If I told you that learning the photography basics is not rocket science, you would likely agree with me.
However, mastering photography is not always easy because it takes a systematic approach and sustained effort.
It’s been over 12 years since I first seriously got involved in photography.
Now, after looking back and analyzing my journey, I see that the first few years of the learning process were far from a straight progression. It looked more like I was blindfolded and navigating an elaborate maze as I received contradicting directions from strangers yelling out, “go right,” “go left,” or “turn around!”
If someone could have simply pointed me in the right direction, I would have saved two years of wasted time.
I also realized that the process of learning photography is not that different from learning graphic design, a new language, computer programming or how to play a musical instrument. It is a multi-step process where each step is not difficult, and if you take the steps in the right order, learning becomes both easy and fun.
The key here is knowing the right order. Looking back, I clearly see that my problem was not taking the steps in the right order but in my own need to run ahead of myself to learn more advanced steps before mastering the basics first.
Another problem was that I tried to learn too much stuff at once, biting off more than I could chew.
The Photography Basics section on PhotoTraces.com is my attempt to create a single resource for learning the basics of photography in the right order, tackling it one step at a time.
Photography Basics: Tutorials, Guides, Infographics
Best Time to Take Outdoor Photos
With the monotonous routine of everyday life, it’s easy to forget to take a step back and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. One way to do that is through photography. Capturing nature’s beauty can be a rewarding experience, but it can be tricky to know when the best time is to take outdoor photos. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your nature photography.
One of the most important aspects of photography is understanding light. Different types of light can create different effects in your photos. The best time to take outdoor photos is during the Golden Hour or Blue Hour. The sun is low in the sky during the golden hour and creates a warm, golden light. This is an excellent time for landscape and travel photography. During the blue hour, the sun is below the horizon, and the sky is a deep blue color. These are times when the light is softer and more flattering.
Night Photography Settings
If you’re interested in trying your hand at night photography settings, this tutorial is for you.
A photographer’s work is just beginning as soon as the sun starts to set. Night photography is one of the most challenging and rewarding types of photography. With the right settings, capturing stunning images of the night sky and cityscapes is possible.
We’ll discuss how to set up your camera for low light conditions and how to capture the beauty of the night sky.
ISO Chart
In photography, exposure is the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor. The controllable factors are the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO setting. This “ISO chart cheat sheet” will help you to control your exposure by quickly finding the right combination of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
The ISO chart is an excellent tool for managing exposure in your photos. By understanding how the different settings work, you can create stunning images that are correctly exposed. So, experiment with your camera’s ISO settings to see what works best for you.
What Is the Best Aperture for Landscape Photography?
Aperture is one of photography’s three main pillars, shutter speed and ISO. The setting on your camera controls how much light enters the lens and ultimately hits the sensor. Aperture also affects depth of field, which is how much of your photograph is in focus.
If you’re new to landscape photography, or even if you’re a seasoned pro, you might be wondering what aperture is best for landscape photography. The answer, of course, is that it depends on the situation. In this article, we’ll discuss when to use which aperture for landscape photography so you can get the best results possible.
10 Crazy Photography Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
A picture is worth a thousand words, but what else is there to know about photography? Join us as we explore some fascinating facts about this popular art form. It is not surprising to learn that since photography has not been around for a long time, and as a result, it keeps evolving.
Photography is a gratifying hobby, but there are a lot of things that people don’t know about it. Here are ten facts about photography that you might not be aware of.
Top 10 Most Expensive Photographs Ever Sold
In the world of art, photographs are some of the most popular pieces that people collect. And, like any other type of art, some photographs are worth more than others. In fact, some photographs have been sold for millions of dollars.
From a picture of an Antelope Canyon in Arizona to an abstract landscape of the Lower Rhine river, these images have sold for millions of dollars.
Here is a list of the top 10 most expensive photographs ever sold.
Best Time to Take Outdoor Photos
When it comes to taking outdoor photos, timing is everything. The best time to take outdoor photos is during “magic hours,” in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and flattering. Midday sun can create harsh shadows and unflattering highlights, so it’s best to avoid taking pictures during those times.
The time before sunrise or after sunset, also known as the “golden hour,” is especially gratifying for landscape photography.
Night Photography Settings – Set and Forget Method
With the clear night sky as your backdrop, shooting night photography can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But if you’ve never tried it before, the whole process can seem a bit daunting.
In night photography, settings are crucial to capturing the perfect image. But with so many options available, how do you know which ones to choose? Here are a few tips to help you select the proper settings for your night photography.
ISO Chart – Cheat Sheet for Controlling Exposure
A correctly exposed photograph results from a good understanding of how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together. This “ISO chart cheat sheet” provides a visual guide to help control exposure when using different combinations of these three elements. Plus, it will give a better understanding of the concept of f-stops.
With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to take beautiful photos that are correctly exposed every time!
What Is the Best Aperture for Landscape Photography?
If you’re new to landscape photography, you may wonder how to choose the correct aperture. In landscape photography, it is vital to have a large depth of field so that everything from the foreground to the background is in focus.
Aperture represents the size of the opening in the lens when you take a photo. It impacts the depth of field, which is how much of the photograph is in focus. And as a result, the aperture is the most crucial parameter in landscape photography.
Here’s a quick guide on how to set the correct aperture for landscape photography.
What Is a Shutter Count? How To Check the Shutter Count
A shutter count is a measure of the number of times a digital camera’s shutter has been opened and closed. The shutter count is important because it can indicate how long a camera will last. A high shutter count means that the camera has been used a lot and may not last as long as a camera with a low shutter count.
You can check the shutter count if you want to find out how many pictures your camera has taken. It is a straightforward process, and it can be helpful to know your camera’s shutter count to estimate its value and lifespan.
How Can You Keep the Horizon Straight in a Photograph
In landscape photography, the horizon is one of the essential elements in a composition. It can be used to create a sense of depth, scale, and balance in a scene. The horizon line can also be used to divide a scene into two halves, which can be helpful when composing a photograph. Always keep the horizon line in mind when shooting landscape photographs and use it to your advantage.
In this article, we will discuss the different ways how you can keep the horizon straight in your photos.
What is Sunny 16 Rule? How to Use It In Modern Photography
In photography, the Sunny 16 Rule is a method used to estimate correct daylight exposures. The rule is based on the fact that on a sunny day, the correct exposure for a subject in full sun is f/16 when using an ISO of 100. This rule can be applied when using any ISO as long as the aperture is adjusted accordingly.
For example, on a sunny day with the ISO value of 100, the correct exposure would be f/16 at 1/100th of a second.
What Is Chromatic Aberration? How to Avoid or Fix It
Chromatic aberration is an optical phenomenon that occurs when light waves of different colors are refracted at different angles by a lens. The waves are bent at different angles, causing them to separate into different colors. This separation can cause objects to appear blurry or have a “halo” effect around them.
There are a few ways to avoid chromatic aberration, including using lenses made of materials with low dispersion or software to correct chromatic aberration.
Panoramic Photography: How to Shoot Landscape Panoramas
When printing photos, there are two main types of finishes: matte and glossy. So, which one is better? It will depend on the look you are trying to achieve and your taste. Here is a breakdown of the differences between matte and glossy photos to help you make a decision.
Matte photos have a soft, non-reflective finish. This finish is perfect for images that you want to appear classic and timeless.
Glossy photos have a shiny, reflective finish that makes colors pop. Glossy is the best choice if you are looking for vibrant prints.
Long Exposure Photography: In-Depth Guide
Long exposure is a type of photography where the shutter speed is open for an extended time, usually several seconds, minutes, or even hours. This allows a lot of light to enter the camera, creating fascinating effects. It can make moving objects appear blurry or ghost-like while leaving stationary objects in sharp focus. It can also turn day into night or make light trails from stars and other light sources.
It can also be used to create an ethereal feel to an image, such as light streaks or ghostly figures. This guide will explore how to create stunning long-exposure photos.
Photography Cheat Sheet Selection [Top Infographics]
A picture is worth a thousand words, but only if it’s a good one. Anyone can take a decent photo with today’s technology, but it takes a little know-how to take a great shot. This article will provide some tips and tricks in the form of cheat sheets for anyone looking to up their photography game. With just a little effort, anyone can start taking amazing photos.
This cheat sheet selection is for anyone who wants to take better photos, whether you’re using a phone, point-and-shoot, mirrorless, or DSLR camera. We’ll go over the basics of composition, lighting, and gear so you can start taking beautiful photos today.
RAW vs JPEG – The Ultimate Guide
When it comes to image formats, there are two leading contenders: RAW and JPEG. So, what’s the difference? And which one should you be using? RAW files are unprocessed, giving you more control over the final image. JPEG files are processed by the camera and are smaller in file size.
This guide will help you understand the difference between RAW and JPEG to make the best decision for your photography.
Auto ISO in Photography: When to Use it and When to Avoid It
Auto ISO is a feature in digital cameras that allows the photographer to set the ISO sensitivity automatically. This feature is helpful in situations where the lighting conditions are constantly changing, such as when shooting in a moving car. Auto ISO can also be beneficial when shooting handheld in low light, as it can help to reduce camera shake.
Auto ISO is a feature that beginner photographers often overlook, but it can be a powerful ally in getting your desired shot.
What Does It Mean to Shoot Wide Open?
In photography, shooting wide open refers to using the lowest f-stop number available on your particular lens. This results in the largest possible aperture, creating a shallow field depth. A shallow depth of field means that only a small portion of the image will be in focus while the rest will be blurred. This can be used to create beautiful portraits with dreamy, ethereal backgrounds.
Shooting wide open also allows more light to reach the sensor, which can be helpful in low-light situations.
How to Take Pictures of Stars: A Beginner’s Guide to Astrophotography
A clear night sky is one of the most beautiful things you can witness, and with some knowledge, you can capture it yourself.
Whether you want to take pictures of the stars as they are or in long exposure to create light trails, astrophotography is a great way to exercise your photography skills. It can be done with any camera, but you should keep a few things in mind to get the best results.
This beginner’s guide to astrophotography will teach you everything you need to know to get started.
Urban Landscape Photography: Definition, Tips & Examples
One type of photography that has grown in popularity is urban landscape photography. This involves taking pictures of the cityscape, including the elements of landscape photography.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at urban landscape photography, these tips can help you get started in this type of photography, and examples can provide inspiration for your own shots.
Hyperfocal Distance In-Depth: Free Calculator & Charts
If you want to take the clearest possible photographs, the understanding hyperfocal distance is key. Hyperfocal distance is the distance between your camera and the subject when the subject is in focus, and the foreground and background are acceptably sharp.
If you want to know everything there is to know about hyperfocal distance, then this is the article for you. We will cover what it is, how to calculate it, and provide some helpful charts. By the end of this article, you will be a hyperfocal distance expert.
Back Button Focus: Why and How You Should Be Using It
If you’re a photographer, chances are you’ve heard of back button focus, but maybe you’re not quite sure what it is or why you should be using it.
Back button focus is a technique that allows you to take control of your camera’s autofocus system. By using the back button focusing technique, you can choose when and where your camera focuses. This can be helpful in several situations, such as when you’re trying to take a picture of a moving subject or when you want to keep your camera focused on a specific area.
Here’s a quick rundown of the back button focus and how it can benefit your photography.
F-Stop Chart Infographic – Aperture in Photography CheatSheet
If you’re new to photography, the array of camera settings can be daunting. Aperture is one of those settings, and it’s essential to understand what it does and how it works. In short, It controls the amount of light that enters the camera and greatly impacts the depth of field.
This F-Stop Chart Infographic is a great cheat sheet for understanding aperture. It shows the relationship between aperture settings, f-stop numbers, and how they affect your photos.
Focus Stacking: the Ultimate Guide (When, Why, How)
Focus stacking is an image processing technique combining multiple images with different focal lengths into a single image with a greater depth of field than any original image. The technique is often used in macro photography and landscape photography, where the maximizing depth of field is especially important.
In this guide, we’ll explain when and why you would want to use focus stacking and how to do it.
Standard Photo Sizes: Making Sense of Photograph Print Sizes
In the digital age, it’s easy to forget that photographs are physical objects that need to be printed on paper (or some other material). The size of a printed photograph depends on many factors, including the photo’s aspect ratio, the image’s quality, and the photograph’s desired use. There are a variety of standard photo sizes to choose from, and each has its benefits.
In this article, we’ll explain the standard photo sizes so that you can make sense of all those numbers.
30 Photography Abbreviations and Acronyms. Do You Know All of Them?
If you’re new to photography, the array of abbreviations and acronyms can be daunting. Even experienced photographers may not know all of them. Whether you’re reading a camera manual or discussing photography with friends, you’ll encounter many common abbreviations and acronyms.
This article will help you understand 30 of the most common photography abbreviations and acronyms. By the end, you’ll be able to navigate the technical aspects of photography easily.
Most Expensive Camera Today? Top 12 List
If you’re looking for the most expensive cameras in the world, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 12 of the most expensive cameras available today, ranging in price from $48,000 to $2.9 million.
Photography Terms: Top 45 Photography Slang Phrases
A picture can be worth a thousand words, but only if you know the language. Photography has its own set of terms and jargon that can be difficult to understand for someone just starting. This article will decode some of the most common photography terms to help you better understand your camera and what all those settings mean.
This glossary of common photography terms will help you better understand your camera and the process of photography.
Why Are My Photos Grainy and How to Fix Grainy Photos
If you’re wondering why your photos are grainy and how to fix them, you’re not alone. Many people have this same problem.
When you take a photo, your camera captures tiny light particles called photons. These photons hit a sensor in the camera, which records their intensity and turns them into digital information. The camera sensor consists of millions of tiny cells called photosites. When not enough photons hit a photosite, the image recorded by that photosite will be grainy.
The good news is that you can do a few things to fix it.
What is EXIF Data? When to Keep it and When to Remove it
When you take a picture, your camera records more than just the image. Along with the digital image, cameras also record something called EXIF data. EXIF data is short for “Exchangeable Image File,” it contains information about the photo itself and the camera used to take it.
The data includes the camera model, the date and time the photo was taken, shutter speed, aperture, and more. This information can be beneficial in your digital photography workflow and postprocessing.
ISO in Photography – Breaking Away from the Exposure Triangle
With the advent of digital photography, the way we think about exposure and taking photos has changed dramatically. One of the biggest changes has been introducing the ISO setting on our cameras.
ISO may seem mysterious for those new to photography, but it’s pretty simple. Even though ISO transitioned from film photography to digital cameras, it has nothing to do with digital sensor sensitivity.
In this article, we’ll explore what ISO is, how it works, and how you can use it to take better photos.
Photography Basics | Conclusion
In conclusion, these photography basics will help you get started in your photography journey and improve the quality of your photos.
Do not forget this Photography Basics page often because we regularly publish new tutorials and articles.