Thanks to digital cameras photography has never been as easy as the present. But, there's quite a difference between shooting an image that is a fair representation of a subject and creating something that is exciting. A few simple tips in the areas of composition, lighting or exposure will help you improve you images quickly, simply and sometimes even dramatically.
Don't forget that when trying to improve your photography, do it small bites. In the same way as the old adage says you should eat an elephant. Simple steps to a goal will get you there quicker and easier than trying to remember everything at once and getting nowhere. A logical and systematic approach will allow you to work at each simple step, conqueror it and then move on to the next. Don't forget though to evaluate along the way to see if you've learnt each step or if you need to revise.
Remember to take your time with each step and master it before moving on to the next. So here goes:
1. Every photo needs a focal point
Without it the image is dull and uninteresting and does nothing for the viewer. You need to get the viewer's attention and hold it, drawing their eye into the photo. Remember the subject is king. Without one is like a wedding missing a bride or a coronation missing the queen.
2. Create a sense of depth in your photo by using a frame
For example, a hole in the wall of a broken down house, a window frame or a natural or man-made archway. Shoot through these objects focusing on a subject on the other side. Place a frame around the edges of your image that the draws the viewer into the image.
3. If your photos aren't good enough then you are probably not near enough to your subject
Get in closer. Use your feet first and then if that is not possible, use your zoom. The closer you are to the subject the greater the impact of the image. We tend to stay too far away from our subject thereby including too much unnecessary clutter. If you want to remember people
4. Before your press the shutter look for clutter
While looking through the viewfinder check the edges of your frame and see if there is anything unnecessary you want to exclude from the image. It may be easily removed by zooming a little or walking in closer or perhaps you may need to change your viewpoint or the angle. Find a way to exclude the messy edges and your image will improve a hundredfold.
5. A more dynamic image can be created by having diagonals running through the image
Like a fence or a pathway. These tend to lead the eye to a point so make sure that it disappears into the distance and is not cut short at the edge of the image. Diagonals will add a new dimension to your photos and look fantastic as well.
6. If at all possible use natural light in your images
The humble flashgun is not the answer to all of a photographer's lighting challenges. The flash is always and only a substitute for natural light. You can't compare the quality of natural light to a flash. So when inside shoot near a bright window. Bright overcast days are perfect for shooting outside as the cloud cover acts as a large diffuser giving you natural and even light.
7. In most situations keep the direction of the light coming from behind the camera
Shooting into the light has many challenges and you need to have a greater understanding of lighting to use it to its best advantage. Don't always worry about shadows either. Strong light from the side gives great character to otherwise bright flat images. Always be aware of your lighting source whether indoors or outside.
8. Always shoot using the highest quality image resolution settings on your camera
Never shoot for e-mail in a low resolution format. You can always lower your quality but you can't increase it once the shot has been taken. Often when reviewing your images on a computer you'll find a great shot that cannot be printed because you shot it in a low resolution.
9. If you're shooting action shots set the shutter speed to fast in order to capture frozen movement
By slowing it down you'll create blurred movement. Both these techniques can give you amazing shots if your overall composition is right. Panning is a technique where you move your camera evenly while tracking a moving object and then pressing the shutter. This blurs out the background and keeps your subject sharp.
10. When taking portraits get in really close and exclude clutter
Focus on your subject's eyes and make sure that you focus carefully. Sharp eyes stand out in a good portrait. Even if the face is sharp and the eyes are out of focus, the whole image will look out of focus. As they say, the eyes are the window to the soul. Make sure they are sharp, clear and sparkling with colour.
So there you have it. These are just some of several techniques I use to improve any photo. They might seem basic but they will improve your images immediately.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_G_Turner
Don't forget that when trying to improve your photography, do it small bites. In the same way as the old adage says you should eat an elephant. Simple steps to a goal will get you there quicker and easier than trying to remember everything at once and getting nowhere. A logical and systematic approach will allow you to work at each simple step, conqueror it and then move on to the next. Don't forget though to evaluate along the way to see if you've learnt each step or if you need to revise.
Remember to take your time with each step and master it before moving on to the next. So here goes:
1. Every photo needs a focal point
Without it the image is dull and uninteresting and does nothing for the viewer. You need to get the viewer's attention and hold it, drawing their eye into the photo. Remember the subject is king. Without one is like a wedding missing a bride or a coronation missing the queen.
2. Create a sense of depth in your photo by using a frame
For example, a hole in the wall of a broken down house, a window frame or a natural or man-made archway. Shoot through these objects focusing on a subject on the other side. Place a frame around the edges of your image that the draws the viewer into the image.
3. If your photos aren't good enough then you are probably not near enough to your subject
Get in closer. Use your feet first and then if that is not possible, use your zoom. The closer you are to the subject the greater the impact of the image. We tend to stay too far away from our subject thereby including too much unnecessary clutter. If you want to remember people
4. Before your press the shutter look for clutter
While looking through the viewfinder check the edges of your frame and see if there is anything unnecessary you want to exclude from the image. It may be easily removed by zooming a little or walking in closer or perhaps you may need to change your viewpoint or the angle. Find a way to exclude the messy edges and your image will improve a hundredfold.
5. A more dynamic image can be created by having diagonals running through the image
Like a fence or a pathway. These tend to lead the eye to a point so make sure that it disappears into the distance and is not cut short at the edge of the image. Diagonals will add a new dimension to your photos and look fantastic as well.
6. If at all possible use natural light in your images
The humble flashgun is not the answer to all of a photographer's lighting challenges. The flash is always and only a substitute for natural light. You can't compare the quality of natural light to a flash. So when inside shoot near a bright window. Bright overcast days are perfect for shooting outside as the cloud cover acts as a large diffuser giving you natural and even light.
7. In most situations keep the direction of the light coming from behind the camera
Shooting into the light has many challenges and you need to have a greater understanding of lighting to use it to its best advantage. Don't always worry about shadows either. Strong light from the side gives great character to otherwise bright flat images. Always be aware of your lighting source whether indoors or outside.
8. Always shoot using the highest quality image resolution settings on your camera
Never shoot for e-mail in a low resolution format. You can always lower your quality but you can't increase it once the shot has been taken. Often when reviewing your images on a computer you'll find a great shot that cannot be printed because you shot it in a low resolution.
9. If you're shooting action shots set the shutter speed to fast in order to capture frozen movement
By slowing it down you'll create blurred movement. Both these techniques can give you amazing shots if your overall composition is right. Panning is a technique where you move your camera evenly while tracking a moving object and then pressing the shutter. This blurs out the background and keeps your subject sharp.
10. When taking portraits get in really close and exclude clutter
Focus on your subject's eyes and make sure that you focus carefully. Sharp eyes stand out in a good portrait. Even if the face is sharp and the eyes are out of focus, the whole image will look out of focus. As they say, the eyes are the window to the soul. Make sure they are sharp, clear and sparkling with colour.
So there you have it. These are just some of several techniques I use to improve any photo. They might seem basic but they will improve your images immediately.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_G_Turner
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