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.
Principle number one: get down to the subject’s level. Unless you desire a special effect, you will want to bend over or kneel down so that you capture the person’s face in a personal way. Don’t worry about being self-conscious about your method. The picture will last a lot longer than your damaged pride.
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.
Rule number three: use a flash, even when you’re outdoors. Today’s cameras will measure the amount of light on the subject and then will determine if a flash is needed. If the subject is close, force the camera to use the flash anyway. This will eliminate shadows on a face in the sun, and, in the shade, it will brighten the face.
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.
Principle number five: Consider turning your camera ninety degrees to capture some scenes. Since the camera takes a rectangular picture, a tall subject may well be better recorded sideways and then rotated in the camera, computer, or printer afterwards. A large family gathering should be captured horizontally, but a small family might possibly be better vertically.
Rule number six: Is the focus right? When your close subject is off center, the camera may focus on the background instead, leaving the subject blurry. To fool the camera, push the shutter button half way down as you point the camera directly at your subject. This procedure will lock the focus. Then, leaving the button half pushed, move the camera where you wanted it and take the picture. The camera will focus on the subject even though it is not in the center.
Rule number seven: Don’t always try to center your subject. Sometimes an added warmth is accomplished by moving the subject off center. For example, you want to include a picture of your house in a Christmas card. If centered, it just says, “This is where we live.” If, on the other land, the picture is taken from the driveway, it may be inviting people to come visit. Be sure to follow the focus rule as described above when doing this.
Principle number eight: know the range of your flash. We already mentioned the importance of using a flash, even outdoors. However, most cameras have a flash range of ten feet or less. Thus, if you want the flash to be effective, you must be within that range of the subject. And remember, if the zoom is used, the picture may appear close when in reality the subject is too far away.
Principle number nine: check your light. Outdoor shots of people are best without direct sunlight. If this is unavoidable, then be sure to use the flash, as described previously. The long shadows of the early and late part of the day are best for scenic shots.
Rule number ten: take charge of planning your picture. Try a new angle, move your subjects, add some props. When possible, don’t just take the shot before you; arrange it as you want. Instead of just a record of the event, cause your viewers to 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 ,an experienced Virginia Beach photographer.