1. Hold the camera steady with your elbows close to your body, or propped on something stable (table, bench, etc.) OR use a tripod.
2. Don’t be afraid of angles or changing your orientation (portrait or landscape).
3. Before pressing the shutter button, check your focus points. Is your photo focused on the subject or on something in the foreground or background?
4. Check your camera settings before shooting photos…Are they correct for the current conditions? ie: ISO, Shutter Speed, White Balance, etc.
5. Listen to your teacher (if in a classroom situation) AND use great resources such as DPS!
6. Listen to experienced photographers. Also, view and study works of other photographers. This helps provide different perspectives and inspiration.
7. Learn how to use the Macro settings (or Macro lens) for your camera. Give the smallest details of nature great importance!
8. Use the continuous shooting mode to capture movement.
9. Take LOTS and LOTS of pictures!
10. Have FUN!
There are 3 basic rules for sketching outdoors:
1. First, determine your horizon line, making sure that all your receding lines converge properly.
Sketch the general contours of the big shapes. Keep them fairly angular and avoid drawing details too soon.
2. Second, the same advice applies to shading.
Indicate the large masses first, in simple light and shade.
Avoid using halftones at this stage. Watch your source of light and keep it consistent.
3. Third, put in the half-tones, constantly checking the relationship of the light and dark values.
Then render the details and necessary accents in the final stage to complete the picture
As you can see, these rules are very simple and easy to follow.
Now go out there, and do some sketching!