Do you want to b a better photographer? All it takes is some know-how and a little experience. Here are some important photographic tips. So grab your camera and get snapping.
- Look your subject in the eye. Match your eye level with that of your subject, eyes can be quite captivating.
- Move it from the centre. Use the 'thirds rule', imagine the view finder / screen divided into thirds, horizontally and vertically, place the subject where these lines cross, test each position and pick the best from four possibilities.
- Use flash outside. If your subject has their back to the sun or there are strong shadows; use your flash to 'fill' these shadows.
- Move in close. Get closer to your subject, this can produce dramatic effects.
- Lock the focus. If your cameras auto focus is focusing on a near object and you want it to focus on a far object. Point your camera at a distant object and halve depress the shutter release this will lock the focus, now while holding the shutter release halve down bring your camera back to your subject and shoot.
- Know the range of your flash. Make sure your subject is within your flash's range. If you don't know this consult the manual or take a series of test shots to find out.
- Use a plain background. Try to avoid strong vertical lines, like polls and walls, also applies to strong horizontal lines. Something like a hedge makes a good background.
- Watch the light. Check for dappled light patterns across your subject or shadows with strong edges.
- Take some portrait pictures. Turn your camera on its side, try it, works well with tall structures.
- Be a picture director. You are in control. Arrange your subjects to create dramatic compositions, use your imagination.
