4 Questions to Ask Yourself for Better Photography: A Guide for Beginners

Have you ever taken a photo and felt like it was missing something? Like it just didn't capture the essence of what you were trying to convey? It's a common feeling, even for professional photographers. But fear not! There are a few questions you can ask yourself before you start snapping away that can help you take better photos and improve your photography skills.

1. What am I trying to convey with the picture?
   This might seem like an obvious question, but it's an important one to consider. What is the point of the image you want to capture? Is there a particular subject or message you want to convey? If you don't have a clear purpose in mind, chances are the photo won't be very impactful. 
   By having a clear purpose in mind, you can make intentional choices about framing, composition, and other aspects of your photo.
   So take a moment to think about the purpose of the picture before you start snapping away.

2. What do I want my viewers to see or feel?
   Now that you have a purpose in mind, think about what feelings, symbols, or other elements you want to convey to your viewers. Do you want them to feel happy, sad, curious, or introspective? Do you want to inspire them to take action or to notice something they may not have otherwise? As a visual artist, you have a unique opportunity to communicate with your audience through your photos. By considering the emotional impact you want your photo to have, you can create a much more powerful image.

3. How can I use my surroundings to enhance the visual appeal and impact of my photo?
   One of the best ways to make your photo more visually appealing is to use your surroundings to your advantage. Take a moment to examine the context in which you're taking the photo. Can you position yourself or your subject in a way that creates a more interesting or impactful image? What elements can you include in the background or foreground to add depth or context to the photo? By taking a few extra moments to consider your surroundings, you can elevate a basic snapshot to a truly artistic image.

4. What camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are needed to capture the image I have in mind?
   Finally, it's important to remember that the camera is just a tool - it's up to you to use it to its full potential. While it might be tempting to stick to Auto mode, learning to control the camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO can have a significant impact on the final outcome of your photograph. For example, a larger aperture can create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and making your subject stand out. A faster shutter speed can freeze motion and create a crisp, sharp image. By experimenting with different camera settings, you can learn to capture the image you have in mind. 

By asking yourself these four simple questions before you start taking photos, you'll be well on your way to improving your photography skills and creating more impactful, memorable images. So go ahead and give it a try - you might be surprised at the results you can achieve with just a little extra thought and effort.

Chin Hock