We started the photo challenge at Exposaroonie to introduce people to different ways of shooting the same subject. The challenges are awesome in that everyone has a main goal, to take a picture of a certain subject or something revolving around a certain idea, but it is up to you as an individual to compose your own photograph based on how you interpret the challenge. The idea is, that when you see the challenges all together, you will learn from other photographer's images. However, to help you move your skills along, we thought we'd mention a few simple ways to improve your photography.
Composition is an important key factor in photography. There are many things to think about, framing, existing lighting, colors, etc. All of these things play a factor in how your picture is going to turn out. You could be completely accurate in adjusting the technical aspects of the camera, ISO, aperture, white balance... but if your picture doesn't have good composition, you will end up with just another picture.
To achieve a great picture, you have to have an eye. Knowing what will make a good photograph takes time and experience, but, there are a few simple rules you can go by to help you along the way.
Rule of Thirds Though it is definitely OK to break this rule, this is a rule that is often taught to new photographers in regards to composition.
When framing your image through your camera's viewfinder or LCD screen, try and mentally divide the entire frame into three horizontal and vertical rows.
Now that you've done this, line your subject up at an intersection of two of the lines - instead of just in the middle. These intersections are areas where people's eyes naturally flow towards.. making a picture appear to be balanced.
This rule can also be applied to the horizon in landscape pictures. Try lining it up with the bottom line or the top line - instead of in the middle of the picture.
View Point
How many of you try to take a picture of your pet from waaaay up there, at your level?
Yeah, that is what I thought. Next time, try getting down at the subject's level before taking a picture.
Don't be afraid to lay down, squat down or sit down to get the right angle for the shot.
Try this the next time you shoot a picture of your flowers out back, your super adorable nephew, or even your shoes. This well help turn any snapshot into a photograph.
Another way to spice things up, when taking a picture of, say, a statue, don't settle for just a straight on shot. While yes, sometimes, the straight on shot is necessary, but try to live on the edge. Get below the subject and shoot up. Or, stand on your tip-toes and shoot downward. Make the shot interesting. Keep in mind, when shooting people, the from below tends to exaggerate features most people don't want exaggerated... chins, noses etc. When you shoot from above, it can have either a bobble-head effect, or a slimming effect... you will just have to use your best judgment.
Lighting We believe that it is very important for budding-photographers to try and shoot in only natural light, as often as possible. This will help you learn more about various lighting situations: direct light, indirect light, indoor lighting, shade etc. You'll learn to work around shadows, what produces shadows and hopefully, how to avoid them. (though later, you'll learn a proper flash-fill will do wonders for shadows.. but let's stick with natural lighting for now).
So turn you flash off, try and maintain a steady hand, and practice using only natural light.
Many times, the automatic settings on our cameras set the flash to go off in situations where it really isn't necessary. I your ISO is up a little higher (FYI, many point and shoots will allow to adjust the ISO manually.. but even just by turning the flash off, those cameras will try to adjust the settings on their own... so don't fret if you can't figure out how to change the ISO).
Who wants another washed out flash-y image anyway?
Sharpness
Sharp pictures aren't always the best pictures, but for the most part, you generally want to make sure your main subject is in focus. Spend the extra time making sure you are focusing properly on what you want to focus on. If it just isn't focusing, maybe you are too close. Most lenses have minimum focusing distance, so try pulling back a smidge... or if you can, try manually focusing.
Cropping Before clicking the shutter, take a look at the edges of your framed picture in the viewfinder. Are there any obnoxious extras just hanging out? Try zooming in just a bit, or getting just a little closer to avoid any distractions in your frame.
Sharing
Finally, these may be a bit of a personal pet peeve, but I definitely think it needs to be said. When you share your photos online with other people... don't share all 76 of your cat or the party. Pick out your favorites. Share those. No one wants to see the seven blurry shots of the palm trees leading up to the one good one.
There are many other basic tips out there, but these, we feel are some of the more important ones. We hope to bring your more useful tips in the future.
Do you have a tip? Or a question? Leave a comment or
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