My Top Five Photo Tips!

I thought that, in the spirit of the dA community, I would share some of these tips which I found helped me improve my photography. Feel free to comment and add your own tips!

1. Use a Tripod with Longer Lenses to Prevent Camera Shake/Blurriness!
-Nature photographers tend to use lenses in the 300-600mm range. These are not only heavy, but also magnify camera shake, causing blurry images. Use a sturdy tripod to prevent this!

2. Watch Your Lighting!
-This is the cardinal rule for all photography. Remember that (generally) the best lighting is to be had in the morning and the evening, and to stay out of the noonday sun!
-Also, being aware of your lighting will help you properly expose your images!

3. Composition
-Pay attention to what you actually see in the viewfinder, and train your eye to see ALL of the frame, instead of just the subject. This will help to eliminate distracting backgrounds that you didn't notice at first.
-Also, try to always follow the rule of thirds!

4. Keep Records
-Writing down notes during/immediately after a photoshoot will help you figure out what worked and what didn't. If you use a digital camera, look at the EXIF data (which records the shutter speed, aperture, time taken, etc of each file). If you're using a film camera, carry a notebook and write down this information (along with the frame number) so you can review it later.

5. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
-Seriously! The best way to improve your photography is to do it all the time! As you become more comfortable with your camera and more confident in your skills, you'll be better able to focus on the photography itself, resulting in better photos! You may also want to read your camera's manual

Hope this helped some people!