5 answers
Cam'ron
Student
Brooklyn, Connecticut
2
Questions
Updated
448 views
As a photographer, how do you make your pictures look more professional?
CamRon G, Grade 12
5 answers
Ann Newman
Sales
12
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Ann’s Answer
When I first started photography, I received the advice to put my camera down and use my phone camera to focus on composition for a time. By doing that, you'll train yourself on how to use the frame effectively. Practice the rule of thirds and then break the rule. Look at which images are more compelling. Play with the editing tools your phone offers for photos. You can learn a lot about highlights and shadows, contrast, cropping (straightening up horizons is part of that--its a big differentiator between everyday snapshots and professional shots) and color just by playing with those.
I agree with the idea of studying photos from others. And many photographers offer classes and workshops. Once you find someone you admire, save up your money and consider investing to study with them. Workshops are hands on and most will take you through the entire process from selecting a scene with the best conditions to processing the photo to bring out the subject. I've learned so much by seeing how these pro’s develop. Some have very simple methods and yet the work is stunning. Others have a style that is more advanced and offers a lot of subtle ways to improve the way the image looks.
And take a gazillion photos. 😉 Enjoy what you are doing and share with all of us your creativity!
I agree with the idea of studying photos from others. And many photographers offer classes and workshops. Once you find someone you admire, save up your money and consider investing to study with them. Workshops are hands on and most will take you through the entire process from selecting a scene with the best conditions to processing the photo to bring out the subject. I've learned so much by seeing how these pro’s develop. Some have very simple methods and yet the work is stunning. Others have a style that is more advanced and offers a lot of subtle ways to improve the way the image looks.
And take a gazillion photos. 😉 Enjoy what you are doing and share with all of us your creativity!
Jim Kernodle
Counselor Retired
3
Answers
Burlington, North Carolina
Updated
Jim’s Answer
The answer is multi layered .
The correct lighting is key! Without that you lose detail and it's more difficult to correct in post. When I was in photography school in Germany we were taught , that Van Gogh's self portrait was the correct lighting. Notice the V of light close to his nose. You need to photograph an object or person in all types of lighting and record your angles of light. Remember to record your settings. This is the beginning of a good photograph.
The correct lighting is key! Without that you lose detail and it's more difficult to correct in post. When I was in photography school in Germany we were taught , that Van Gogh's self portrait was the correct lighting. Notice the V of light close to his nose. You need to photograph an object or person in all types of lighting and record your angles of light. Remember to record your settings. This is the beginning of a good photograph.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4244
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Cam'ron,
Steps to Elevate Your Photography to a Professional Level
To elevate your photography and produce professional-grade images, consider adopting the following key techniques and practices:
Mastering Composition: Composition is the bedrock of professional photography. Focus on elements like framing, leading lines, symmetry, and the rule of thirds. By thoughtfully composing your shots, you can craft images that are not only visually pleasing but also engaging.
Understanding Lighting: The role of lighting in photography is pivotal. To boost the professionalism of your photos, consider the quality, direction, and intensity of light. While natural light can yield breathtaking results, artificial light sources such as strobes or softboxes can also be utilized to shape and control light for the desired outcome.
Achieving Focus and Sharpness: A clear, sharp subject is a must for professional-grade photographs. Use your camera's autofocus settings or manually adjust the focus for sharp images. Also, consider the depth of field to impart a sense of depth in your photos.
Editing Your Images: Post-processing is a crucial step in creating professional-looking pictures. Employ editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust exposure, color balance, contrast, and other image elements. Editing can significantly enhance the overall quality and visual appeal of your photos.
Maintaining Consistency: A consistent style or aesthetic can lend a professional touch to your photography. Think about aspects like color palette, editing techniques, subject matter, and composition choices that resonate with your unique vision as a photographer.
Paying Attention to Detail: Small details can make a big difference in the quality of your photographs. Look out for distracting elements in the background, ensure correct exposure levels, avoid overexposed highlights or underexposed shadows, and aim for overall image clarity.
Practicing and Experimenting: Improvement in any skill, including photography, comes with practice and experimentation. Make it a point to shoot regularly, experiment with new techniques, learn from feedback, and continually refine your skills.
By integrating these tips into your photography routine, you can significantly improve the quality of your images and achieve a professional touch in your work.
Top 3 Credible Sources Referenced:
Digital Photography School
Photography Life
Fstoppers
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Steps to Elevate Your Photography to a Professional Level
To elevate your photography and produce professional-grade images, consider adopting the following key techniques and practices:
Mastering Composition: Composition is the bedrock of professional photography. Focus on elements like framing, leading lines, symmetry, and the rule of thirds. By thoughtfully composing your shots, you can craft images that are not only visually pleasing but also engaging.
Understanding Lighting: The role of lighting in photography is pivotal. To boost the professionalism of your photos, consider the quality, direction, and intensity of light. While natural light can yield breathtaking results, artificial light sources such as strobes or softboxes can also be utilized to shape and control light for the desired outcome.
Achieving Focus and Sharpness: A clear, sharp subject is a must for professional-grade photographs. Use your camera's autofocus settings or manually adjust the focus for sharp images. Also, consider the depth of field to impart a sense of depth in your photos.
Editing Your Images: Post-processing is a crucial step in creating professional-looking pictures. Employ editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust exposure, color balance, contrast, and other image elements. Editing can significantly enhance the overall quality and visual appeal of your photos.
Maintaining Consistency: A consistent style or aesthetic can lend a professional touch to your photography. Think about aspects like color palette, editing techniques, subject matter, and composition choices that resonate with your unique vision as a photographer.
Paying Attention to Detail: Small details can make a big difference in the quality of your photographs. Look out for distracting elements in the background, ensure correct exposure levels, avoid overexposed highlights or underexposed shadows, and aim for overall image clarity.
Practicing and Experimenting: Improvement in any skill, including photography, comes with practice and experimentation. Make it a point to shoot regularly, experiment with new techniques, learn from feedback, and continually refine your skills.
By integrating these tips into your photography routine, you can significantly improve the quality of your images and achieve a professional touch in your work.
Top 3 Credible Sources Referenced:
Digital Photography School
Photography Life
Fstoppers
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Angelica Reynaud Morales
Food photographer
1
Answer
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Angelica’s Answer
Hello there 👋🏼 my short answer is composition, lighting and attention to detail
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
103
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hey CamRon G,
I have to tell you, I grew up in southwest CT. Small world. If you want your images to look like what professionals produce, then explore the portfolios of working professionals who shoot the kind of photographs you are interested in. I would also suggest finding books on photography that explain how the images they have are produced. One book that I refer to in my photo classes; The Art of Photography by Bruce Barnbaum. You can get this book, used, for about $16.00. If you're seriously interested in photography, this book will give you tons of information. I am a reader, so I tend to recommend books over Youtube videos. Also, Michael Freeman's Digital Photography Handbook. I've read a lot of Freeman's books and I like his writing.
Best of luck!
I have to tell you, I grew up in southwest CT. Small world. If you want your images to look like what professionals produce, then explore the portfolios of working professionals who shoot the kind of photographs you are interested in. I would also suggest finding books on photography that explain how the images they have are produced. One book that I refer to in my photo classes; The Art of Photography by Bruce Barnbaum. You can get this book, used, for about $16.00. If you're seriously interested in photography, this book will give you tons of information. I am a reader, so I tend to recommend books over Youtube videos. Also, Michael Freeman's Digital Photography Handbook. I've read a lot of Freeman's books and I like his writing.
Best of luck!
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