Snapping Success: Basic Photography & Editing Tips (From a Self-Taught Shutterbug)
Want to take better photos of your adventures, furry friends, or anything that catches your eye?
I'm a self-taught but totally amateur photographer, and I've learned everything I know through trial and error (and a little help from some amazing resources). So, if you're a beginner looking to up your photo game, here are some basic photography and editing tips that have helped me along the way.
My Gear & My "Why":
I shoot with a Sony A6400, a fantastic camera that's been my trusty companion on countless adventures. My lens choice depends on what I'm shooting. For landscapes or when I want a bit more of the scene in the frame, I use a Sony f/1.8 50mm lens. This isn’t typically considered a landscape lens, but it works well for me and the dogs. When I'm focusing on portraits (human or animal!), I switch to a Sony f/1.8 85mm lens, which gives me that beautiful blurry background, for those more intimate portrait type shops. This setup works perfectly for me, but remember, the best camera is the one you have with you!
Learning from the best
My photography journey wouldn't be the same without some truly amazing individuals, starting with Emily from Inspawration Photography. Her free learning materials (available through her newsletter – highly recommend signing up!) were a game-changer. She's a fountain of knowledge, and her resources are incredibly helpful for anyone looking to improve their photography skills. You can also sign up to her learning journey if you want to really up your game, but it’s a bit of an investment - you can learn more about this on her page here.
And then there's Holly Dwyer from Holly Dwyer Photography. Holly took me under her wing and generously shared her knowledge and expertise. I even got to shadow her on a local shoot, watching her work her magic and learning from her techniques. She's not only an amazing photographer with a huge love for dogs, but also an incredibly kind and supportive human being. Even better? She's now offering training for local photographers! Check out her page to learn more about this fantastic opportunity by clicking here!
Editing Magic
While getting the shot right in camera is crucial, editing can take your photos to the next level. I use Lightroom to make minor adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color. The key is to enhance your photo, not drastically alter it. A little tweaking can go a long way!
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