10 Principles in Taking Great Pictures
In the past, the cost of photography forced people to plan out their pictures. Now, with digital cameras within the reach of every individual, people tend to become flash happy and take a picture of virtually anything. This has resulted in the lost of the art of good picture taking.
In spite of the quantity, many are disappointed to find that not one picture in the scores taken is really good. They are merely reminders, not keepsakes. Whether you're interested in Virginia photography or anywhere else, if you need help with your picture taking, then listen to these ten rules from Kodak’s website for taking a good picture. Then practice them until they become second nature before you want to photograph something really important again.
The first principle is, get down on the level of the subject. The top of a child’s head is not usually what you want to remember. Instead, get down where he is, on your knees or sitting so that you can look straight into his eyes. Don’t worry about your pride; it won’t outlive your memories.
Principle number two: notice the background. A cluttered background will distract from the subject. Too, at times the background will give false impressions. Two weeds growing behind the subject may give him the appearance of antennas, or horns! Be sure the background highlights the subject.
The third rule is, use a flash, even in broad daylight. Normally the camera will measure the light and determine if a flash is needed. If you are taking a close portrait, force the camera to flash, even when not needed. This will brighten a face in the shade, and get rid of shadows in the sun.
Principle number four: move in close. Too often the photographer will fail to consider the final product when taking a picture. The result is disappointment as faces are too small to see. Move in as close as possible physically to let your subject fill to the borders. If you do this with the zoom lens, remember that the flash has a greater area to light than appears. This may or may not be good.
Rule number five: Consider taking the picture vertically. Every camera takes rectangular pictures. A single subject may be better when the camera is turned 90 degrees. You can always turn the picture in the computer, camera, or printer later.
Principle number six: Check your focus. At times the camera will focus on the distant objects instead of the subject of your picture, especially when the subject is off-center. To avoid this, hold the shutter button down half way as you point the camera directly at your subject. This will lock the focus. Then move the camera over to the position you wanted and take the picture. The camera is amazingly smart, but it doesn’t always guess correctly what you have in mind.
The seventh rule goes with number six: don’t always center your subject. Sometimes you say more with an off center subject. For example, you could send friends a picture of your new house taken straight on. Instead include the winding driveway on one side. This picture will be inviting people to visit. Be sure to follow rule six when doing this.
Rule number eight: know the strength of your flash. Most cameras have a flash range of ten feet or less. Thus, if you want the flash to light your subject, you have to be that close to it. And don’t forget, if the zoom is used, the subject may still be out of range, even though it looks close.
Rule number nine: check your source of light. Its best to take pictures out of direct sunlight. First, the people will probably squint, and, second, their faces might shadow. If this is impossible, then be certain you use your flash, as described above. The long shadows of the early and later parts of the day add character to scenic shots.
Principle number ten: be a picture director. Arrange the subjects, move to a different perspective, add some props. Don’t just take a shot; plan a shot and do it the way you want. Make your picture more than just a record of the event. Make those seeing it feel the event as well.
Applying these principles will have you producing pictures that are far above the norm. However, some events require a professional. If you're interested in, or near eastern Virginia, consider the services of Expressions Photography who are very skilled in Virginia Beach wedding photography.
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