Photography Basics

The Photography basics category of our site will give you a foundation for your photography education.  While many of these are considered beginner or 101 tips and tutorials, they are essential to your understanding of photography.

grainy photos pexels flora westbrook

Grainy Photos 101 | Causes, Fixes and Artistry

Alice Houstons

It’s the end of the day and the sun has set. As the light fades, the night sky catches your ...

uploads

How to Hold a Camera: 6 Techniques for Sharper Handheld Shots

fotosiamo

This may be a topic that seems basic and easy to gloss over, but have you ever thought about to properly hold your camera? In this article we will be discussing 5 tips and tricks to help you get better and more stable shots while hand holding your camera.

The Reason Why The Camera Adds 10 Pounds

Pye

It’s a phrase as familiar to anyone who’s ever stepped in front of a lens: ‘The camera adds ten pounds.’ ...

best water reflection photography feature pye jirsa

10 Tips for Better Water Reflection Photography

Sean Lewis

This is one technique you should absolutely keep in your toolbox to boost your creativity.

diagonal lines unsplash giorgio trovato pjAEca8gAgM unsplash

Essential Tips for Using Diagonal Lines in Photography

Christopher

Shapes help create structure and visual interest in compositions. They guide the viewer’s eye, establish balance or tension, and convey ...

Diffraction, Aperture, and Starburst Effects

Pye

Starburst effects can add an interesting element to a photograph. In a dark scene, it can add a dreamy, peaceful twinkle to the lights. In a daytime scene, a starburst sun can add drama and interest to the skies.

Before and After exposing to the left

What is “Exposing to the Left” and Should You Do It?

Pye

You'll be amazed at how much time you can save if you combine this exposure tip with those we shared in Part One, and it works regardless of the camera you use. Check out Part Two (of Two) in our exposure series.

Photography Basics | Beginner’s Complete Guide To Photography

Matthew Saville

Everybody knows how to click a photo these days, but, do you really know photography? Whether you know just a little bit, or nothing at all, here is your complete introduction to photography!

foreground middle ground background

Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background in Photography

Christopher

The difference between a good photo and a great photo often comes down to its composition.  A composition with multiple ...

The Reciprocal Rule in Photography and How to Apply It

Pye

How fast does your shutter speed need to be to achieve a sharp image?  To answer this question, look to ...

white balance

Understanding White Balance & Color Temperatures in 8 Steps

Pye

This article puts the SLR Lounge spin on simplifying White Balance and Color Temperatures to help you gain full control over your photography regardless of what kind of scene you may be shooting in.

8 Maternity Photography Tips and Ideas (Updated)

Christopher

Here are a few tips to help you get through your first maternity session.