6 Photography Skills to Take Amazing Pictures

Photography is a creative craft that allows self-expression and artistry. Whether it’s with a phone or a DSLR, it enables you to capture striking images. Being a skilled photographer, however, requires a combination of technical skills, artistic vision, and a passion for capturing the right shots.

From knowing your way around a professional camera, honing in on the right techniques, and knowing how to capture natural light, we’ve compiled a list of photography tips to help you take your abilities to the next level.

6 Photography Tips to Take Stunning Photos

1. Knowledge of camera settings and equipment

Photographers need to have a good understanding of camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. They also need to be familiar with different types of camera equipment, such as lenses and tripods.

In the course, Beginner’s Photography: Basic Camera Use and Theory, photojournalist and documentary filmmaker Giulia Candussi teaches you two aspects to capturing a great picture: the passion you have for the story you want to narrate with images and second, mastering your equipment and its functions.

2. Composition skills

Photographers need to have an eye for composition and be able to arrange the elements within the frame in a visually appealing way. This involves understanding concepts such as balance, symmetry, leading lines, and the rule of thirds.

Julia Nimke is a renowned photographer who's worked with clients like Adobe, Fujifilm, Lufthansa, and many other big names. In her Domestika course, she covers the all basics of composition, and helps you build a photography portfolio by creating a series of lifestyle and travel images.

3. Lighting skills

Photographers need to have a good understanding of lighting and be able to manipulate light to achieve the desired effect. This involves understanding artificial and natural lighting, as well as techniques such as flash photography and light metering.

In the course Professional Lighting for Studio Photography, Scott McDermott shows you the fundamentals of lighting by exploring a variety of sources and set-ups. Scott is an award-winning photographer who's worked with acclaimed Hollywood celebrities and athletes, as well as collaborated with clients like AT&T, Starbucks, HBO, and Nike.

4. Post-processing, or editing skills

Photographers need to be able to edit and enhance their images using software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. This involves understanding techniques such as color correction, retouching, and image manipulation.

To learn how to edit and retouch images, Xi Chen teaches the basics of professional image retouching and color correction for beauty and product photography. Learn how to take your images to the next level with the help of a professional who has worked with brands like Chanel, Prada, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Hermes, Valentino, Bobbi Brown, Vera Wang, and more.

5. Creativity and Vision

Photographers need to be able to see the world in a unique way and be able to translate their vision into compelling images. This involves being open to new ideas, experimenting with different techniques, and being able to think creatively.

Known for their artistic edge and scroll-stopping images, the Weekend Creative teaches you how to tap into your creative mind, and craft photographs that stand out from the rest. Through unique photography techniques and creative vision, learn how to take amazing photos with a professional end-result.

6. Social media skills

In the digital age, photography genres have evolved to include the format and aesthetic of Instagram. Knowing how to take striking photographs from a smartphone is essential, since it helps brands keep their social media accounts active and engaged through regular content and stories.

There is a huge market for professional photographers with expertise in social media. Mina Barrio is a skilled product photographer known for her vibrant, playful style and her strategic eye for Instagram content. In her best-selling course, she helps you learn tricks to take and edit photographs for social media on your phone.

By developing these skills and qualities, aspiring photographers can improve their craft and become successful photographers. However, it's important to remember that becoming a good photographer takes time and practice, so it's important to be persistent and keep learning and improving your skills over time.

What are the 7 principles of Photography?

There are also 7 principles of Photography that you will need to understand and master: Pattern, Balance, Negative Space, Grouping, Closure, Color and Light/Shadow

1. Pattern
Patterns are repetitions of shapes, lines, or colors that can create visual interest and structure in an image. Photographers can use patterns to draw the viewer's eye through the image or to create a sense of rhythm and regularity.

2. Balance
Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight within an image. Photographers can create balance by arranging elements in a way that creates a sense of harmony and equilibrium. There are different types of balance, such as symmetrical and asymmetrical balance.

3. Negative Space
Negative space refers to the empty or unoccupied areas in an image. By leaving space around the subject, photographers can create a feeling of openness and draw attention to the subject itself.

4. Grouping
Grouping is the act of arranging elements in an image into cohesive units. This can help organize the image and create a sense of visual order. Grouping can be done through repetition of elements, similarity in shape or color, or proximity to each other.

5. Closure
Closure is the ability of the viewer's mind to fill in missing information in an image. By leaving certain elements implied or partially visible, photographers can engage the viewer's imagination and create a sense of completeness.

6. Color
Color can have a powerful effect on the mood and emotion conveyed in an image. Photographers can use color to create contrast or harmony, to evoke different feelings or moods, or to draw the viewer's attention to a specific area of the image.

7. Light and Shadow
Light and shadow can create depth, contrast, and drama in an image. Photographers can use different types of lighting, such as natural light or artificial, to create different effects. They can also use shadows to add dimensionality or to create a sense of mystery or drama.

More Photography Resources

These courses are just a few examples of the many excellent photography courses available on Domestika. Each course is taught by a professional photographer and offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from technical skills to artistic vision. By taking these courses, aspiring photographers can improve their skills and become more successful in the industry. With every course, you will join a thriving community of photographers who you will be able to connect with and share knowledge and experiences.