Introduction

Photography refers to activities that aim in capturing representations of the physical or tangible world, that are later processed to achieve an accurate or modified perspective which is shown on a different medium, as is the intent of the persons or persons involved in the process.

In practical terms, the process involves using an adequately equipped camera, processing an image, based on a criteria, on a computing device, and placing the image on a website or platform or stored locally, displayed on a display, on a paper or another printed form.

Structure and objectives

The present guide offers the required understanding regarding current technology and techniques. This includes dedicated, semi-professional or professional cameras, as well as ones integrated into smartphones and tablets. Where necessary, different approaches are devised to make the best use of equipment. Editing is considered as being carried out on a dedicated computer or laptop, as it offers a display that is large enough to evaluate the quality of the image and the resulting editing processes. For smartphones and tablets it is possible to edit images on the device itself, although there are major limitations in editing features which do not make such a solution advisable except when there are no alternatives.

Reading in part or in full the guide will assist creation of better pictures and developing your own individual style. This material is considered only a complement to your experience, and your judgement is always best used to consider if the suggestions are suitable or not to your own scenario. The information and way in which it is presented aims at beginners and intermediate users. For more advanced purposes you are advised to follow other materials and sources.

Hints

There are many useful suggestions presented in example images that can be found in each section. Consider them as a guideline or useful shortcut to a specific technique. Sometimes they present both a good an a bad example for the sake of comparison. Just as well, take note of mentions presented in the grey blocks, written in italics, that summarize a key idea in a few lines, as shown below.

The guide is structured in sections and subsections, each of them catering to specific information that should be considered together, on a particular topic. There is also a vocabulary that is advisable to remember, in order to get accustomed to key details you should later evaluate or search for.

Photography Guide Content

Camera Types and Their Possibilities

It is advisable to know what types of cameras are available on the market and what are their strength and weaknesses.

Camera Types and Their Possibilities

Taking Pictures with Different Cameras

Although you may be familiar with using a camera, there are many aspects that may be less obvious. I advise to take at least a cursory glance at this section.

Taking Pictures with Different Cameras

Key Camera Specifications Explained

When you read reviews or you hear someone say some key features of the camera, it is likely that you will benefit from knowing these words. While you can find the same information better organized on other guides, I still think that the relatively concise yet comprehensive approach on this section will be of use.

Key Camera Specifications Explained

Light, Time of Day, Weather and Seasons

It is clear that taking pictures depends on the time of the day and seasons. You can find inspiration and suggestions on how to prepare yourself for taking pictures in specific contexts.

Light, Time of Day, Weather and Seasons

Subjects and Framing Ideas

Subjects and Framing Ideas

Proper framing is, perhaps, one of the most important skills you will develop. In this section you will find an extensive list of subjects you may capture and how to reach good results. You will also find useful information about a good technique used to evaluate the potential of your framing, the rule of thirds. I highly advise you to read this section.

Simple Image Editing, Cropping Suggestions

While you may use your pictures as is, and you may find perfect examples for that, most of the time it is better to set asides parts of the image to draw the viewer's attention to specific details or remove parts that are contrary to what you want to present. Cropping is a technique that you should develop and improve upon, early on. I highly advise you to read this section.

Simple Image Editing, Cropping Suggestions

Publishing Pictures and Web Platform Particularities

Keeping a large collection of images is great, however, most of the time, you would like to share your work and let the others appreciate or offer you suggestions. There are many times when you need to reach specific requirements for your creations. Read about essential information on websites, content sharing platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Flicker and others. I highly advise you to read this section.

Publishing Pictures and Web Platform Particularities

Colour Profiles

Accurate colour reproduction is part of the training for higher skilled photographers. Although you may avoid this section entirely, there are interesting aspects you should be aware of when showing your creations on various devices, whether they are displays or on paper. Note that this section does not present the whole theoretical concept but focuses on key practical aspects that you should be aware of and that you can control.

Colour Profiles

Post Processing and Effects

As you get more experienced in taking and editing photos, you may want to express your abilities also using more advanced techniques. This section covers some interesting creative possibilities to present what you may be interested to experience with. It is not intended to present techniques in detail, as the required detailing and particular operations are much better covered in other guides available on the internet.

Post Processing and Effects

Ending

The above guide can be read as recommended or in any order, as you consider. I highly advise you to take at least a cursory glance at each section, and spend a bit more time, particularly if one or more of the words in the vocabulary seem unknown or confusing.

After reaching the end of the guide, I hope you will have a better understanding of photography, you are proficient in using a camera and making very good use of any opportunity you have, as a hobby or as a professional. Have fun and experiment, as photography is all about that. Good luck!