Picture Composition

Picture composition is obviously one of the key components of taking great photographs. It goes without saying that if you manage to miss the head of someone that you are taking a portrait shot of, then you are going to be very disappointed. This week we offer some helpful hints to make sure that you begin taking better photographs.

Always give your picture a main focal point and it should have one dominant colour. This is not always easy. So basically try to avoid putting strong colours that will clash into the same picture. A basic rule of photography is known as the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds divides a rectangular image into nine, equally sized, smaller rectangles. You then position the main subject of the picture at any point where the lines cross.

 Try to ensure that your pictures have a foreground, middle ground and background. One of the three should be dominant in the photograph. If once the picture has been taken you are not 100% happy with the result, consider cropping the image. This is especially easy to do with digital images.

Move in close to take your photographs. When first starting out you will be surprised at the difference moving closer to the subject will make. Also if you are photographing outside on a grey, dull day, keep the sky out of your pictures wherever possible. Try using different viewpoints. Taking shots from high up looking down can provide you with interesting perspectives. When taking photographs try to look for ways of naturally framing a shot, this helps to accentuate the main subject.

Lighting

While picture composition is critical in achieving great photographs, not far behind is the type of light that you use in your photographs. Below we have listed a few points to consider about lighting.

The brightest sun of the day can wash pictures out. Some of the best lighting conditions are to be found around dawn and again at dusk. Try taking pictures at these times of the day and notice the effect.

In the majority of instances it is usually best to have the sun behind you when you take a picture.

When the sun is behind you beware that your own shadow doesn't creep into the picture. Beware of the shadows cast behind your subject by the sun as well. Also, make sure that if you are taking a portrait shot that the sun isn't causing your subject to squint.

If you do take a picture with the sun behind the subject (back lit), take care not to underexpose the subject itself. Use a wide aperture or a slow shutter speed.

Try taking pictures with lighting at different angles. Angled and low level lighting usually offers a more realistic and dramatic effect than when overhead lighting is used.

The best time to take the majority of night shots is shortly after the sun has set. This allows a small amount of natural light to work with.

Night shots are even possible without a flash if you are using an up to date camera. To do this you will need to use a fast film. Most situations will require a film speed of at least 800. Experiment and see what you can achieve.

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