3 Ways to Improve the Overall Quality of Your Images

In this article, I’m going to give you some quick tips on three ways that you can improve the overall quality of your images.

NOTE: None of these things require you to buy more gear!

1. Get the correct exposure in the camera
2. Get the sharpest images possible
3. Become a master of the light

#1 Correct Exposure

The first thing you can do to increase your image quality is to learn about exposure, and how to get the correct exposure in the camera. Images that are under or overexposed will suffer quality issues like blown-out highlights or excessive noise.

So, learn about the exposure triangle, how to use the histogram, and which shooting mode and settings to use in each situation you encounter.

#2 Sharpness

The next thing I see many beginners and intermediate photographers alike struggle with – is how to get tack-sharp images.

There are many factors that can affect sharpness or lack thereof, including:

• A low-quality or faulty lens (or one that needs maintenance)
• The wrong shutter speed
• Choosing the wrong focus mode
• Camera shake
• Not holding the camera correctly
• Not using a tripod

So ask yourself the following questions.

Is my gear all working correctly, or does it need to be cleaned or repaired?

Am I holding my camera correctly to provide it maximum support?

Do I avoid using a tripod because it’s more work, it’s too heavy, or I don’t have one?

Do I use the minimum shutter speed, and am I sure what it should be?

Don’t be the lazy photographer that leaves the tripod at home and shoots ISO 12,000 instead or attempts to get sharp images in low light.

This point is about two things – learning about your camera and which settings to use in different situations. And having and using the right gear.

That doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, just the right gear for the job at hand. For example, you absolutely must have and use a tripod for night photography.

#3 Master the Light

In photography light is everything!

My students and tour members have often asked me what am I attracted to or look for when I take an image. For me, it is all about the light first and foremost.

There could be a really interesting subject but if the light isn’t conducive to making a good photo, I usually never even take a single frame. Or if the light isn’t flattering or add to the storytelling of the scene, likewise I don’t get the shot.

Instead, I am attracted to and stopped in my tracks by light. That might be a long shadow on the ground, backlighting, or even light on an interesting background.

Then I will wait until a subject enters the scene. So I find the light first – then the subject inside that light.

To master light, you need to become more aware of it, more observant. Look at light everywhere you go, every day. See how it changes as you move around the scene or in a room. Notice how it falls on the subject and what happens if you walk around the subject 360 degrees.

So, to make better photos you need to become a master of light and how to use it to your advantage.

Conclusion

I hope these quick tips have gotten you thinking about how you do photography. Do you see any areas for improvement based on the items mentioned here? If so, you know where to focus your efforts now!

Cheers,