Improving Photo Quality

PHOTO CHALLENGE | Are you noticing a quality difference in your work? Be mindful of image size, file type, light, and clarity as you take photos. Getting your settings to work for you and not against you is key.

“It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see. The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it.” - Anais Nin

One of fastest ways to identify a professional photographer is by the quality of their photography. A seasoned photographer will deliver consistently high-end results that can consistently be relied upon.

Even if being a pro isn’t on your agenda, it’s worthwhile working toward high quality imagery since you’ll be learning new skills, challenging your creativity, and moving beyond basic concepts and functions. Here are some things that represent high quality:

1. Sharpness | Henri Cartier is famous for saying, "Sharpness is a bourgeois concept”, but only if you first understand how to take sharp photographs. Sharp photographs are 100% due to the work that you do in the camera, not in post-production. If you have to sharpen a photograph in post-production to make it look good, then you have room for improvement.

2. Shutter Speed | Shutter speed is the primary setting to consider in order to create a sharp photograph. If the camera is handheld, your shutter speed always needs to be 1 divided by the focal length to offset your handheld camera shake.

3. Light & Exposure | As long as you are shooting in RAW, it’s possible to use any light source as a means of making a photo. It is then up to the photographer how to expose and compose a worthwhile image using the light they’re given.

4. Strong Composition | Strong composition is one of the most important keys towards creating a great final photo. It’s important to understand that the idea of composition results from the aim of leading a viewer’s eyes through an image in a logical and pleasing way.

5. Post-Production | The post-production step is where many mistakes can happen. It is very easy to go overboard, particularly with sharpness, contrast, highlights, shadows, and color. The result often looks like the photographer was trying to create something that simply isn’t possible. As always, don’t overdo it.

Now, here are some tips that help improve your photo quality as you shoot:

1. Move In Closer | Eliminate distraction, fill the frame, and ensure your subject is in focus.

2. Mindful Backgrounds | It can be the simplest of things that you overlook to take away from a potentially strong image. Take a moment when shooting to consider what’s in the frame around your subject.

3. Focus lock, Compose, then Shoot | When your subject is in view at the distance you desire, press your shutter halfway to lock your focus, then make any adjustments necessary before fully pressing the shutter.

4. Light | It always comes to this, doesn’t it? Yes it does. Especially during harsh light scenes, be mindful of how the light is falling over your subject and expose properly.