Are you ready to step up your photography game? You can improve your photos by using simple techniques. Find out seven simple tips that will help you to take better pictures. You can start putting them into practice right away.
1. How to compose great photos
Composition is the key to great photos. It’s how you frame your shot and where you place different elements in the scene. You can take great photos if you know how to compose your pictures.
There are times when you will capture an image based on how it feels. Photography is a form of art. Most often, though, choosing a subject and using the Rule of Thirds will improve your photos. The Rule of Thirds involves placing your subject, or the horizon, off-centre and not in the centre of the picture.
Think about how to “frame” your image. This doesn’t mean you have to create a graphic frame around your picture with your favourite photo editing software. Find something in the scene to surround your focal point or subject. Use everything you have to place your subject in a certain area. This is a great way to get creative.
You could use something that is in the background. You could use a doorway or window or, fence, or even parts of them. You could use something natural, such as a tree, with its limbs, leaves, and branches. You can frame a portrait by having your subject move their arms, hands or legs if they are flexible.
Creative framing provides a unique perspective. This helps focus the viewer’s attention on what you want—your subject. You may need to practice a little bit before you can see framing opportunities everywhere.
2. Keep it Simple
You don’t need to have a lot of things going on to create a good photo.
If you use a lot of negative space, this will highlight your subject.
You will attract more attention if you allow some breathing space around your focal point.
3. Change Your Perspective
You may have to put yourself in an awkward situation to take a good photo. Don’t be afraid to try. Standing up and holding your camera at eye level, you can take the most obvious pictures. It’s okay to use the same angle, but you can also get creative.
Change your perspective to make your photography extraordinary. When you compose your picture, choose a different perspective. Shoot from a low angle and focus on the subject in the foreground to create a blurred background. You can also try the opposite.
Other options include looking straight up at the subject. You can shoot your subject from a high angle or through an object such as a fence, prop or crystal ball. What about taking a macro shot? This is a unique perspective that few people see- the details of your subject are in a super-close range.
Each of these options offers a unique and interesting perspective.
4. Add Depth to Your Images
Using layers, including the foreground, can give your photos a three-dimensional look and create a sense of depth, drawing your viewer in.
As we have discussed in the past, adding something to the image’s foreground gives it depth and draws the viewer into the scene. The foreground is a great way to draw viewers into the picture or even serve as the actual subject. Your subject does not always have to be the focal point.
Leading lines are another way to add depth. Leading lines are everywhere. Leading lines may or may not actually be lines. These are the patterns in your photograph that attract the viewer’s attention. You can find natural leading lines anywhere, whether it’s a line of trees, a bridge, a fence or a road.
5. Silhouettes can be created by using the sun
It’s not recommended to take photos facing the sun, but you can get great silhouette pictures by doing so. Silhouettes show your subject as a black or dark outline on a lighter background. The shadowy subject is often lacking in detail, with the main focus being on the sharp edge surrounding the subject.
Position yourself behind your subject or an object to ensure the sun is directly in front of it. You can let a little bit of sun show, depending on what you are photographing. It will create a light ray that will shine into the frame. You can move around the frame to determine if you want a partial or full silhouette with or without the sun.
A good way to block the sun is to use a foreground object. This is especially useful if the subject of your photograph is far away.
This cityscape shows the sun at its lowest point in the sky during the golden hour. By blocking the sun’s rays with leaves from a nearby branch, I captured a silhouette of a city skyline.
6. Reflections
Reflections can give you a new perspective on a subject. Reflections can transform an image into something truly stunning – all you need to do is train your eyes to see them.
You can find reflections anywhere – in a puddle in the street, in a lake of crystal clear water, in a pair of mirrored sunglasses or even in a window. Reflections can provide powerful and sometimes intriguing views of seemingly ordinary objects.
A body of water such as a river, lake, or pond can have a glassy, smooth appearance on a calm day, which could make for an amazing image. On the other hand, a windy day can create a dramatic image, as the waves and swirls will make any visible reflection appear distorted.
Glass and windows can be a dangerous place. This is particularly true for windows on buildings located on busy streets. There may be so many moving vehicles and people in the background that you might not even notice until you edit.
You can use glass as a prop or mirror to create a variety of images.
7. Find Symmetry
When you see Symmetry, it can stop you in your tracks.
Imagine that what is on the left and what is on the right are the same. What’s at the top is also what’s at the bottom.
For a symmetrical shot, keep the vertical and horizontal lines in the same place. Symmetry can be found in nature and architecture. When you are shooting, try to capture the best possible image. However, you should be ready to edit and tweak your photo to make it perfect.
How to Take Better Pictures: Conclusion
There are many ways to improve your photography. You can improve your photography skills by applying some simple techniques.
Of course, start by applying the Rule of Thirds. Try framing your photos to bring attention to the subject.
Keep your photography simple and focus on your subject. Use different perspectives to make your photos more unique and interesting. Consider adding depth to the scene by adding leading lines and foregrounds that will help you draw viewers in.
Shoot at the sun, and you will create silhouettes of people or places.
Look for Symmetry and reflections on water, windows, and nature.
It’s easy to improve your photos. When you learn new techniques, ordinary images can be transformed into extraordinary ones. You’ll soon see them everywhere. You’ll quickly find that taking photos of them is second nature.
