Photography Tips
transform yourself into a better photographer
A good photo is knowing where to stand. - Ansel Adams
MOVE
Listen to Ansel. Most people see a scene they like and click the shutter without a second thought. Nine times out of ten, the
photo can be improved by adjusting your position. Get closer or farther away from the subject to add or eliminate something from the composition.
Move the camera angle higher or lower (ie near the ground) to get a different perspective. Also move around the subject to position yourself
correctly in relation to the sun or other light source.
COMPOSE
Look at the image in the viewfinder with a critical eye before acting. Eliminate distractions such as branches or signs that
poke in from the tops or sides of the frame and make sure they aren't sticking out from anyone's head. Keep your composition free from clutter.
Consider taking a vertical image if the subject(s) are taller than they are wide.
RULE OF THIRDS
This is a grandiloquent way of saying if you put your subject smack dab in the middle of the frame, your photo will suck.
Think of an imaginary tic tac toe board dividing your viewfinder into thirds. Put subjects and other points of interest on the intersections and align
the horizon on one of the lines. There, I just saved you $50,000 in art school tuition.
LIGHT
Light is what makes photograpy. Understanding it is crucial to good photography. There are three types of light. Frontlight
(with the sun behind the shooter) is essential for lighting up your subject. Especially the faces of people and animals. It is the most used,
for good reason. If you don't have it and are shooting people or pets, you will need to use fill flash (Idiot alert, unless you are at a zoo, you
should never be close enough to a wild animal to use a flash). Side light can be useful for adding shadow, texture and a perception of depth to a
photo. And finally there is backlight, which is useful when you want to silhouette your subject or make autumn foliage glow.
TIMING
In photography, timing is everything. Learn to anticipate the actions of people and animals to create candid shots. Also realize that
the best light for photography occurs in the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. But sometimes great photos require a little
sacrifice.
FOCUS
Make sure you are focusing on the subject of your photograph. Most all cameras have a focus lock to do this if your subject is not
in the middle of the frame. Hint - 99 times out of 100 it should not be in the middle.
STEADY
If you are planning on shooting sunsets (or rises), night shots, panning action shots or using a long telephoto lens, get a tripod!
image stabilization is a great thing, but it's no substitute for the real deal.
BE A POSER
Assuming it is not a candid shot, most shots with people in them will be far superior if you direct your subjects as opposed
to self or random direction. You have the power, use it wisely.
READ YOUR MANUAL
It's unbelievable how many people don't do this one simple thing. You'll be amazed how much your pictures improve when
you use your camera's full potential. If you lost your manual, you can download a copy at your manufacturer's web site.
PRACTICE
Much like everything in life, the more you practice the better you get (How unfair!). And if you have a digital camera you have
no excuse because it's virtually free to shoot. The more you shoot, the better your photos will be.
EDIT
While you may hold all 379 photos of your trip to Wallyworld near and dear, chances are nobody outside your immediate family shares
this enthusiasm. Pick out the best dozen or so to email friends - to make sure they stay that way. The same goes with an online album. Try to tell
a story with your photos and feel free to add captions. Remember, most professional photographers believe only 1-5% of their photos are good enough to show
others.
AND FINALLY, BREAK THE RULES
(except the one about editing, there's no excuse for boring people). Some of the best photos happen by not
following the herd!
Copyright © 2009 Forrest Netzel
Last Revised 06/06/09
