Photography Tips and Tricks


Subject too small 

Fill the frame. Get close to your subject.  For some reason, people tend to want to stay far back when taking a photograph -- DON'T!  Get in their face!


Subject is dead center

Dispite what you may think, putting the subject DEAD center of the frame makes a lifeless and square photo.   A good rule of thumb is to imagine the frame in 1/3 pieces.   Don't put the subject completely in any 1/3 portion.


Excess clutter / picture unbalanced

Remove unwanted elements from the picture. Move closer, change your viewpoint or change lenses. Select subject(s) carefully. Are you trying to convey too much?

 

Blurred, fuzzy or soft shots 

Don't stab the shutter. Tuck arms into body, assume a stable stance. Support the camera or use a tripod in low light. Open up your aperture.


Slanted horizons

Sometimes focusing too much on the subject, it is easy to overlook that your frame is off balance and tilted. 


Poor timing of day, light, season

Direct sunlight is going to wash out the contrast and make your photo look "flat".   A good time of day is dawn and dusk.   The light is softer and colors are richer. 


Picture fails to capture the essence of the situation

Remember that you are seeing a greater depth of field than the camera frame.   Pretend that you are a movie director and setting up the shot by making a square with your hands.   Anything outside of that isn't there -- for your picture taking purpose. 


Confusion over camera operation

Learn how your camera works.   Read the manual, keep it in your camera bag.   Nothing is more tragic (photography wise) than having a great shot but not getting it because you are too busy stressing over how to get the camera to work. 




Rule of thirds

States that the main centres of interest in the picture should be positioned on or near an intersection of thirds. Apply this as in a high or low horizon line or with a person to the side. This better directs the eye into the rest of the picture.

 

Leading lines

Says that some other element of the picture should lead the eye towards the main subject. A leading line will draw the eye around the picture and can consist of a number of configurations such as straight lines, curves or S shapes.


Framing the Image

With overhanging branches, a window, a doorway, with clouds...all limit the field of view and call attention to the subject. This is one of the simplest ways to create perspective since it brings depth to the shot.


Viewpoint

Changing your point of view can simplify a composition. High up gives you more foreground and a birds-eye perspective. Getting down low in relation to your subject increases the size and importance of any foreground matter and creates a more intimate feel to the shot. You may also be able to hide unwanted material.


Look again

Practice organising and including only important subject matter in the viewfinder. You'll discover that you may need to move closer or farther back, to get down low or move up high, step to the right or left, or change lenses.


Selective focus

Involves using a large lens opening or a telephoto lens to throw the foreground out of focus, thereby placing greater emphasis on your subject. Selective focus works best in high-contrast situations, so look for light and dark areas, sunlight and shadows.


Filling the Picture Frame

Strong shots often have prime subject(s) dominating the picture area. When a subject is too small, it gets lost in the composition. Telephoto lenses bring subjects closer to the film without you moving. Wide angles allow you to get close for a more intimate effect.


Vertical Versus Horizontal

Most cameras are more comfortable to hold in the horizontal position. But the opportunities for vertical compositions are just as numerous and shouldn't be overlooked. Certain subjects are custom made for this format.


Skewing the point of view

Tilting the camera so that it records your subjects on the diagonal is a way to introduce a feeling of speed, movement, and action to your compositions. Diagonal lines tend to be dynamic and suggest movement.


Keep it simple

Fill the frame. Avoid unwanted clutter. Go for bold strong compositions. Concentrate on the subject matter.