Shoot & Tell

See Photos!
Written for Shoot & Tell by Michal Havelka

Hi all keen amateur photographers,

I was approached by my friend Sami, I wrote about my view of photography. It's a great honor for me to write you some of my opinions, tips and tricks!

Ok, so I am Michal Havelka (aka brunozbruna), I am from Czech Republic, and I am 35 old.
Shooting I began to entertain myself in 2008 when I was on holiday in Corsica.



At that time I also joined the Opera community, and I started to share my view of the world through pictures. Over time, I started to take photography more seriously and the fundamental turning-point began in 2010 when I joined 365 Photos group. It was because I learned more about photography than on some courses!



I focused on how others "see" things around us and learned to see these things too. Gradually, I also began to control more of my camera and I gradually began to shoot on full manual mode.
Also my brother gave me tips editing photos. But I do not want to write about this because it could be boring. (perhaps in the next time...)

What I want to write is continue the idea of what Words wrote on "Taking photos". So, I say "See photos!"

My opinion is that it does not matter what camera you have, but how you take photos. Of course everyone has their own style what and how he wants to photograph, but I will try to focus on everyday things or nice things.

Here are my tips.

"Find a suitable object" or "Become inspired by..."

It maybe seem hard, but it's very simple. Do you like the photo of a friend here? Then try to take a similar picture, but in your own style! For example, try to photograph the same object from multiple views and positions.



"Be creative"

Here I would recommend trying to edit photos in purpose or switch camera setting. For example try to shoot in black and white b/w, adjust white balance, or shoot in macro etc...



"Shoot beautiful things"

Here you'll have to lie in the grass! Use the camera on macro mode and just shoot!



"Take sharp pictures!"

I recommend taking a photo with continuous shooting. One shot will definitely succeed.
It is also good to use a stabilizer, and in low light conditions use support. You don't always need a tripod. Instead you can use a garbage can or a wall etc...



"Use white balance setting!"

This is my favorite trick! Have you ever tried to set the WB for incandescent (light bulb) and then take a photo outside?



Find your own "golden hour"



If you are interested in any other of my advices do not hesitate to contact me or join the discussions with me around MyOpera or on my blog Brunozbruna

In conclusion I would say, if you really enjoy photography, then search "a challenge"! It is a good way of improving.
Like I'm doing at my 365² album where my goal is to shoot the whole year using only my mobile phone.

and thank you very much!