Master the Exposure Triangle

The exposure triangle consists of three key elements:

  • ISO: Increases camera light sensitivity. Low ISO (e.g., 100) for bright conditions; high ISO (e.g., 1600) for low light. Caution: High ISO can introduce noise.
  • Aperture: Controls light entering the lens. Large aperture (f/1.4) blurs background; small aperture (f/22) keeps everything in focus.
  • Shutter speed: Duration of open shutter. Fast speeds freeze action; slow speeds capture motion blur.

These elements work together to determine photo exposure. Adjusting one requires tweaking others to compensate.

Practical Examples:

  1. Sunny day: Start with ISO 100, f/16 for sharp street scene. Adjust shutter speed for balance.
  2. Portrait: Increase aperture to f/2.8 for background blur. Keep ISO low, adjust shutter speed.
  3. Night photography: Raise ISO to 800+, use wide aperture (f/2.8), consider tripod for slower shutter speeds.

Practice often and make adjustments to master the exposure triangle.1

Use the Rule of Thirds

Imagine a grid overlay on your photo with two horizontal and two vertical lines, dividing it into nine equal sections. Instead of centering your subject, align it along these lines or at intersection points for a more dynamic composition.

Subject Placement
Portrait Subject's eyes at an intersecting point
Landscape Horizon on one of the horizontal lines

Combine the rule of thirds with other techniques, like using a wide aperture to blur out a cluttered background, highlighting your off-center subject even more.

"With practice, using the rule of thirds will become second nature. Trust in the gridlines to guide your composition, and your images will become more balanced and compelling."
Photograph demonstrating the rule of thirds with grid overlay and subject positioned at intersection points

Capture Perfect Portraits

  • Focus on the eyes to create an immediate connection. Use single-point autofocus aimed directly at one eye.
  • Use a larger aperture (f/2.8 or lower) for shallow depth of field, isolating your subject.
  • Choose complementary backgrounds that enhance rather than detract from your subject.
  • Utilize natural light: Early mornings or late afternoons provide soft, flattering lighting for skin tones.
  • Engage with your subject to make them comfortable, resulting in natural, candid expressions.

Keep experimenting with different settings, compositions, and lighting conditions to develop your unique style.2

Portrait photographer working with a model, demonstrating proper focusing technique and engagement with the subject

Experiment with Lighting

Lighting is crucial in setting mood, highlighting details, and ensuring your image pops. Master both natural and artificial light to elevate your work significantly.

Natural Light Tips:

  • Utilize "golden hours" just after sunrise and before sunset for a warm, serene glow.
  • Position subjects with sunlight from one side for soft, depth-adding shadows.
  • Use reflectors to bounce light back toward your subject in strong sunlight.
  • Experiment with midday sunlight for dramatic contrasts in urban or architectural shots.

Studio Lighting Basics:

  1. Key light: Main source, sets overall exposure
  2. Fill light: Softens shadows
  3. Backlight: Adds depth and dimension

Pro tip: Always shoot in RAW when working with artificial light for easier post-processing adjustments.

"Lighting is as much an art as it is science. The more you experiment and observe, the more you'll understand its nuances and how they best serve your creative vision."

The key to great photography lies in understanding and balancing your settings. Keep experimenting and let your creativity shine through every shot.

  1. Peterson B. Understanding Exposure, Fourth Edition. Amphoto Books; 2016.
  2. Valenzuela R. Picture Perfect Practice: A Self-Training Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Taking World-Class Photographs. New Riders; 2012.