In the article "10 Easy Steps to Advanced Photography Skilles," Trey Ratcliff, an HDR photographer on Fickr, gives some helpful photography tips that he collected in the time he has spent being a photographer.
1. THINK ABOUT THE BRAIN
In this tip he explains that a camera and its lens do not work the same as an eye. He explains how as we grow up, we have triggers that help us remember certain images. He then describes that a camera take the photo to tell the tale. He also says that an eye automatically focuses and adjusts to light where as a camera has to be manually adjusted to light that comes in the lens.
2. ENGAGE IN THE NEW GLOBAL SALON
In this tip he says that you, whether you are a viewer or photographer should engage themselves into online salons such as Flickr, VSCO, etc. This allows you to explore other people art and admire them as well as inspire you to go take and try new things for your pictures.
3. GET RID OF YOUR TOY CAMERA
In this tip he explains that you should invest in a DSLR. He explains that with a DSLR you will be able to improve your photography skills unlike with the small, slim digital camera. He explains there will be an improved precision in the images you take.
4. CARRY A TRIPOD FOR THOSE BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS AND SUNRISES
In this tip he explains the usefulness of a tripod due to its steadiness. If you try take a time lapse with your hand, it will be shaky and you wont get the same images. You will get some with more of the subject on the top or more of the subject on the bottom. Then your time lapse would be ruined. A tripod stay in one spot unless moved on purpose and it allows you to take steady images.
5. ADMIRE IMPRESSIONISM
In this tip he explains that impressionist art captures the feelings one felt in a particular place with color. He also says you should question and try to recreate similar art through photography.
6. PRACTICE WITH HDR
He explains how HDR experiments with light levels and causes a trigger in emotions allowing us to make a connection with them even if it does look ridiculous at times.
7. TAKE YOUR CAMERA EVERYWHERE
In this tip he explains that you can get inspired to take a a photo at any time and you should always carry it just in case. You never know when you will see something wonderful.
8. UNDERSTAND THE FANTASY/REALITY MEMBRANE
In this tip he explains that photography should be taken seriously and not lightly. That it is in fact about reality not fantasy.
9. LEARN TO DRAW
In this tip he explains that knowing how to draw can help you "draw out" your inspirations for a pictures before you carry it out.
10. MAKE MISTAKES
In this tip he explains the necessity for mistakes in your road of photography because mistakes help us better and understand more. He explains the importance in honest feedback and how it can help tremendously.
