Photo tips
Strong Images
The most important rule is simplify your image. The more you simplify the picture, the more attention you draw to your subject and the stronger your image will be. This means trying to find an angle or using the correct lens of your choice to 'cut out' any distraction from your image.
Rule of Thirds
his is a very common and popular rule. The idea is explained by taking a regular A4 piece of paper as representing your camera viewfinder, and dividing it up into thirds both vertically and horizontally. Where the lines cross, that is considered a third of the frame. So next time you compose photograph, try placing the main idea of the picture on a line one-third of the way from the top or bottom of your image.
A Frame within a Frame
Use objects around you in your foreground and include them in your photograph around two or more of the edges to create a "frame". This is most often done with trees, branchesdoorways and I have even used bridge supports in the past.
Leading Lines
A Leading line moves your eyes towards a point in the photo. They can be seen in many different scenarios around us: a row of trees, street lights that vanish in the distance or the length of a high rise building. Basically these 'lines' move you eye dynamically towards a point in a picture creating an interesting image.
Negative Space
Negative space is a term that describes how only a tiny amount of the picture frame is taken up by the actual subject, the rest is empty for example: a blue sky with a single street lamp leaning into the picture. Obviously the street lamp is really slim, therefore you can imagine the 'emptiness in the picture. This rule can be really striking if used well.
Portraits
A 100mm lens is a great portrait lens. Use the lens with an apeture like f2.8 or f4, this will blur the background and draw attention to the person. Try also to take more than one shot of the person to catch raw emotion perhaps. Keep in mind to 'work' with the person you are trying to photograph. Creating a rappor is vital to get that special image for example: a wider smile or a look of intense relaxation that shows the unik essence of the person.
Travel photography
When you want to take pictures that really capture the essence of where you've been. Don't just take landscapes, but also details of architecture. the local culture, photos of food, or even what type of vehicle they may use, like a 3 wheeler or even a camel or donkey cart.
Light
Photography is all about light. Mornings till about 9 to 10 am or late afternoons at around 4pm till about 6ish will give you a yellower softer light that is a whole lot better than the white harsh light the midday sun gives. Even on grey days, perhaps the sky has a blue green tint that can make even the most commonly seen subject seem interesting simply because of the colour of light on the subject itself.
Portraiture in the Field
The following steps might help you in the field or when travelling when looking for natural people shots:
- Be culturally aware for example removing shoes at a temple and remembering how to dress the right way for example no sleevless shirts near religious sights. I find people respect me better resulting in great pictures.
- Get to know your subject even if you are just walking down the street.Just a smile helps. Looking nervous never works!
- I find that by looking relaxed and greeting people and children along the way helps relax the locals. Don't look to eager either. I also find a playful attitude helps me heaps!
- Photograph something strange, like a dustbin or someone’s foot. This usually creates a lot of laughter and will often draw people around you out of curiousness. Guess what, you have just tripled your chances by creating a rappor with the locals!
- Another trick I use is to set and focus the camera setings before hand ready to go so when the person you want to photograph has the expression you want, you are ready to snap without hesitation.
- Ofcourse using a long lens at around 100 to 300mm will enable you to often take a picture without anyone even knowing about it.
- Being a photographer often in strange places around the globe, using these tips have helped me immsensely to get great images.