It’s true that one of the main attributes that a good photographer needs to have is the accurate look, but that’s not all. It is necessary to study the theory a little to know and be able to use various effects and techniques that make the photographs more beautiful and professional.
We’ve talked a bit here about some editing tricks for anyone who wants to do a post-production and leave a more professional-looking photo. However, there are techniques that the photographer needs to know before taking the photo, so that he can apply his knowledge at the time of shooting. See some of these effects in this selection and learn how to get them with your camera.
Bokeh
The Bokeh effect is quite visible when there are small sources of light in the blurred background. The word “Bokeh” comes from the original term “Boke”, which in Japanese has a meaning close to “blur”. This effect has a fairly broad definition and is easily recognizable, but often it is mistaken for macro photography. Although they are almost complementary effects, they are not exactly the same technique. Bokeh is mainly recognized by the disk-shaped blur that is caused by the lights or areas at the bottom of the image, looking like little balls in most cases. Some photographers place filters in front of the lens with special shapes, such as a star or heart, so that the Bokeh blurs stay that way.
Lens Flare
Lens Flare are these colorful “rings” and distortions caused by the angle of light entering the lens. We have already mentioned the Lens Flare around here quickly, but it is worth talking about once more. It was born as an imperfection, but ended up falling to the graces of photographers and today is used on purpose as an aesthetic effect in photography.
The Lens Flare is nothing more than a distortion of the ray of light when it enters directly through the lens – but by the edges, not exactly the center. For example, when you point the camera at the sky and the sun is causing a reflection on the sides of the photograph or still on the edge of some element of the landscape. This happens a lot in photographs of the sunset, since at that time the star is directly illuminating the lens at a favorable angle.
Golden Hour
It’s not just the Lens Flare that looks better (and more naturally) at sunset or at sunrise – these times are the “darlings” of photographers. What favors the aesthetics of photography at these times is the angulation of the sun, which is directly illuminating the elements of the photo at a front angle, and not much inclined. The lighting, especially in low key lighting situation, is softer and the shadows are less “hard” but the whole scene is illuminated, causing an interesting dramatic effect.
The three photography techniques above are very important to know, even by beginners. Good luck and have a try.
