Photo How To

Everyone loves people pictures, right? So why do so many photographers shy away from portraiture? Perhaps it’s because of the popular misconception that expensive, complicated lighting gear is required for quality results.

Even if the nomenclature is unfamiliar, you’ve no doubt experienced ugly color fringing that sometimes appears around the edges of objects in a photograph. Known as “chromatic aberration,” this effect typically occurs in high contrast images because premium lenses can’t always focus wavelengths of all colors at a single focal point.

Unlike pros that get paid for their work, amateur photographers have limited ways to gain recognition for their images. One option is to enter, and hopefully win, photo contests. But there’s typically a lot of strong competition, so the images you choose, along with proper preparation, is really important.

Capturing sharp photos is a key goal for all types of photography, but achieving precise focus is particularly challenging when shooting wildlife and other fast-moving subjects outdoors.

Here at Shutterbug we’re constantly on the lookout for tutorials that will help you master camera settings, composition, exposure, and other shooting skills. But there’s one important consideration that has nothing do with technicalities, and it’s particularly important for nature, travel and landscape photographers.

Careful preparation is essential for all forms of outdoor photography, whether you shoot travel scenes, landscapes, or adventure images—especially when you’ll be in the backcountry far from home. To that end, one of our favorite instructors put together the checklist below, to help you avoid the unexpected.

Most photographers are familiar with the Exposure Triangle that consists of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO—the three camera settings that combine to arrive at a “correct exposure.” Of course what’s perceived as “correct” is in the eye of the beholder, as the exposure you use depends upon the mood you intend to convey.