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Seven tips 1 2


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Be willing to leave a warm bed or skip sun- set cocktails in pursuit of good light. Serious shooters know that the hours right after sunrise and before sunset often produce the warm, soft light that makes almost any subject look better. Try wandering with your camera during these times and immerse yourself in the kind of lighting that the pros spend entire careers chasing. You’ll avoid the harsh light of midday and likely fi nd richer, more saturated colors to inspire your inner artist.


Know your camera before you go. Start by reading the manual, then practice at home, downtown, or anyplace you can experiment with your camera’s capabilities. Use the instant feedback of your LCD screen to make minor adjustments on the spot and see the results. When you travel, you’ll be better prepared to create images that refl ect your journey.


Slow down and notice your surroundings. What elements catch your eye and convey the local culture or landscape? What feels different from home? Identify what’s visually interesting as you focus on subjects, shapes, colors, and textures that intrigue you. Take the obvious shot, then look around for more.


Experiment with different angles. Crouch down. Stand on a park bench. Circle the sub- ject like a predator and hunt for interesting perspectives. Remember to try vertical shots as well as horizontal.


Eliminate junk from your shot. Instead of snap- ping at random, take a few seconds and exam- ine the scene. What’s the main subject of your picture? Find it, then use your camera’s zoom lens or your feet to move toward or away from it until you’ve framed only what you want and nothing more. With fewer distracting elements your photo will be more interesting.


Those extra batteries and memory cards won’t do any good back in the hotel room. Carry them along so you’ll never run out of power or cards while shooting.


Whether you shoot one frame or a hundred, the cost is the same. Shoot profusely, try new things, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s what the delete button is for.


EnCompass January/February 2011 33


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