1.) Angles and composition
Just like any other art form, composition applies to photography as well. When creating your shots put some thought into how things will look framed. Don’t put your subject matter in the center. Try experimenting with negative space! Sometimes your subject matter will look better all the way to the right instead of dead center. Explore different angles that will represent your subject better. Tilting your camera and taking close up angle shots are a great way of doing this. Make your composition and angles narrate what’s going on in the photo, it will make it look like you put more thought into your photos rather than just snapping pics.
Notice the angles created by using CTGs (close to ground shots). This dynamic angle combined with the off centered subject matter creates a captivating image.
2.) You don’t have to start off with expensive equipment
Have you ever seen those pics on Instagram? Those weren’t done with fancy lenses that cost a million dollars. Pretty sure some of those photos look great because they followed step #1. Get the right concepts down, and you will be fine with a basic point and shoot camera. The rest can be fixed later with photoshop.
Believe it or not, this beautiful image was captured with a point and shoot camera. The image was later edited in photoshop and here are the wonderful results!
3.) What you see in real life will be different on a camera
A common mistake beginning photographers make is that they take shots of things that might look good in real life, but look like absolute crap in the photo. Be aware of what you’re trying to capture and think how you can express the moment through the lens. You might experience depth and height of the subject at the time of the shoot, but in the photo it is difficult to express that feeling. Ask yourself how you make this interesting to the viewer.
The dull image on the left could have so much potential. The image on right really captures the feeling that is being expressed at the moment of shooting.
4.) Be aware of unwanted objects in your images.
Nothing could be worse than taking the perfect shot, only to realize that there is a horrendous dead bug hiding behind an electrical cord to the left of your subject. We’ve all experienced this… some less dramatic than others. In order to prevent this, look around before you start shooting. Check for things you don’t want in your photo. Maybe that hanging fly strip in the background shouldn’t be there. It’s really easy to change color and tones in an editing program, but it’s a lot harder to cut things out.
Wouldn’t this image be so much better without the guy walking to the boat? Elements such as this can lead to a really distracting photos.
5.) Think shapes and colors
When creating a shot, think of the objects in the image as geometric shapes and blocks of colors. This will not only allow you to create interesting compositions, but it will also train your eye to see deeper into what you’re trying to capture. It will help you pay more attention to detail. Put dark shapes next to brighter ones to create contrast. Place opposing shapes together to make the image interesting. Experiment and have fun!
Hope these tips helped you to become a better photographer. What are your favorite tips?