5 Photography Hacks You Never Knew You Needed

Are you sick of dark images without clarity? Want to capture impressive stills that are actually worth sharing? We’ve got you! Say hello to our 5 easy photography hacks and tricks you can try the next time you’re playing photographer. Best of all – most of the hacks will cost you nothing to produce stunning stills, just grab your camera and give it a try today! Throughout this blog, we also share some great cameras for photography from Nikon and Canon.

HACK 1: SHOOT IN THE EARLY MORNING AND EVENING

Lighting can make or break a photo, and the early morning and evening are widely thought to be the best times of day for taking photos. In photography, the hour just after the sun rises or before it sets is called the “golden hour,” because the sun is lower in the sky and the light is softer and warmer. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits or still life, using the early morning or evening light can give your photos a serene feel with its warm glow and the long shadows it casts. Of course, the golden hour is not the only time you can get good outdoor photos, but it does make it easier to achieve incredible results.

Our Camera Top Pick: 

Nikon’s Z 30 Mirrorless Camera + 16-50mm Lens Kit (VOK110XA)

Featuring 20x Creative Picture Controls and a high ISO range up to 51,200, Nikon’s Z 30 Mirrorless Camera is equipped to help capture gorgeous stills in any light. Whether during the day, lower light situations like sunsets or night photography, the Nikon Z 30 is suitable for both stills and videos. The camera also boasts up to 125 minutes of continuous 4K Ultra HD video recording, Full HD recording and Eye and Animal Detection Autofocus for all eyes on your subjects.

HACK 2: EXPERIMENT WITH ANGLES

Experimenting with angles and perspectives is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your photography. By moving around your subject and trying different viewpoints, you can create unique and visually interesting compositions. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or advanced life photography, changing your perspective can add depth, drama, and a fresh perspective to your images. This free technique is a great way to explore your creativity and explore new ways to capture the world around you.

Our Camera Top Pick: 

Canon’s EOS M200 Mirrorless Camera + EF-M 15-45mm Lens Kit (M200KISBK)

Compact and lightweight, this mirrorless camera is the perfect camera to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Perfect for beginners moving away from their smartphone, the Canon EOS M200 features a 24.1MP sensor, 3” LCD touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity and compact 15-45mm zoom lens that’s great for both eye level stills, portraits and landscapes.

HACK 3: ADOPT THE RULE OF THIRDS

A common mistake amongst amateur photographers is centring their subjects. To create more visually interesting compositions, consider the rule of thirds. This involves dividing your image into nine equal sections using two vertical and two horizontal lines. Instead of placing your subject in the centre, position it along one of these lines. Many cameras have a grid overlay to help you visualise this rule. The rule of thirds in photography can enhance stills by adding interest and capturing more of the surrounding scene. Try the rule of thirds in photography on all genres including landscapes, portraits, events, and wildlife.

Our Camera Top Pick: 

Nikon’s Z fc Mirrorless Camera – Black + Z DX 16-50mm Lens Kit (VOK090XA)

Be ready to experiment with your photography as you capture with Nikon’s Z fc mirrorless camera. With the included NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm standard zoom lens which boasts built-in vibration reduction (VR), the Nikon Z fc is ready to deliver results as you try your hand at adopting the rule of thirds no matter who’s the subject: friends, pets, buildings or landscapes. This camera also features 4K video recording and wireless SnapBridge connectivity for wireless transfers.

HACK 4: USE A FLASH

A flash or photography light can be a simple yet effective tool for improving your photography. Even a small, built-in flash from your camera or smartphone can help to brighten your images and fill in shadows, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting outdoors during the day. By adding a gentle burst of light, you can enhance your subject’s details and create a more balanced and visually appealing composition. Even when shooting indoors without a flash, you can just move your subject near a window to make use of natural light.

Our Camera Top Pick: 

Canon’s EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera + 18-45mm Lens Kit (R100KIS)

Make use of the built-in flash and let Canon’s EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera brighten up and add light to your photography. This compact camera is perfect for both stills and video recording with its 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and 4K video recording. Complete with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as compatibility with the Canon Connect app, users of all levels can easily capture, edit and share their creative creations in next to no time.

HACK 5: KNOW WHEN TO USE A TRIPOD

A tripod is an essential tool for any photographer who wants to capture sharp, steady images. It’s particularly useful when photographing stationary subjects like landscapes, architecture, and advanced life photography. By providing a stable platform for your camera, a tripod helps to eliminate camera shake and blur, resulting in images with greater clarity and detail. It’s also a great way to experiment with longer shutter speeds for capturing motion or creating a more dramatic effect. Don’t have a tripod? Create a stable elevated surface for your camera, think stacked boxes and books, on top of tables, chairs and shelves – the possibilities are endless!

Try Out Our Photography Hacks

Why not give our 5 photography hacks a go the next time you pick up your camera.. Think someone you know might benefit from these tips and tricks? Share our article with them today!