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< 1. Frame
your subject. Usually rectangular shapes are easier. |
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< 2. Use DOF
(depth of field) to make
your subject stand out. |
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< 3.
Rule of thirds.
Divide: Divide the scene in thirds horizontally and vertically (nine
boxes), and plan your composition in how you fill those boxes.. |
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< 4. ONE
SUBJECT! Also see the DOF
article for more help on isolating the subject (also see point 8). |
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< 5. Don't
be afraid of the cliché shots. Take the shot and appreciate why it's so
good, later. |
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< 6. Be
ready to shoot from the hip. (The camera was set on F11, 1/125, iso400) |
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< 7. Look for patterns, and
keep it free of any contaminates. |
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< 8. Clean
and simple is often the best. |
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< 9. Cloudy
/ overcast days provide softer light and no harsh shadows. These kinds
of days often make a more atmospheric feel to the image. (compare this
to number 5, above) |
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< 10. Look
for colour contrasts. Also, use higher shutter speeds, especially when
the wind blows the leaves about. |
|
<-- Back |
Create your photo book now!
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< 11. Come
in close. Closer, closer still, and zoom a little, and you're there! |
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< 12. In
bright sunlight, use a flash to fill in some shadows on your friend's
face. This is a touristy photo, but it can look better (especially if he
smiled) |
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< 13. Look
for geometric lines, angles, curves and things. |
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< 14.(This
golden dolphin is over 100ft up). Use higher shutter speeds when using a
telescopic lens, like this 75-300mm lens. (F5.6, 1/250, iso100). Or use
a tripod. |
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< 15. Experiment
(and discard your failures). |
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< 16.
Experiment with PhotoShop or other. This had both Saturation and Hue
tinkered with. Check out
PhotoShop Tutorials from YouTube. |
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< 17. Avoid
putting horizons in the centre. See details in the
Sunrise and
Composition
tutorials. |
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< 18. Go out
of your way to find interesting places, scenes, and angles. Taking
photos in the backyard doesn't really broaden your horizons. And see
point 14 |
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< 19. Look
for different angles. This one leads your eye to focus in a particular
area |
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< 20.
Negative space, is where the subject fills one ninth (one of the boxes
in point 3 above), and the rest of the picture (eight ninths) is just
'environment' |
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< 21.
Come down to the eye level of your subject (pets or children) |
| (more to come) |
< 22. |
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> Consider
these high-end amateur cameras listed on "Which
Camera?". |
del.icio.us
(more below). Visit our
forums to discuss and ask
questions.
