1. Exposure Settings

  • Aperture (f-stop): Controls depth of field and light intake. A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8) creates a shallow focus, while a narrower one (e.g., f/16) sharpens the entire scene.
exposure_settings
- **Shutter Speed**: Determines motion capture. Faster speeds (e.g., 1/1000s) freeze action; slower ones (e.g., 1/15s) create motion blur. - **ISO**: Adjusts sensor sensitivity. Lower ISO (e.g., 100) reduces noise, higher ISO (e.g., 3200) enhances low-light performance.

2. Composition Rules

  • Rule of Thirds: Divide the frame into 3x3 grids; place subjects at intersection points for balanced visuals.
composition_rules
- **Leading Lines**: Use natural lines (roads, rivers) to guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject. - **Symmetry & Patterns**: Create visual harmony through symmetrical elements or repetitive patterns.

3. Focus Techniques

  • Manual Focus: Ideal for macro photography or low-light scenarios. Use focus peaking or live view for precision.
  • Focus Stacking: Combine multiple shots with different focus points to achieve sharpness across the entire scene.
focus_techniques
- **Depth of Field Control**: Adjust aperture to blur background (shallow DOF) or keep everything sharp (deep DOF).

4. Post-Processing Tips

  • Cropping: Reframe shots to improve composition or correct perspective.
  • Color Grading: Enhance mood by adjusting tones (e.g., cool blues for night scenes).
  • Noise Reduction: Use software like Lightroom to minimize grain in high-ISO images.

For advanced techniques, check our Photography Basics guide. 🌟