When you pick up your digital camera to take a shot, do you think before you press the shutter button? Or, do you simply shoot away hoping that a small fairy inside your camera will magically change it into something beautiful? Sounds ludicrous doesn't it? However that is what many individuals do. No consideration, just shoot away and hope for the best.
Picture a space occupied of monkeys. Every one one bashing away at a keyboard, full of eagerness and attention. Nearby stands a publisher smiling at the thought that in a matter of time he'll own a best selling novel. He has just as much possibility of it occurring as the thoughtless photographer. You have to give consideration to your photograph prior to clicking the button.
I have discovered that by working through these 6 quick tips in my head before I take the picture my images are considerably improved than if I hadn't.
1. Why am I shooting the photograph?
There has to be a explanation why you are shooting the image. Enjoyment, pleasure, recording an event or capturing the emotion of a moment. There is continually a reason even if the photographer won't admit it. There might be times which you merely point and shoot lacking a lot reflection other than, heh I am going to capture a photo. However most times you will want to resolve this question. The solution to each question will require you to make a decision about composition, lighting, exposure or framing. How near you need to get or the position from that you have to shoot. Be true to yourself and solve this problem suitably.
2. Who or what is the focus of this
You need to know who the focal point of the image will be, i.e. the central subject. Like the actor in a show or stage show. Everyone understands who this is and the same goes for your shots. Founded on this information you need to understand where you will place the subject. In the middle or on a two thirds intersecting line. The subject will pull the eye of the viewer into the picture and needs to be appropriately placed.
3. Does the subject have competition?
Extremely significant question to answer. If there is any clash from other potential subjects of focal points then you have to to know how to deal with them and where to position them. You cannot have the subject competing for attention in an shot. This causes the eye of the viewer to wander in uncertainty between the two items. If they will be competing or just causing a diversion they have to go or you have to discover a way of minimizing the distraction. Bottom line is that there is no space for two prima donnas on the stage.
4. Am I close enough to the subject?
Getting in closer is extremely vital. Fill the frame with as much of the subject as possible. This is the perfect method to take out the competing subjects or distracting objects. Getting in nearer and cropping the photograph will take out unnecessary subjects and disorder from the shot. This will permit the viewer to observe further detail in the shot and make an picture considerably more delightful to the eye. By the way, do not zoom but make use of your feet primarily and then if you can't get any closer start to zoom.
5. What's in the background and foreground?
If there is nothing then you don't have a problem. Much of the time there is and you need to deal with the predicament. Backgrounds that are disorderly or similar in colour to your subject need to be dealt with. Change the viewpoint, perspective or your position to position the subject in front of a improved background if needed. Too much clutter in the back will compete with the subject for attention, so be careful. The same goes for the foreground. While not as essential there should not be anything there which is distracting to the eye. And of course choose if you want the background sharp or blurred with a shallow depth of field.
6. What is my main source of light?
If it is the sunlight then you have to get it behind you and slightly at an angle to the subject. Unless you specifically require the subject backlit, never put the subject in front of the sun. Above all identify where the sun is and how it will have an effect on the picture. Determine what sort of light it is i.e. bright sun or filtered sunlight through the clouds on an overcast day. The time of day will also affect the picture and if the light is extremely low you will require a tripod or some kind of support.
Answering these questions speedily before you shoot will become second nature as you practise. There are people you might have to to ask as well, but these six are the main ones which will assist you to capture fantastic photographs.
Author Resource:-
Wayne Turner studied with the New York Institute of Photography and has been teaching photography for 25 years. CLICK HERE to learn digital photography with him by subscribing to his FREE 10 PART PHOTOGRAPHY E-COURSE, emailed daily to your INBOX - To dramatically improve your photography here is his latest ebook, 21 STEPS TO PERFECT PHOTOS - CLICK HERE
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