Hi there! My name is Toby Solak of S2 Photography. I’d like to welcome you to my monthly column. I thought for this inaugural issue I’d tell you a bit about myself and that moment 28 years ago, which started me down the path to running my photography company.
When I turned seven, my grandmother gave me my first camera. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a simple Kodak with 110 film and had one of those disposable flash cubes that attached to the top of it. I think I was more interested in the other gifts I was given and remember not paying much attention to the camera. I eventually picked it up and quickly shot the roll of film that came with it. About a week later, my mother and I went to our local pharmacy to pick up that first batch of pictures. I was handed the envelope which I opened and eagerly grabbed at the glossy images. I was hooked. It’s not that my pictures were great–far from it. In fact as I can recall, most of those first shots were either half pictures, blurred, or of uninteresting subjects. What fascinated me was seeing and holding the images which I had captured.
After approximately 15 camera upgrades and many lessons learned, I’m still hooked on taking pictures and am passionate about capturing life’s moments. Over the coming issues I’ll be sharing some photography tips I’ve learned over the years. I really hope you find them helpful. I’ll leave you with a quick and easy one this time.
As a professional photographer, one of the most common things I hear from my clients and friends is: “I don’t know how to take pictures.” To this I respond: “Anybody armed with the right gear and a bit of know how can take great pictures.”
Perhaps this past holiday season, you received a nice new camera which offers, (short of making your morning coffee) just about every function under the sun. Surprisingly the amount of functionality won’t necessarily make your picture taking experience any easier, especially if you feel you are not capable of taking pictures. Worry not!
There is one feature that comes on all new cameras. It can help you learn how to use your camera and begin to help you take better pictures. Read your instruction manual. I know some of you are thinking “I just read an article for a great photo tip only to be told to read the instruction manual? Not fair!”
The truth is people rarely look at the instruction manuals which come with cameras. In them you will discover not only how to use your camera, but each manual will come with some basic photographical instruction on how to compose your picture; how to take pictures in various light levels; as well as many other helpful lessons. Don’t know where your instruction manual is? Don’t worry. You should be able to locate your manual on the internet. Just visit the manufacture’s website.
Happy learning and practicing! See you next issue with a great new tip.
