I know what you’re thinking…
Photography is far too complex of a pursuit to make it easy in just one tutorial.
And to a large extent, that sentiment is correct.
It takes years to perfect the knowledge and skills it takes to create gorgeous photos.
However, you can work to make that process one that’s simpler, more productive, and as a consequence, easier as well.
There are probably a thousand and one ways to make photography easier, but if you ask me, the three tips I outline below are among the best.
Get a better Camera Strap
Tell me if this sounds familiar…
You go out shooting with your new camera, with its thin, flimsy shoulder strap and all.
After a while, that shoulder strap starts to cut into your shoulder, so you switch it to the other side.
Then, after a bit more time, that shoulder gets sick of bearing the weight of your camera, too.
Out of shoulders, you resort to carrying your camera around your neck so it gets to experience the pain and fatigue of that flimsy strap.
Eventually, tired and in pain, you just give up whether you got the shots you want or not.
That was me when I was a beginner photographer because I didn’t understand that better options existed…
Take a look at the strap above and tell me that you don’t see a massive difference between it and the factory strap that came with your camera.
This one, the Versis SL Kit by 4V Design, was built with your comfort in mind.
The ergonomic pad isn’t just incredibly soft against your shoulder with thick memory foam padding, but it’s also positionable on your left or right shoulder depending on how you shoot. The lining of the pad grip ensures it stays put on your shoulder as well.
Additionally, the Versis has a “short” and “long” mode to adapt perfectly to your body so that your camera is right at your fingertips.
It gives you flexibility in terms of how you carry your gear, too.
With two connection options – one safety hook to connect to the bottom of the camera and another to connect to the strap connector – you can customize how the strap operates and feels.
Both connectors are made of high-performance 25mm polyamide bands and Tuscany leather, so you know they’re durable (and they look incredible too!).
Better yet, you can add optional accessories to carry two or even three cameras in total comfort.
Looking at the GIF above, you can see how the Versis SL system works to give you easy access to your cameras while keeping them close to you for safety at the same time.
That’s a great combination if you ask me!
Get a Good Tripod
If you ask a group of photographers what the biggest enemy to a good photo is, a lot of them will tell you camera shake.
Usually, you would associate camera shake with holding the camera in your hand and getting blurry shots as a result of a shutter speed that’s too slow.
But your images can also suffer from camera shake if you mount your camera on a less-than-ideal tripod.
Think about it – if you put your camera and lens on a flimsy tripod, you aren’t giving your camera the stable base it needs to get a sharp photo.
In that regard, having a cheap tripod is essentially pointless if it can’t hold your camera steady.
That’s why a good, solid tripod is a great investment.
Take the Sirui N-2004KX Aluminum Tripod as an ideal example.
With thick, solid legs, it has plenty of heft to support more than 33 pounds of camera gear.
But don’t think that means it weighs a ton. At just 4 pounds, it’s not like you’ll feel as though you’re carrying a ton of weight.
The N-2004KX features three leg angle positions so you can adapt it to uneven terrain, a built-in monopod for occasions when you don’t need to fold out the full tripod, and retractable spiked feet that ensure it stays put when you’re shooting outdoors.
This tripod also has a center column that can be inverted for better positioning for low-angle shots.
Add legs that fold up to 180-degrees for easier carrying, automatic leg locks to speed up the setup process, and a hook to hang a weight bag for added stability, and you have the makings of a tripod that will provide your camera with a rock-solid base for getting tack-sharp photos.
Learn Advanced Camera Modes
If you combine some advanced camera skills with better gear that helps you work more efficiently and helps your camera perform at its best, there’s nothing stopping you from making photography much easier.
That isn’t to say that you have to start shooting in manual mode right this minute, either…
The point is to get out of full auto mode and explore things like aperture priority, shutter priority, and program mode.
These semi-automatic modes give you more control over what’s happening in the camera, and that means two very important things:
- You learn how to use your camera and manipulate controls like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. That knowledge is power!
- You become less dependent on the camera to make decisions about what settings should be used.
So, tackling your camera’s advanced shooting modes will not only be an educational experience, but it will allow you to make more informed decisions that result in improved photos. Get a detailed overview of these advanced shooting modes in the video above by Spyros Heniadis.
In the end, becoming a better photographer is about challenging yourself, learning new techniques, and being equipped with the kind of gear that makes better photos possible.