Now that you have mastered the basics, you are ready to stretch your wings and soar to new photographic heights.

Like the basics, the following principles are simple. They comprise the tricks of the trade that are shared among professional photographers yet are beneficial to photographers at every level. They can be utilized regardless of the kind of camera you use.

First and foremost, professionals learn to see light in a unique way. They notice color and direction of light. They often rise before dawn to get a head start on the sun so they can make the most of the early morning light. They look for aspects such as shadows and reflections. Additionally, instead of letting trivial factors such as the weather dictate their photo opportunities, they work with even the worst of weather conditions to produce outstanding, dramatic photos.

Surprisingly, professionals often turn on their flash when most people would turn it off, and turn off their flash when others would turn it on. You will therefore learn how to get control of your camera flash. Then, you'll take a quick look at timing, the art of selecting the best moment to press the shutter button.

The last two tricks most professional photographers live by relate to volume. Professionals recognize that they need to shoot many pictures, taking careful notes along the way. Complementing this, they develop a keen ability to critique their own work so that they end up presenting only their best photographs to others.

As the professional learns and practices new techniques, he studies his mistakes so he can take better photos next time.

Let's begin by looking at how the pros look at light.

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