Top 5 Tips for great photos1. Don’t be shy to use the auto/guide settings on your camera – The point is taking great photos so use the resources you’ve paid for anyway.
2. Stand with your back to the sun. – Its warmer and you’ll avoid lens flare 3. Always shoot in colour – Imaging programs are better equipped to convert your images at a better quality. 4. This should be Top 5 all on its own - practise, practise, and practise. 5. Google photography that interests you e.g. landscape, pet, architecture photography. Identify why it interests you, what techniques does the photographer use that makes their photos stand out ? |
When shooting Animal Action photosCapturing action requires skill and photographic technique. To achieve this, you will need to control shutter speed and Auto Focus modes.
To freeze movement, fast shutter speeds are required while blurring movement requires slower shutter speeds. Auto Focus in Continuous servo mode (AF-C) will allow you to track your subject as you shoot. To increase your shutter speeds further, try increasing your ISO or opening your aperture. Remember to give your subject space to look or move into as composition helps to tell a better story. – Nikon South Africa |
The simple 'Sit'this is the easiest trick to teach your dog or cat to get a few in focus pics before they tear off to add more motion blurs to your collection.
Basic Hold a treat or favourite toy in front of your dog (it has to be a really good treat so that it keeps your dogs attention) as soon as your dog is focused on the toy/treat in a nice smooth motion arc the treat/toy to a point above your dogs head. As his/her rump drops tell your dog to “Sit” take a quick snap and treat. Max has been to puppy school which made this trick really easy for her and a super easy pic for me to take. |
'Watch Me'an easy trick for any dog but it will require some practise. This works great to get your pets attention.
Basic Hold a treat in front of your dogs nose, allow them to get a good whiff. Raise the treat in front of you so that you dog is looking at your face to watch the treat. [ Be aware in doggy terms this isn't actually polite so never force your dog to look at you. ] To help your dog focus wiggle your fingers and tell your dog to "watch me". Take the snap and treat before your dog looks away. Peanut loves her treats so she was more than happy to demonstrate. |
The 'Down' and or the Play 'Bow'an easy trick to catch your pet in a relaxed posed.
Basic Have your dog stand in front of you, facing you with a yummy treat or toy in your hand. Arc the treat/toy from in front of the dog to between the dog’s front legs pushing down and inwards with the toy/treat. With some dogs the front half of the body will fold down but they’ll leave their rear end up. (This is known as a Play Bow and in dog language and is an invitation to play) Tell your dog “Bow” snap the shot and reward your dog. Some dogs are too quick and will flop straight down. When you dog is on the ground tell them to “Down” snap the shot and reward your dog with the treat/toy. |
The high 4 or 'Paw'For a few fun photos from a dogs perspective.
Basic Kneel on the floor in front of your dog and ask them to sit. Hold your hand up palm outward and tell your dog "paw". As soon as they have placed their paw against your palm reward with a treat or toy. Repeat the exercise a few times before trying to get any photo's with your pets paw in the air. |
Your Pet and the camera - part 1
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Your Pet and the camera - part 2
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