Photography can be an engaging and involving profession but getting started can be quite daunting. Here are a few tips and tricks I've learned along the way to help with the basics, I think they are good starting points, but remember - rules are there to be broken, especially if your aim is be creative. Most important of all - photography is completely subjective so believe in what you create - and of course enjoy it.
Alignment
Whether it's a horizon, a tree, building or person - align them so they appear natural. The two images below are identical, but the one on the right has the 'horizon' of shingle and the lake edge aligned perfectly horizontally, which also helps pull the posts on the jetty more upright.
Whether it's a horizon, a tree, building or person - align them so they appear natural. The two images below are identical, but the one on the right has the 'horizon' of shingle and the lake edge aligned perfectly horizontally, which also helps pull the posts on the jetty more upright.
Symmetry
Symmetry can be really powerful so keep an eye out for it, adjust your position and try and use it. Water (like with the image of the bird below) can be a useful tool for creating symmetry.
Symmetry can be really powerful so keep an eye out for it, adjust your position and try and use it. Water (like with the image of the bird below) can be a useful tool for creating symmetry.
Framing
Frames exist everywhere and can be used to enhance your images and focus your subject. Frames don't have to completely surround your subject like the blossom trees in the photo below on the right.
Frames exist everywhere and can be used to enhance your images and focus your subject. Frames don't have to completely surround your subject like the blossom trees in the photo below on the right.
Leading Lines
Leading lines draw the viewer into the image, and can be found in paths, windows, brickwork, buildings, cobbled streets, tyre tracks - the list goes on. In the images below the lines of the building and the stage lights help draw the eye of the viewer to the main subjects - whilst also in this case framing the main subjects.
Leading lines draw the viewer into the image, and can be found in paths, windows, brickwork, buildings, cobbled streets, tyre tracks - the list goes on. In the images below the lines of the building and the stage lights help draw the eye of the viewer to the main subjects - whilst also in this case framing the main subjects.
Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds is a powerful tool for composition, and can be applied whether you are taking or editing images, creating displays and presentations. Using the the rule of thirds method the image is divided into three equal columns and rows as shown in the lower left image. Key diving lines like horizons should be aligned on the horizontal lines and key lines like trees should be put on the vertical lines. Key points of interest should be placed on the intersection points, as indicated by the dots on the lower right image.
Rule of Thirds is a powerful tool for composition, and can be applied whether you are taking or editing images, creating displays and presentations. Using the the rule of thirds method the image is divided into three equal columns and rows as shown in the lower left image. Key diving lines like horizons should be aligned on the horizontal lines and key lines like trees should be put on the vertical lines. Key points of interest should be placed on the intersection points, as indicated by the dots on the lower right image.
Most cameras and phones have the option to turn this grid system on in your screen or viewfinder and using these lines to align key features will really help with composition as shown in the photos below.
Viewpoint
To add impact and make a more dramatic image, lower or raise your viewpoint away from your eye line. When taking photos of children drop down to their point of view.
To add impact and make a more dramatic image, lower or raise your viewpoint away from your eye line. When taking photos of children drop down to their point of view.
Focus on Eyes
When taking photos of people, focus on the eyes and make sure they are in focus. It's where we normally look at other people, and it's what we expect to see.
When taking photos of people, focus on the eyes and make sure they are in focus. It's where we normally look at other people, and it's what we expect to see.
Be Creative
Don't be afraid to experiment, break the rules, tear the envelope. Failure is a great teacher, and we live in a wonderful time where equipment for taking images is everywhere and accessible.
Don't be afraid to experiment, break the rules, tear the envelope. Failure is a great teacher, and we live in a wonderful time where equipment for taking images is everywhere and accessible.
All images remain the property and copyright of Richard Bown and cannot be used or reproduced without authorisation.