So far this course has included a lot of technical information - things like how to use your camera and how to make the most out of the light you have. Now that those technical things have been explained, it's time to focus on capturing an image that's interesting and pleasing to the eye. There are a few simple things to keep in mind before clicking away.
Tip #1: Keep it Simple.
Get rid of any distractions. A crazy background or a bright red toy on the floor will take away from the wonderful moment you're trying to capture. By eliminating them, the viewer's eye will stop right where you want it to.
Tip #2: Apply the Rule of Thirds.
Avoid planting your subject directly in the center of the frame. Instead, imagine that there's a grid in your viewfinder (a lot of cameras actually have one of these to help you out) and place your subject at one of the intersections (see the top image for an example of the rule of thirds grid).
Tip #3: Keep an Eye on the Horizon.
If you're taking a picture outside, make it more interesting by placing the horizon either a third of the way up or down in your frame (instead of right in the center).
Tip #4: Frame Your Subject.
Use other elements to literally frame your subject in the image. It can be anything from architecture (like windows and doors), to nature (trees are great!), to whatever else you can find that call attention to the subject your photographing.
Tip #5: Fill the Frame.
This goes along with Tip #1 to reduce distractions. If it doesn't need to be in the frame, consider eliminating it. By cutting out all the extra stuff, the subject will dominate the image. Luckily, this can be done quickly and easily by cropping your image in programs like Picnik or Photoshop if you forget to do it at first.
Tip #6: Try a New Perspective.
Instead of taking every picture standing up in the same place, consider moving around! Get up high, lay on the ground, shoot with your camera at an angle. Something as simple as shooting with your camera held over your head (I've done that!) can make a picture look much more interesting.
The Assignment
The assignment this week was to share photos that utilize these tips. Here are my shots (some are are old and some are new):
What I Learned
Sometimes good photos take a couple minutes of prep work. For the most part, it's pretty easy to re-adjust to accommodate the rule of thirds or fill the frame, but I constantly have a hard time with eliminating distractions. Finding simple backgrounds in my house is difficult, so I'm always trying to figure out how to work around distracting stuff. Picking up things like Kongs and the stray sneaker go a long way.
Still following along? Let's see what images you got!
I'm leaving the linky party open for the duration of the entire 12 weeks so you can link up as you do the lessons on your own.
Coming Up Next Week: Shooting Indoors! You don't have to abandon natural light just because you're shooting inside.
Top rule of thirds image from Digital Photography School via Pinterest
These are great ... I love that second one!
ReplyDeleteComposition is one of the hardest parts to master, I think. You are very good at it. There are rules, sure, but sometimes the shots that are coolest throw all the rules out the window. Capturing the right mood/feel is such a non-scientific thing, it's a real shame.
ReplyDeleteThanks for continuing to share!
I love photo number one with the darkness as the background. I always wonder when I see ads or other people's photos that seem so perfect, like they must have just captured that moment at the right time, if they are actually staged. Because you are right, a good photo takes a while to set up. I tend to not crop too much, but that can also help with the rule of thirds as well. I was told a while back when I started taking photos more seriously, that the best photographers are the ones who take a "normal" thing and look at it a different way. And make everyone else see it that way. I am still working on that!
ReplyDeleteTucker - Thanks!! That's my husband standing in front of me in that one and he was like "what are you doing...?!" haha.
ReplyDeleteloveandaleash - Thanks! And I completely agree. After reading this I went back and looked at some of the photos I love the most and realized that plenty don't follow the "rules." They're still great guidelines though!
Kyria - Thanks Kyria! I actually took that shot of Heidi in my kitchen on a whim and couldn't believe how well it turned out. I'll have to share the straight out of the camera shot sometime.
I have trouble with making something interesting out of "normal" things too. I see other photographers do it but when I try it, it just doesn't turn out. I think it's partly because I'm not so interested in taking pictures of apples or whatever, haha. I'd rather take pics of my dogs and friends ;)
Finally, a task I can do for sure with my camera! I'm planning a photoshoot for our friend Skye's birthday this morning, and will try out the Rule of Threes during it!
ReplyDeleteI think composition is also really hard with dogs because they will move so much. I do try to set things up, but sometimes I just take what I can get.
ReplyDeleteI actually do an project with my students where they tell the 'stories' of their neighborhoods, overcoming the stereotypes, then I go over a couple of these rules and give them disposable cameras. It's actually incredible what they come back with, and it's so funny to hear my Freshmen discussing and looking at eachother's photos about "The rule of 1/3" or filling the frame...
Hi Y'all,
ReplyDeleteSince I don't use photo shop or an editing program and I take most photos of something in motion out doors...mostly Hawkeye...what you see is what you get.
When I shoot, I try to line it up as best I can and fire. If it's the dog running, I use the repeat. I'm still learning how to quickly find the best manual settings before I lose the moment.
My biggest problem has been shooting to catch the effects of sunlight, especially through trees. More often these shots end up with large washed out blobs instead of the magic that I saw with my eyes. :(
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
It's so funny how cropping your subject to one side of the photo can make it SO much more interesting than a centered subject.
ReplyDeleteYou have taken some amazing photos girl!! Dogs make great subjects... I love it when they lay their heads on each other. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm learning so much! I can't stop reading (ok, I'm at work so I can't exactly practice, but I can't wait to start!)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the course pittiefullove!! :)
ReplyDelete