Buy the book on Amazon: The BetterPhoto Guide to Exposure
Here are five top ways to improve your photographs through various techniques. These can apply to any photographer, whether you are using an expensive 35mm digital camera, or a compact point-and-shoot.
READ YOUR CAMERA MANUAL
May sound silly or too basic, but many of Sean's workshop students often aren't sure where to find certain camera functions. And although camera manuals don't read all that well, it's still good to read and scan through functions for at least 30 minutes, coming back and referencing details from time to time.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
A big key to learning and perfecting any art is to eliminate as many variables so you can focus on one aspect at a time. Whether it's using only one camera or one lens, or practicing a certain technique for a week, keeping it simple is the way to go. Beginning photographers often incorporate too many features and functions and when the results aren't pleasing, they're not sure why or where it went wrong.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR BASIC EXPOSURE SETTINGS
The three main components of exposure are (1) shutter speed, (2) aperture, and (3) ISO - learning about these aspects of exposure can be a great start to understanding how to convey emotions in your photographs.
USE YOUR FLASH FOR PEOPLE DURING THE DAY
A common misnomer when people take pictures outdoors is they assume there is so much light they don't need to utilize their flash. When photographing their family and friends outside (at a wedding, event, park, function)leave their flash on - the extra light fills in shadows on faces and is not only more flattering for the person being photographed but also allows you to see their faces better in the final result.
TAKE A PHOTO WORKSHOP
When it comes to any art, learning from an experienced pro can help tremendously. I love teaching workshops. They provide solid information for aspiring photographers (beginning to advanced), and offer an enjoyable platform to learn more about photography directly from an instructor, all while sharing similar interests with kindred spirits. Whether taking a one-day class, a weekend workshop, or a weeklong course, you have the chance to gain knowledge and then use that newfound wisdom in the field when sharing in the camaraderie with other students. And in the day and age of everything online, you now also have the chance to take courses online with Sean at BetterPhoto.com.
You can make custom photo albums at www.kolo.com.
About the book: The BetterPhoto Guide to Exposure
Exposure is often what separates good photography from truly stunning photography. It's essential to producing high-quality images, but mastering exposure can be very difficult. No matter how engaging the subject matter, it's often exposure that makes the picture remarkable, powerful, poignant and memorable. The BetterPhoto Guide to Exposure, helps take photos to the next level, by demystifying exposure using the series' signature assignment, diagrams, tips, and illustrations.
The BetterPhoto Guide to Exposure is like a full-scale photography course between the covers of a book-all taught by Sean Arbabi, a seasoned BetterPhoto.com instructor whose photographs have been featured in 250 publications and by 150 companies, including National Geographic and Microsoft. It offers the same instruction style as BetterPhoto.com, as it reveals a plethora of information on both digital and film photography, how different file formats affect exposure, how to adjust files, color correction, combining digital exposures, and much more. And of course, the author's 200 stunning full-color photographs make this hardworking guide as inspiring as it is instructive.
About Sean Arbabi
Sean Arbabi is a commercial photographer who specializes in adventure, travel, nature and style imagery for corporate, advertising and editorial clients. His photographs have been featured in 250 publications and by 150 companies, including National Geographic and Microsoft. He is an online instructor with BetterPhoto.com and frequently teaches workshops around the country on exposure and other aspects of photography.
Visit him on the Web at www.PhotoGuru.tv
Book signing
Saturday, February 28
2PM
Borders Books
4575 Rosewood Drive
Pleasanton, CA
925-227-1412
