So often I’ve heard the remark “Your pictures look good – but of course you’ve got an expensive camera”. The reality is that a better camera will allow better clarity, so photos can be printed out in larger sizes, but that is certainly not the essence of a good image. Getting a good photo is far more about technique than about having the biggest baddest best camera! There are a host of really simple techniques you can apply to give your photographs the “wow” factor.
What is the subject for your photo?
There should always be a reason why you want to preserve what you are seeing in front of you when you switch on your camera. Be aware of the subject and compose your shot accordingly.
Make your subject “fill the frame”.
If it is a person – move in close, or use the zoom to fill the frame. Often, if on holiday it will be your loved one in foreign surroundings.
Elementary error: getting your loved one to stand back so you can capture the scene along with them.
Result: a scenic view with a tiny tiny family member in the background.
Instead set your zoom to a wide setting, then get your subject to move close enough to the camera to be dominant in the frame (the wide setting should ensure the foreground family member and the scene behind are both in focus).
When taking a picture of a person, don’t leave their head in the middle of the frame – lower the camera lens a tad to bring their eyes to the top third of the frame – far more impact!
Why stick at eye level when you shoot?
You will produce a more interesting view by standing high or getting low and shooting upwards.
Taking pictures of your toddlers?
Wait until they are absorbed in play, then get right down to their eye level to shoot.
Want your models to have mile-long legs?
Shoot from their knee height!
Model blinks at every flash?
Give them a count-in to prepare them
If your model is looking out of the frame, to the side of the camera, your composition will look better balanced with a little more space on the side of the frame where they are looking…so-called ‘looking room’
A slightly off horizontal horizon looks wrong – add drama by tipping the camera much further – technically known as a Dutch Tilt.
Shooting outside?
- Get the maximum from your camera lens by using a lens hood – it prevents unwanted light hitting the lens at an angle and creating flare.
- When shooting in sunlight, get the sun behind your model and use your flash ( on pocket cameras there is often a setting for ‘force flash on’). Not only is it a very pleasing effect, but it overcomes the ‘screwed up face phenomenon’ where your model is squinting into the light!
- When shooting people in overcast conditions it is also worth experimenting with using flash, especially if you can reduce its intensity a little – it will add punch to your images.
So, for instantly better photographs, instead of upgrading your kit…upgrade your technique!