Thursday Thirteen 100: Basic Photography Tips

Friday, March 27, is National Photography Day. Though friends will attest to the (sometimes annoying) fact that I always seem to have a camera with me, I am by no means an expert. Still, here are a few basic tips I have learned in taking better quality photos.

1. Try to hold the camera as steady as possible. If you don’t have a tri-pod, prop the camera on a ledge, on top of a fence or pile of books or, using both hands, rest your elbows on your chest and stay loose. Press the shutter button in one fluid motion.

2. Simplicity is best. Instead of trying to capture an entire canvas, or all the people in a large room, zoom in and pan with the camera until you find the perfect shot. Don’t be afraid to switch to a wider angle, or from horizontal to vertical pictures.

3. Get close to your subject. Too many people are afraid of zooming in, or moving closer to the subject of their picture. Unless an outfit or item they are holding is important, concentrate on head and shoulder shots, particularly facial features such as eyes and mouth.

4. Get down on their level. If photographing pets or children, rather than taking pictures looking down on your subjects, stoop/kneel/lie down at their level, or take photos looking up at your subject.

5. Note the position of the sun. When taking pictures outdoors, you should stand so that the sun is behind you and to one side, and so that people are not squinting into the sun. Ask subjects to remove hats or tilt them so that you can see their faces.

6. Work by the rule of thirds. When looking through the lens, imagine the frame divided into a grid like a tic-tac-toe board. Try to align your subject so that it is along one of the lines or intersections, not dead center of the frame. This will allow you to pick up the landscape or other background details as well as your subject. Also consider the horizon. Never place the horizon dead center of your photo. Use a low horizon (horizon at bottom third of the grid) for photographing the sky, and a high horizon (top third of the grid) for landscapes.

7. Variety is the spice of life. Mix up your photos to include people and landscapes, different types of weather, and different angles. Take pictures of interesting signs, buildings or people, experimenting with different angles and close-ups.

8. Add detail. Look for the interesting in a mundane world. Instead of a far-off photo of a popular landmark or monument, focus in on the little details—the iron work of the Eiffel Tower, the marble detailing of hands or chiseled face of a statue, or the texture of bark on an unusual tree…

9. Consider form. Don’t just snap random pictures, study the subject of your photo from different angles and light, and decide the best angle from which to photograph it. Instead of shooting a statue straight on, consider photographing it from the side, or getting down on your knees and shooting up.

10. Avoid motion in still photography. If taking pictures of a stationary object, any amount of movement in the frame will detract from the photo, resulting in blurred photographs or poor lighting. Make sure nothing moves inside the frame.

11. Color contrast. The best photographs have shades of black, white and gray in them. The contrast between bright colors and these neutrals can be phenomenal. Also, don’t be afraid to alter a color photo to gray scale. The black and white image produced can speak volumes more than the original color photograph.

12. Read the manual. This may sound pretty simple, but you’d be amazed by how many people never open the manual that came with their camera, or bother to learn about all its functions.

13. Practice. Even the most accomplished photographer had to start somewhere. Don’t be afraid to get out there and take a lot of pictures, playing with the different tips outlined above. With a bit of time and practice, you’ll be rivaling Ansel Adams or Annie Leibovitz in no time!

As I said, I am by no means a professional photographer, but if truly interested in seeing some of my pics, simply click on the “Photos” label at bottom of this post. Now, get out there and take some pictures of your own!


LINKS TO OTHER THURSDAY THIRTEENS:
(Please leave your link if this is your first visit!)

Stephanie Adkins * Alice Audrey * Adelle Laudan
Mel * RJ LeBeau * Angeleque Ford * Clara
Janice Seagraves * Lauren Murphey * Jamie Babette
Ms Menozzi * Shelley Munro * Hootin' Anni * Cassandra
Jennifer McKenzie * Brenda ND * Lanie Fuller * Janet
Nina Pierce * Paige Tyler * Jenna Bayley-Burke


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.