tips and techniques

If an experienced good photographer (you) was going to give a noob (me)some hints for taking sharp pictures, what would it be. I have seversl books on order that have been suggested on here. I have a 40D with the IS kit lens. Now I know better glass is important but it is not an option and I have seen many great pictures taken with less quality lenses. So, what your secrets?? Thanks

I would start to shoot RAW and learn to use DPP or any other RAW processing software you have if you haven't done so already.

My first tip would be go out and shoot as much as you can.
Sounds simple but...

You will learn about what lighting conditions will produce pleasing photographs. This is key in my opinion.

Sure you can shoot RAW and spend hours fixing your mistakes, but why not learn how to get it right the first time, in your camera.

Buy one nice prime like a 50 1.8 (less than $100) or a 85 1.8. It will show you what is possible with your camera as far as sharpness. I prefer the 85 1.8 even on my crop camera (XTi).

Learn the sweet spot of your lenses. Try to shoot ISO's as low as possible. But remember slow shutter speeds will produce soft images.

Again, it's all about reading the light in a scene. You will soon be able to tell if it's even worth bringing your camera out of the bag or not just by seeing how good or poor the lighting is. Tip: Bright overcast days will be your best friend.

Good Luck!

First set up your camera with back button focusing. Makes auto focus a few tenths faster. That is my biggest trick!

I'd practice shooting technique and study the results as soon after you take pictures. Something as simple as holding the camera steady takes practice. Also, if you think a problem is your gear, make sure it's not you first. I'd also post pics here for critique and suggestions.

The suggestion I would offer is to back up Just Be's comment of going out and shooting. I've found that like everything else, the more time you practice the better you become. Another thing I would say is don't get too bogged down with a lot of things to practice in one setting. Pick an area you want to focus your practice on and stick with it for a while. I think this narrowed focus makes the practice sessions have a greater impact. Since your original question dealt with sharpness, I would go out and practice with different shutter speeds then progress to different apertures at the speeds you find out were your sharpest.

DigitalSpecialist wrote in post #5683594
First set up your camera with back button focusing. Makes auto focus a few tenths faster. That is my biggest trick!

Can you explain how you achieve this? Are you referring to selecting a different focus point with the back button depending on the condition at the moment?

Rafromak wrote in post #5683784
Can you explain how you achieve this? Are you referring to selecting a different focus point with the back button depending on the condition at the moment?

Set custom function 4 to option 1.

Use a tripod, remote shutter release, and mirror lockup whenever possible.

JCH77Yanks wrote in post #5683799
Set custom function 4 to option 1.

Thanks.

JCH77Yanks wrote in post #5683799
Set custom function 4 to option 1.

This statement means absolutely nothing to 40D user.
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To assign focusing to AF-ON button, C.Fn. IV-1 has to be set to either 2 or 3.

Make sure you squeeze the shutter button, don't jab at it. Also brace your elbows against your sides for stability and breathe slowly. Pretty much like being a sniper but nobody dies.

Hermeto wrote in post #5683874
This statement means absolutely nothing to 40D user.
_______________
To assign focusing to AF-ON button, C.Fn. IV-1 has to be set to either 2 or 3.

Ah! I got it now.

Thanks to both of you.

It’ll take a while to get used to it - maybe a week or so - but it’s worth the effort.

Those are great and I appreciate your input!! Feel like I got a book for FREE.
Would lover anything else you can think of.