Tips for Taking a Photograph
Photography is a hobby that can be enjoyed by professionals and amateurs alike. While it doesn't take much experience or education to take a good picture, there are a few tips that can be followed to help improve your photographs. Take a few minutes to think about the aspects of the photograph which you are shooting, including composition, lighting, background and subject.
-
Composition
-
Composition refers to how things are positioned in a photograph. It's common for people to take a picture with the person or object they're shooting in the center of the frame. Create a more interesting image by shooting with the subject off-center.
Shoot things from different angles --- for example, portraits don't always have to be taken straight-on. On the other hand, try getting on the level of your subject. If you're taking a picture of a dog, you could try lying down in the grass and seeing things from his point-of-view instead of just shooting from above.
Lighting
-
Lighting has a huge effect on how a picture comes out. Always shoot with adequate lighting, whether inside or outside. Natural (sun) light is the best, but pictures can also benefit from using lamps or the flash on your camera. There are also scenarios where you would benefit from turning off the flash on your camera, such as a well-lit room. Excess light can cause the picture to appear over-exposed and the subject to be drowned out. Use a few practice shots to get the lighting right before you start taking photographs.
-
Background
-
When choosing a background, keep two things in mind: you want it to either add to the picture or not distract from the subject. Plain backgrounds generally work best when taking a portrait. You want the subject to be the focus of your picture. Avoid poles and other objects that may accidentally seem to be protruding from the subject. Backgrounds that add to the picture are landscapes, landmarks and beautiful scenery. For example, if you're visiting the ocean you want to make sure it is included in the pictures.
Subject
-
The subject is simply what you're taking a picture of. Common subjects for photography are people, landmarks, landscapes and animals. Choose a subject that you're interested in and enjoy shooting --- this will improve your photographs. As a photographer, you need to be ready to take a picture when the opportunity presents itself. On the other hand, you need to know how to scan an area and recognize what would make a great picture. Look for something that catches your eye and is unique, colorful or different. For example, if you're taking a picture of a lake you may choose to focus on a piece of driftwood in the foreground rather than taking the same generic picture that everyone else is taking. Carry a camera around with you at all times to catch those moments that you may never see again.
-
