How to Take a Good Photograph

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By corinafiore
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Capture the great photograph

Taking a great photograph isn't about the camera. It isn't about the lenses. Taking a great photograph is about the eye and finding light.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Think in the law of thirds. Imagine your frame is broken up into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Placing the subject or the subject's eyes along those thirds rather than dead center is most appealing to the eye. Notice how girl in the photograph above is in the right third of the photograph.
Step 2

Notice the background. The biggest mistake that alot of amateur photographers make is not noticing the background. Look at your subject before taking the shot. Does it look like something is coming out of it that shouldn't (i.e. a pole coming out of your subject's head)? Is there alot of clutter in the background that might draw the eye away from the subject? If so, recompose the photograph before you shoot.
Step 3

Notice where the light is coming from in the photograph. If the light is behind your subject, your subject will tend to be underexposed. If the light is in front of your subject, the subject may tend to look flat. Try to angle the light coming in from the side to give depth to your subject. A diffuse light is best. Shooting on a cloudy day or in the shade will eliminate harsh shadows.
Step 4

Shooting in a diffuse light is best. Shooting on a cloudy day or in the shade will eliminate harsh shadows.
Step 5

Turn off your flash. Use a setting on your camera that will allow you to shoot without your flash. The flash can flatten an image and overexpose some areas of the photograph. It can also steal from the sparkle of the eyes.

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