Two Secrets

You finally saved enough money for a DSLR camera and realize after a few pictures that it's not anything like you thought it would be. There is a lot to learn, f/stop, ISO, shutter speed. Lots of terminology and lots of confusion. Where do you go from there...

First and most importantly KNOW YOUR CAMERA know where all the buttons are located and what each does, the only way to do this is by reading your camera manual and then re-reading it and re-reading it once more, become familiar with the terminology. Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Olympus, all different cameras but they all do the same thing, capture light.

Second PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, each moment as insignificant as it may be is the perfect opportunity to practice. You will only get better by learning what you have done wrong, so practice and review your photos then read your camera manual again!

I could go on and on and on about the things you practice on and what settings to put your camera in, but maybe another day. For now this is what I want to share with you.

KEEP YOUR ON BOARD FLASH OFF!!!

The easiest way to ruin a shot is with on camera flash it can ruin the mood of a photograph.  like in these examples first is without flash for a result with smooth shadows and soft skin. second shows bright spots on skin and some hard shadows becoming a true nightmare to edit.

 

Not all low light situations require the use of flash, particularly your pop up flash. The way it is designed just doesn't allow flexibility of use, it is hard to diffuse and the result is less than flattering in close up situations.

A little thinking goes a long way, there are all sorts of creative ideas to explore when it comes to building your own "natural light studio" takes no effort at all costs little money, if you keep it simple and makes for some great photos.

for a super simple set up this is all you will need:

a room in your home with a lot of natural light
I used a blanket for the backdrop but a sheet or even the plain white wall will work just fine

I covered the beanbag with towels so that I don't have the color showing through the thin blanket

Ideally you would have a backdrop stand but on a limited budget your own "studio" is very much possible

with a willing subject this easy set up will yield photos like this: