Imagine the automotive show TopGear, except based in Hong Kong and focused on the subject of photography instead of cars. That's a close approximation of the site DigitalRev, aka "the most subscribed and viewed photography show on the interweb, presented by an asian dude with British accent." Hosts Kai Wong and Lok Cheung keep the usually serious realm of photography lighthearted, including this list of 50 quick photography tips...
Some people find Kai and Lok's schtick a bit much, so here's their tips in text format (via Reddit reader, blufox4900)
- UV filters are a waste of time
- Lens hoods aren't a necessity
- If you're not using the hood, put it away
- Don't treat your DSLR like it's your baby
- Stop hating on others
- Get cheap lens caps
- Pack light
- Use a zoom for convenience
- Prime lenses will make you think more
- The 35mm is the most practical one lens setup (on the 1.5 crop)
- The 50mm looks better
- Better cameras don't make better photos
- Know how your camera works before you go out to shoot
- Always be ready for the shot
- P-mode isn't just for beginners
- Bump the ISO if needed
- Auto ISO is your best friend
- Rely on the Rule of Thirds
- Take lots of shots
- Don't take photos of any old sh*t
- "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough" -- Robert Capa
- Contemplate your shot
- The best equipment doesn't help if you're not standing in the right spot
- Sharpness is overrated
- Concept is king
- Don't look like a wrongun (i.e. a creep)
- Don't drink and shoot
- Shoot when you're full of energy
- Sometimes it feels great to wake up really early and shoot
- Think about what light you want
- Emulate the style of the greats to get started
- ...but don't keep doing it
- Photography is as much a reflection of the person taking the photo
- Shoot to please no one apart from yourself
- Discreet or direct -- it isn't all that important
- Setting themes keeps you focused
- Change things every once in a while to keep things fresh
- Remember, everyone has creative blocks
- Be critical of yourself
- "Seeing is not enough, you have to feel what you photograph" -- Andre Kertesz
- You need to be there with the camera
- The relationship is about you and the subject, not you and the camera
- Stop chimping (checking every photo after snapping)
- Be brutal when it comes to deleting awful photos
- Show only your best work
- Changing photos to B&W doesn't make an uninteresting shot interesting
- Look at other people's work
- Post your work online, let others critique your work
- There is no easy way
- ______
Via DigitalRev via Reddit
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12. Better cameras don't make better photos
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Of course they do. A better camera can have features that allow you to take better photos. A better camera can also have noticeably better image quality through a better sensor.
5. Stop hating on others
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What does that have to do with photography?
24. Sharpness is overrated
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Through software you can make any sharp image blurry if you want. It doesn't work the other way around. Most people want sharp photos the vast majority of the time.
I think that these guys are on the money! Not only are they fun to watch and have great comedic value, they have some strong points.
@ JDOEY
"12. Better cameras don't make better photos
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Of course they do. A better camera can have features that allow you to take better photos. A better camera can also have noticeably better image quality through a better sensor."
I have to disagree with you here. Sure, if you have better gear you can take images with higher picture quality, but today's basic cameras even on the low end of the scale have fairly high image quality anyway. And to be honest, the kind of photographers that would be interested in these tips are not likely to be blowing their images up to billboard size! The main thing about this point is that any basic DSLR (and even point & shoot camera) on the market will produce only the best image that the photographer who is taking the photo is able to frame up. If you don't have the basics, even the best camera wont help you...
Love these guys, and cant wait to see more of what they have to offer!
Thanks for the great post