The word photography comes from two Greek words that roughly translate to “drawing with light”. Photography doesn’t just draw light. It draws people together. A great photo is a great way to share memories and make you feel more connected to those close to you. Here are some tips on how to make those photographs better.

You should try to stay away from an overcast sky when taking pictures. Capturing an excess of gray sky in your image can cause your pictures to look washed-out and muted. Black and white photos can work better if shot on overcast days. However, if there’s a beautiful blue sky, use it as often as you want to; however, you should still be aware of the light.

Try not to be too mechanical with your shots. Sometimes it is better to get an eclectic angle than to shoot various run of the mill photos. Also, try to implement the scenery into your photos as often as possible if you want to capture a more personal and unique depiction.

Use a polarizing lens filter on your camera to minimize glare from direct sunlight and to create an even distribution of light. This is essential when shooting in direct sunlight, but also can be beneficial in any lighting situation. Think of polarizing lens filters as sunglasses for your camera. They are inexpensive, easy to attach and have the added benefit of protecting your expensive lenses from scratches.

Take pictures when you leave when traveling. Once you get to your location, you can find some good places to take photos, but you should take some original shots as well. Keep a record of your trip. You might even be able to get interesting photos at the airport.

The best way to ruin a photograph is to move the camera while shooting. Keep your camera steady, and give it some support when pressing the shutter button. When talking with professionals, they will tell you to always use a tripod. Sometimes a tripod is just not a practical solution. Use whatever is available like propping the camera against a wall or on top of a fence to take a great shot.

Remember to look for unusual things. It can either be a small detail or a strange situation. Learn how to represent what strikes you as unusual or original in the world you see. As you practice, you will be able to recognize what makes a good subject for your pictures.

Play with the idea of depth of field and aperture. Most photograph place their object in the center of their composition and have their background look blurry. Reverse this convention and blur your object to focus on your background. You can also play with the placement of your object in the picture.

Purchase a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera if you want to take professional-looking photographs. When you are shopping for a camera, do not worry about how many megapixels the product has; instead, focus on the image sensor. Most professional photographers buy full-frame DSLR cameras, which take incredibly clear pictures of your subject matter.

Create more unique photos by using a variety of angles. Anyone can photograph an obviously beautiful scene. Instead, take your shot from a different angle. Get up higher than your subject, or shoot from the ground up. Other interesting alternatives are framing your subject from a diagonal or sideways view.

Simple settings are the best for general photography. Do not complicate your photo taking opportunities by constantly fiddling with your camera. Many cameras have great general settings that will work fine in most normal situations. Changing settings too often can muddle things, and cause you to get unexpected bad results.

Try being creative with various kinds of shutter speeds. It is normal to use the quickest shutter speed if you want to freeze action. In the same way, try to consider the things you can do with slower shutters speeds like 1/30. Did you see that guy on the bike? This will make the bicyclist in clear focus, while the background is blurred horizontally, showing speed and motion.

Photography has changed the way we communicate with each other, allowing us to share memories in ways we never could before. If you learn to take great looking photos, the people in your life will feel closer to you. Thanks to the advice in this article, you know a variety of things you can do to make your photos look better. Try putting these tips into practice the next time you pull out your camera.