When you pick up your digital camera to take a photograph, do you deliberate before you push the button? Or, do you simply fire away trusting that a small fairy within your camera will magically transform it into something wonderful? Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? However that is what countless individuals do. No deliberation, merely shoot away and hope for the best.
Imagine a space packed of monkeys. Every one one banging away at a computer, packed with enthusiasm and concentration. There stands a publisher grinning at the idea that in a matter of time he will possess a best selling book. He has precisely as much possibility of it occurring as the foolish photographer. You have to give consideration to your image before clicking the shutter button.
I have found that by going through these 6 short steps in my head before I take the image my shots are dramatically better than if I hadn't.
1. Why am I taking the picture?
There has to be a reason why you are capturing the shot. Fun, pleasure, recording an event or taking the emotion of a moment. There is always a rationale even if the photographer won't admit it. There may possibly be times that you merely point and shoot lacking a lot thought other than, heh I am going to take a photograph. But most times you will need to answer this question. The solution to every issue will require you to make a choice concerning composition, lighting, exposure or framing. How close you need to get or the point of view from which you need to shoot. Be true to yourself and answer this question properly.
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 main focus. Similar to the actor appearing in a show or stage theatrical production. Every person knows who this is and the same goes for your photographs. Based on this information you want to be aware of where you will position the subject. In the center or on a two thirds intersecting line. The subject will attract the eye of the viewer into the image and needs to be suitably placed.
3. Does the subject have competition?
Very important question to answer. If there is any clash from other possible subjects of focal points then you ought to understand how to deal with them and where to position them. You can't have the subject competing for attention in an image. This causes the eye of the viewer to wander in uncertainty between the two points. If they are competing or just causing a distraction they have to go or you have to find a means of reducing the distraction. Bottom line is that there is no scope for two prima donnas on the stage.
4. Am I near enough to the subject?
Getting in closer is especially important. Fill the frame with as much of the subject as possible. This is the ideal way to remove the competing subjects or distracting things. Getting in closer and cropping the shot will eliminate superfluous subjects and clutter from the photograph. This will permit the viewer to notice more detail in the photograph and create an image a lot more delightful to the eye. By the way, never zoom but make use of your feet to start with and then if you cannot get any nearer start to zoom.
5. What's in the background and foreground?
If there is not much then you won't have a predicament. The majority of the time there is and you need to deal with the dilemma. Backgrounds that are cluttered or similar in color to your subject have to be dealt with. Adjust the viewpoint, angle or your position to place the subject in front of a improved background if necessary. Too much untidiness in the back will compete with the subject for attention, so be careful. The same goes for the foreground. While not as significant there must not be anything present which is distracting to the eye. And of course decide if you need the background sharp or unclear with a narrow depth of field.
6. What is my most important source of light?
If it is the sun then you have to get it at the back of you and somewhat at an angle to the subject. Unless you specifically require the subject back-lit, do not position the subject in front of the sun. Above all identify where the sun is and how it will have an effect on the photograph. Ascertain what sort of light it is i.e. sharp sun or filtered sun through the clouds on an overcast day. The time of day will also have an effect on the photograph and if the light is excessively low you'll want a tripod or some type of support.
Answering these questions promptly before you take the photo will become second nature as you practise. There are other photographers you may need to ask as well, but these six are the major ones that will assist you to capture fantastic shots.
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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