Sony *.

* The Sony mount does not include the VC image stabilizer.

www.tamron.co.uk
Available from all fine camera stores
www.facebook.com/TamronUK

SHOOTING
Creative portraits

acCovreaoatlatperroafile

Impress your friends
with a fun self-portrait

“Perform some
digital trickery in
editing software”

38 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
Creative portraits

WHAT YOU’LL NEED… Self-portraits are becoming increasingly popular in the photograph of yourself holding a large photo frame and
Digital camera modern world. This is especially true when it comes to then using editing software to cleverly copy the image
Tripod social networking sites, as most require you to upload a inside of the photo frame over and over again so that it
Editing software photo of yourself to be used as your profile avatar. This resembles a never-ending tunnel of images. The result is
picture is often the first thing that people will see when one that’s truly mesmerising and makes for an
WE USED… browsing your networking page, so why not get creative interesting profile picture on social networking sites.
Canon EOS 600D and try capturing something that’s a little bit different? What’s more, the great thing about this technique is that
Slik tripod you don’t need any expensive or sophisticated photo
Adobe Photoshop CS6 For some people, the idea of taking a self-portrait equipment either; it can be done using just about any
might be slightly daunting. This is usually because we’re type of camera, including a simple point-and-shoot or
YOU COULD USE… so used to being behind the camera that the idea of even a cameraphone. You will need a tripod, however, to
Any digital camera posing for our own shots may seem alien at first. But in set your camera up on, or alternatively you can rest it on
Adobe Photoshop practice, it’s actually a lot of fun, and with yourself as the a straight, flat surface.
Elements main subject of the picture, it’s something that you can
try out whenever you like. To find out how to shoot, edit and share your own
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN… creative avatar now, just follow along with our simple
How to create a picture- One of the biggest benefits of digital photography is step-by-step guide below and we’ll show you everything
within-a-picture image that it allows us to perform some digital trickery using you need to create your very own mind-bending picture-
editing software. One great example of this is creating a in-a-picture self-portrait.
portrait within a portrait. This requires taking a

Shoot We show you how to capture a creative self-portrait

Choose a location Set up your tripod Select Aperture Priority

01 Using a location with a chair or bench 02 Using a tripod will allow you to take the 03 Set the camera to Aperture Priority (A
is a good idea as it will act as a marker, shot and be in the photo at the same or Av) and dial in an aperture of around
so you always know where in the frame to be. time. Once you’ve set your camera up on a f5.6 – this should nicely blur distractions in
It’s also handy if you’re holding a heavy frame sturdy tripod, frame the image, making sure the background. Don’t worry about the shutter
as it means you can take the weight off. you leave enough headroom to fit in the photo. speed as the camera will set this for you.

Focus the shot Use the self-timer Take your image

04 Place the picture frame roughly where 05 Activate Self-timer mode to give you 06 Fully depress the shutter button and
you’ll be sitting and focus on it by half enough time to get into position once get into place for the photo. Review
depressing the shutter button. Afterwards, the shutter button is pushed. Alternatively, the shot on the rear screen and make any
switch to Manual Focus (MF) to prevent it you could ask someone else to push it for you compositional changes that you need to make.
re-focusing when you take the shot. or use a remote shutter release. Carry on taking photos until you’re happy.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 39

SHOOTING Edit Construct your picture-in-a-picture in Photoshop
Creative portraits

Accessories
for taking
self-portraits

Tripod Duplicate the layer Resize to fit

When it comes to taking a self-portrait, investing 01The first step is to create a duplicate of 02 Head up to Edit>Free Transform, then
in a sturdy tripod is absolutely vital, as it’ll allow the image on a new layer in the Layers click and drag one of the corner tabs
you to keep the camera held securely in position palette (Window>Layers). Do this by Ctrl/ to resize the layer to roughly fit the photo
while you’re busy getting ready for the photo! right-clicking the Background layer, choosing frame. Holding Shift while you resize will make
Duplicate Layer and then clicking OK. sure that the layer stays in proportion.

Wireless shutter release

A wireless shutter release is a handy tool that lets
you take a photo from a distance using a small
remote. What’s more, with prices starting at
around £20/approx $33, they’re affordable too.

Flip-out LCD screen Move into position Rotate the layer

If you own a DSLR with a flip-out LCD screen, try 03 If the layer isn’t in the right position, 04 Move your mouse to the outside edge
activating the camera’s Live-view function and click and drag in the centre of the of one of the corner tabs, then click
use the flip-out screen to view yourself while you image and move it into the right place. If you and drag to rotate the layer until it matches
take the shot, to help with composition. need to make further size adjustments, you the angle of the frame. Once the image
can also do this now. roughly fits the frame, hit Enter to confirm.
3 OF THE BEST…
Tidy up the edges Repeat until complete
Apps for
sharing 05 Click the eye icon next to the top layer 06 Click the eye icon next to the top layer
in the Layers palette, then grab the to reveal it again. Now simply repeat
Twitter Free (Android/iOS) Polygonal Lasso tool and trace the inside of steps 1 to 4 but duplicating the top layer
Twitter is a microblogging service that the frame. Go to Select>Inverse, then press instead of the background. Keep doing this
lets you send and read ‘tweets’ from Delete before going to Select>Deselect. until you’ve filled in all of the frames.
other users, which are either short,
140-character messages or photos.

Instagram Free (Android/iOS)
Instagram is a free social networking
app that allows you to apply funky film
effects to your images and then share
them with other users.

Flickr Free (Android/iOS)
Flickr allows you to upload and share
your images with other photographers
around the world. Creating an account
is quick and completely free to do.

40 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
Creative portraits

Share Upload your image as your Facebook profile picture

Log in to Facebook Go to your page Edit your profile picture

01 Open up your web browser and type 02 Once you’ve successfully logged in to 03 Hover the mouse over your current
www.facebook.com into the web your account, head up to the top-left profile picture in the top left-hand
address bar. Type in your log-in details at the of the window and locate your current profile corner of the window and you’ll see the Edit
top and click Log In. If you don’t have an picture. Next to it you should see your name Profile Picture option appear. Click on this and
account, create one using the Sign Up section. – click on it to visit your personal profile page. from the list of options, select Upload Photo.

Gain Likes Update Share Comments

Your Facebook With your image Clicking ‘Share’ will Your friends can

friends can show uploaded, your allow you, and also give feedback

their appreciation friends will be others to show off about your new

by hitting ‘Like’ informed about your your image with photo by hitting

below your photo new profile picture other users ‘Comment’

Upload your image

04 In the File Upload window that appears,
navigate through your computer files
and locate your picture-in-a-picture image.
Click on it to highlight it, then click the Open
button at the bottom-right of the window.

Wait for the upload Photography for Beginners 41

05 Your image may take anywhere up to a
few minutes to upload depending on
the speed of your internet connection. Once
the upload is complete, you’ll see your new
profile picture appear in the top-left corner.

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SHOOTING
Shoot the moon

Capture sharp five
minute
project

shots of the moon
Learn how to take an awe-inspiring shot of the
WHAT YOU’LL NEED… moon that’s free from blur
Camera with
Manual mode
Lens with 200mm focal
range or more
(equivalent)
Tripod

WE USED…
Nikon D7100
Sigma 50-500mm
f3.5-f6.3 EX zoom lens
Manfrotto 190 with ball
head tripod

YOU COULD USE…
Remote camera trigger

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN…
How to take great
photographs of
the moon

42 Photography for Beginners

The moon is an awe-inspiring sight, especially For great shots of the moon, always aim to SHOOTING
when it’s set among a star-littered night sky. shoot on a clear night and away from heavily Shoot the moon
Photographing the moon, however, can be light-polluted towns or cities. You don’t always
challenging, and particularly so if you’re have to wait until dark, however, as the moon 3 OF THE BEST…
shooting in your camera’s Automatic mode, can also look fantastic at dusk, and with the
which will often overexpose the moon’s extra light around, it’ll be easier to change your Moon phases
surface, resulting in a lack of detail. By exposure settings on the go. If you’re keen to to photograph
switching over to your camera’s manual shoot a specific moon phase, why not check
settings, you can take more control over the out websites such as www.moonconnection. Full moon
exposure and resulting image. com, which are great for finding out which
phase the moon is currently in. To capture a full moon, consult the lunar calendar
Although you’ll be shooting at night, you to find out when it will occur alongside moonrise
won’t need to use long exposures to get great To help you get started and ensure you get and moonset times. This is when the moon is at
shots of the moon, as the moon itself is lit great results first time round, we’ve outlined its brightest, so you need faster shutter speeds.
directly by the sun. With this in mind, your some easy-to-follow steps below. If your
exposure settings should be suited to daytime camera doesn’t feature manual modes, try Half moon
conditions as opposed to night. But of course, changing to Spot metering and frame the
your exposure settings will also change moon centrally within your image. This mode The half moon is a lot dimmer than a full moon, so
depending on your location, weather conditions will work alongside your camera’s Auto setting you’ll need to slow down your shutter speed a
and the phase of the moon you are shooting. to help ensure you still get a good exposure. touch to get the right exposure. If it is coming out
too dark, try increasing your ISO setting.
Shoot the moon Get a detailed lunar image

Steady your camera Select a shooting mode Crescent moon

01 As you’ll be using a high magnification 02 Set your camera to either Continuous The crescent moon is at its dimmest and is a
to bring the moon closer, you need to shooting mode if you’re using a mere sliver. This means that you will need even
make sure the camera is supported properly. remote camera release, or set it to Timer if slower shutter speeds than when you
Use a tripod, ideally with a head you can move you aren’t. This will stop the camera being photographed the full and half moons.
to point the camera directly at the moon. moved when you release the shutter.

Set your exposure Change your ISO Shoot and review

03 Switch your camera to Manual and set 04The lower the ISO the better the image 05 Focus on the moon then switch to
a shutter speed between 1/200 and quality, but you should set it to 800 Manual focus mode to stop the
1/400sec (depending on the moon brightness initially as this lets you use a faster shutter camera from refocusing between shots. After
where you are). Set an aperture of f8. If you’re speed, eliminating any motion blur. You can taking some test pictures, check their
not confident in Manual, try Aperture Priority. lower this if you find your moon too bright. brightness and adjust depending on results.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 43

SHOOTING
Backlit still life

Backlit still life
Take great shots with the light behind your subject

WHAT YOU’LL NEED… 01 Pick a subject 02 When to shoot
A backlit subject
Digital camera Translucent objects are great for backlit When shooting outdoors, sunrise and sunset
Reflector photography as you can capture some of the are the best times of day to take your shot.
light shining through them. This really brings The sun will be low in the sky so you can easily
WE USED… out their texture, detail and colour in your position it behind your subject, and it will cast
Nikon D3200 image, which adds more interest. a lovely, golden light over everything.
Lastolite reflector
03 Avoid lens flare 04 Consider the background
YOU COULD USE…
Any digital camera Including the light source in your photo can When finding an angle to shoot from, make
Tin foil create lens flare. To prevent it, keep the sun sure that the background of your photo is
or lamp just out of the frame, or use your lens simple yet attractive and does not distract
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN… hood to shield your lens from the light. attention away from your subject. Using a
How to take a Alternatively, work with it for a creative effect. wide aperture will help to blur distractions too.
well-exposed photo of a
backlit subject

05 Reflect the light 06 Set your focus

If your subject is in silhouette, try using a When using a wide aperture, it’s important to
reflector or tin foil to bounce the light back focus your camera lens directly on your
into the shadows. This will ensure the subject. Use Manual or Selective Autofocus
background and foreground are both well lit mode to keep your subject sharp and make
and exposure appears even. sure just the background is blurred.

Turn your mode dial to Aperture If your subject is looking too dark, find Spot metering mode will get your
Priority mode and select a wide your camera’s exposure camera to measure the light where
aperture (small f-number). This will compensation function and set it to
blur the background of your shot to +1 or +2 on the dial to brighten your you focus, so you can ensure that
make your subject stand out shot up your main subject, and not just the

background, stays bright

44 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
Backlit still life

“Sunrise and
sunset are the

best times of
day to take
your shot”

OUR SETTINGS: APERTURE: F5.6 ISO: 200 SHUTTER SPEED: 1/640SEC Photography for Beginners 45

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com

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SHOOTING
Story behind the shot

Story

behind

shotthe

Photography For Beginners Deputy
Editor Hayley Paterek tells us about
her creative low-light city shot

What was the inspiration What kit and settings did you Did you face any problems
behind this photo? use to get this effect? when taking this shot?

I travelled up to London with some friends to I used my Nikon D800 and set it up on my The trickiest part of the process was finding
do a photo walk. We spent the day taking Manfrotto tripod so that I could keep it the best angle to shoot from. I started off
photos of the fantastic architecture and steady throughout the long exposure. I set shooting the traffic side on, but the shots
famous landmarks, but before we headed the camera to Shutter Priority mode and looked a little dull with just straight light
home we thought we would have a go at selected a speed of 2sec. This enabled me trails running across them. Shooting from an
creating light trails. I had seen them online to blur the movement of the lights as the angle allowed me to capture a curve in the
but had never had a go at one myself, and traffic travelled through the scene. I also had trails. It was also a struggle to find enough
the busy traffic of the London streets to set my white balance to Tungsten, as the space to set up my tripod as the pavements
seemed like a great opportunity to try it. first shot I took had an orange colour cast. were so busy, but I eventually found a spot.

48 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
Story behind the shot

What do you like most about Is there anything you would Do you have any advice for
the final image? like to have done differently? capturing perfect light trails?

Well the first few shots I took were just of I would like to have stayed later to get a shot Firstly, you need to be patient, as it takes
car light trails, which were very low to the after the sun had completely set, but quite a bit of time to experiment with your
ground and meant there was quite a lot of unfortunately I had to head home. As I was settings and angles before you get it right.
empty space towards the top of the shot. using slow shutter speeds, the sky appeared Find a road with a constant stream of
Waiting for this bus to come into view really quite overexposed and blown out. If I had moving traffic so that you have plenty of
paid off because it meant I could capture had a graduated neutral density filter I could opportunities to take your shot. Also, try to
several different light trails at once and fill have used that to block some of the light, shoot oncoming traffic, as the front
the frame with them. I think that makes for a but instead I had to sacrifice some of the headlights are much brighter, but remember
more striking image. detail in the sky to create the light trails. to stay safe and out of the way of the cars.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 49

SHOOTING
Cameraphone vistas

Shoot stunning

clanadmscaepreaspwhithoynouer
Essential tips for capturing beautiful vistas on your phone

These days, most people have a camera getting better and better, it is possible to get keep your friends updated and even get
with them at all times. For some it might be some truly great results. instant feedback on your photo skills.
a DSLR or a compact, but for most it is
usually a cameraphone. As it is always in While you may not have much control over Landscapes are fantastic subjects for your
your pocket or bag, the trusty smartphone is your camera settings, there are lots of cameraphone photography, as they are very
often the go-to device for snapping away simple ways to make sure you come away straightforward to shoot. Let us guide you
when a photo opportunity arises, and now with great shots every time. Then, and this is through the basics and teach you exactly
that the cameras on these devices are the best bit about smartphones, you can what to do next time you find a stunning
share your fantastic photos straight away to vista and have your cameraphone to hand.

Frame your shot

No matter what camera you are using, you can
always control the composition of your photo.
In fact, it is often the secret to making sure
your shots stand out from all the others.
Before you start snapping, think about
which angle to shoot from to capture the
best perspective of the scene, and try to
include foreground interest. Common
compositional tricks such as the rule of
thirds and lead-in lines are great to use for
landscapes, and you can read more about
them in our Beginner’s Guide to
Composition on page 18. Many
cameraphones will also enable you to switch
on a gridlines display when you are shooting,
which will help you frame your scene and keep
the horizon straight.

50 Photography for Beginners