Last Updated on January 13, 2019
They say that all you need to take a great photo is your camera and imagination. However, there are certain shots that can’t be achieved with a camera alone. Sometimes, you need a little bit of help.
How do you create a “river of light”?
Photo credit: WDWMagic
You’ve probably seen one too many “light trail” photos and wondered how the photographer achieved such a shot. You’ve also probably noticed that the shots are usually taken in the dark. And the blanket of night is actually important in achieving the effect.
While the dark emphasizes the colors, a long exposure is what helps you nail the shot. You will most definitely need a tripod for this to keep the shot stable. Having a cable release also helps keep everything still.
Although the cover of darkness helps make the light trails stand out, you can also shoot a little after sunset. You can experiment to find which time of day suits you best.
How do you capture a large moon with a foreground subject?
Photo credit: Photography Mad
While the moon makes an interesting subject on its own, especially during a lunar event, including a foreground subject adds more detail to an image. The best time to do this is just as it rises. Doing so allows you to capture it in a larger scope but it won’t be too bright.
If the time didn’t work out for you, using a telephoto lens allows you to capture the moon as a large object and not a tiny speck in the sky.
How to shoot interesting silhouettes against an even more interesting backdrop?
The colors you get just after sunset or right before sunrise can be amazing. However, you will need preparation to get a good shot. If time permits, you can “scout” the location in advance to see the possible elements you can use as silhouettes against the sky.
How to create interesting night photos?
Shooting in the night can be a pain, but not if you make use of the different light sources available to you. Just make sure to bracket your exposures so you get the desired outcome.
How to get decent underwater photos?
It’s always best to shoot about ten feet away from the subject. You will also need more strobes for color if you want to shoot any deeper.
How to capture waterfalls in all its majesty?
Photo credit: Branko Mitić
There are lots of amazing waterfalls around the world, and usually sticking to a 1/250 shutter speed is enough to freeze them in an image. You can also use a wider lens and move closer in case depth of field is insufficient. Of course, if you want to blur the waterfall or any other body of water, you will need a long shutter speed.
It’s also not just about the waterfall. Try to include some other elements as well, be it people or the surrounding.
These are just a few ways to use special techniques to give your photographs a different flavor.
