How to Take Good Photos

Posted on May 5th, 2009 by Carmelia

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A good photograph doesn’t depend on the camera. Whether your camera is the most basic point and shoot type, you will still be able to take photos you can be proud of. With the advent of digital cameras, you have plenty of chances to practice. Here’s are the essentials of a good photo.

Composition

Composition is what you call the makeup of your picture. Take a picture that you like and observe the objects that make up the picture. Consider how the objects in the picture interact with each other, how the background plays a part in the picture, and how the overall effect makes the picture pleasing to the eye.

What makes a good composition are the following:

Lines. Naturally-occurring lines that draws your eye towards a direction.
Rule of Thirds. Divide the frame into two horizontal and vertical lines, spaced evenly. The rule of thirds state that you must place the subjects on the lines or where they intersect to make it look more pleasing.
Focus. Your eyes are naturally drawn to the clearest part of the picture. Making one object in the picture clearer and more focused will make the picture more striking.
Keep your horizons level, or else your picture or landscape will end up looking crooked!
Try different angles, don’t be afraid to go the extra mile to get that shot.

Light

Lighting can create mood, transform landscapes and make people look good, quite literally. There are certain things you can do with light that can really make a picture look special. Some basic guidelines about light include:

Natural lighting. Natural lighting is best during the sunrise or the sunset.
Your subjects should be facing the light source, not with their backs on it. You can lose a lot of great details this way.
Photographers use reflectors to soften the light used on their models. Harsh light washes out faces and complexions. Soft light is best on portraits of people.
Cross-lighting will give your pictures more depth.

Color

Having clear, brilliant colors can make anyone smile, but an interesting combination of colors can really make a picture stand out. Try experimenting with the different color settings on your camera. Color can also denote mood, and create a sense of harmony in the picture.