When you pick up your camera to shoot a photograph, do you think before you depress the shutter? Or, do you just fire away hopeful that a tiny fairy within your digital camera will magically change it into something stunning? Appears absurd doesn't it? However that is what a lot of individuals do. No reflection, just shoot away and trust for the best.
Picture a room packed of chimpanzees. Each one one bashing away at a typewriter, filled with eagerness and attention. In attendance stands a publisher smiling at the thought that in a matter of time he'll possess a best selling novel. He has exactly as much likelihood of it happening as the foolish photographer. You have to give thought to your photo before pressing the button.
I have found that by working through these 6 fast guidelines in my mind before I capture the photograph my images are dramatically better than if I had not.
1. Why am I taking the image?
There has to be a motive why you are taking the picture. Enjoyment, pleasure, recording an event or capturing 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 image. But most times you will want to answer this question. The answer to every issue will require you to make a choice on the topic of composition, lighting, exposure or framing. How close you need to get or the viewpoint from which you have to shoot. Be true to yourself and solve this problem accurately.
2. What is the focal point of the image?
You need to recognize who the focal point of the photograph will be, i.e. the most important subject. Similar to the actor appearing in a show or stage performance. Everybody is familiar with 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 middle or on a two thirds intersecting line. The subject will attract the eye of the viewer into the photograph and needs to be suitably placed.
3. What is competing with your subject?
Very crucial question to answer. If there is the slightest clash from other possible subjects of focal points then you need to recognize how to deal with them and how to place them. You cannot have the subject competing for attention in an photograph. This will cause the eye of the person to wander in confusion between the two points. If they are competing or just creating a diversion they have to go or you need to find a method of reducing the distraction. Bottom line is that there is no room for two prima donnas on the stage.
4. Am I close enough to the subject?
Getting in closer is especially significant. Fill the frame with as much of the subject as possible. This is the perfect method to get rid of the competing subjects or distracting things. Getting in nearer and cropping the picture will remove unnecessary subjects and disorder from the picture. This will allow the viewer to see more detail in the shot and create an picture considerably more delightful to the eye. By the way, don't zoom but utilize your feet primarily and then if you can't get any nearer start to zoom.
5. What is in the background and foreground?
If there is not much then you don't have a predicament. Most of the time there is and you have to deal with the dilemma. Backgrounds which are muddled or similar in colour to your subject have to be dealt with. Change the viewpoint, viewpoint or your position to position the subject in front of a better background if necessary. Too much disorder in the back will compete with the subject for attention, so be careful. The same goes for the foreground. Although not as crucial there must not be anything present that is distracting to the eye. And of course choose if you need the background pin-sharp or unclear with a shallow depth of field.
6. What is my main source of light?
If it's the sun then you ought to get it at the back of you and somewhat at an angle to the subject. Unless you specifically require the subject back lit, don't put the subject in front of the sun. Above all identify where the sun is and to what degree it will affect the photograph. Determine what type of light it is i.e. intense sun or filtered sun through the clouds on an overcast day. The time of day will also influence the picture and if the light is too low you'll require a tripod or some type of support.
Answering these questions quickly before you take the photo will become second nature as you practise. There are others you might have to to ask as well, but these six are the most important ones that will assist you to take 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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