Getting your subject within range of the camera is only half the battle. Once you’ve achieved that, then what? A viewfinder-filling subject seen through a telephoto lens isn’t a guarantee of success; it doesn’t matter how exotic the subject is, or if you’ve travelled for 20 minutes or 20 hours to see it, because there are a multitude of factors to consider before you press the shutter button. What are the lighting conditions like? How does the background look? What is the subject doing? Once you’ve considered these factors and you’re about to take the shot, the lighting suddenly changes and the subject starts to move. How quickly can you react to adjust your exposure or framing to suit the new and unexpected conditions? And should you now switch lenses to consider the scenery change as the subject moves through the landscape? Of course, it won’t always be quite as dramatic as that, but when you’re on a shoot these things should be running through your head as second nature. Being able to read the scene before you, and plan how to photograph it before even taking the camera out of the bag, gives you a huge advantage, and being able to react quickly will enable you to improve your portfolio significantly.
01 UNDERSTAND THE LIGHT
Knowing how to read the conditions is critical
This story is from the October 08, 2020 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 08, 2020 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CANON RF 24-105MM F/2.8L IS USM Z
A standard lens is reborn
MASTER DODGING AND BURNING
James Paterson shows you how to use these essential tools for old-school darkroom-style image enhancements
TRACKSIDE TIPS AND TRICKS
Chris Nevard explains how you can capture photorealistic images of model railways on a budget
THESE FOOD PHOTOS WILL MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER
Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year announces shortlist for 2024 contest
30 TIPS FOR SHOOTING SUPER SHOTS THIS SPRING
Pro photographer Simon Roy reveals his key techniques
AKASO LAUNCHES AFFORDABLE BRAVE 8 LITE ACTION CAMERA
Budget model arrives with new features include HDR and Hindsight modes
VILTROX AF 27MM F1.2 PRO
A 'pro' lens with a consumer price tag
HOW TO...MASTER SHADOWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
This powerful tool has more to it than meets the eye, and it's ideal for landscapes
PATCHWORK PORTRAITS
Mike Harris uses the Brenizer method to shoot and edit a bokeh panorama with a super-shallow depth of field
PHOTO CONTEST CELEBRATES BRITAIN'S NATURAL WONDERS
British Wildlife Photography Awards feature amazing images of fauna and flora