52 Ways to Better Photography in 2012

Systematic change is almost always better.

A fresh year stretches in front of us, and this year, there are so many things you can do to systematically improve your photography. Here at Imagine That, one of our resolutions is to shoot more in 2012.

But setting a goal like “shoot more” is a vague goal, unmeasurable except for the number of photos we might end up with at the end of the year. So I’ve decided that we’re going to go through 2012 in a systematic way—using projects to improve photography, one week at a time.

If you’re like minded, why not join me on your way to better photography, too? We’ll be setting up projects thematically, going over the techniques and equipment to make those project images, and then asking for feedback from those who participate. More details below!

Week 1 Tiny Landscapes

Two months of neglecting my lawn has given freedom to some weeds to grow unchecked. Before I called the gardener, I wanted to spend a couple of hours learning some macro photography. Here’s what I learned to watch out for when you’re  making tiny landscapes.

Equipment used

I used the Nikon D300 and the AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm ED lens. The D300 is the lightest camera I own, so it helped me keep steady as I took handheld shots of the weeds.

What to remember when shooting

1. Keep absolutely still for tack sharp photos

I shot this project handheld, but if you have Live Viewfinder, you can also use a tripod and a cable release. The subjects are tiny, so any tiny movement from a breeze can blur your subject.

2. Use a wide aperture for beautiful blur

The shallow depth of field of a wide aperture can help you add a beautiful blurry background to your image. During the session, I used a range of f/2.8 to f/5.6, finding a happy medium between that range to render bokeh that adds impact to the images. A blurred background can help focus attention on your subject.

3. Use manual focus

Because your subjects are so small, it’s difficult to use Auto Focus. When shooting handheld with Manual Focus, I was able to use my body to move back and forth to get the subjects in focus the way I wanted the shot. Using the large muscles of your whole body to get the subject in focus instead of the small muscles of your hand or wrists helps you to hold the camera more steady. Large muscle movement is also easier to use to steady your whole body while shooting. In effect, you’re a very stable (and big) tripod!

4. Use Matrix or Evaluative metering

Matrix (Nikon) or Evaluative (Canon) metering means the camera takes into account all the ambient light around the subject and sets the exposure using all this information. Using this metering mode helps your camera to use all the available light to make the exposure. If you’re dissatisfied with the subjective ‘look’ of the camera’s exposure, you can use exposure compensation to dial in more or less light, for effect.

5. Design your composition

Finally, don’t forget your composition basics. Try shooting with the rule of thirds, or abstract the subject using the blur and the sharpness as design elements.

The size of your subject means you don’t really have to worry that much about horizons, so tilt your camera side to side or down or up to get an artistic composition you want.

Spending an hour in the weeds definitely was a worthwhile project. I’m almost sorry the gardener cleaned up the overgrown lawn!

If you want to journey with me as I rekindle my love for all kinds of photography in 2012, and learn lots of things along the way, head on over to our new Facebook page (and like us!), where you can participate in project modules, get some feedback, talk photography, and have your photography featured in a monthly roundup!