Introduction:
It doesn’t matter what type of camera you use, a traditional film or a digital camera, it is the same concept in composition, lighting, and setting the camera for the conditions. It is important to how you place your subjects, location of the light, and how you frame them on the camera. This section will teach you some basic techniques to aid you through making better snapshots, and making use of your digital camera.
Aligning your shots:
Get closer to the subject:
Instead of shooting the whole scene, you should capture just the subject. You will be able to get better details on the person or object.
Avoid complicated backgrounds:
When taking a shot, focus on the subject rather then focusing on the background. Complicated backgrounds get the viewer distracted and they will look at the background more. To avoid the complicated backgrounds, move closer, take it in the portrait angle, and avoid busy scenery.
Use the Rule of Thirds:
My graphics teacher taught me how and why I should use the rule of thirds when you are working with digital images. When the rule means that the photo is divided into three sections. You should always keep your photos aligned within one of parts. If you don’t use the rule, the pictures do not look very interesting.
Angles:
Downward Angle:
When you shoot downwards, you can make the subject seem smaller and shyer. This angle tends to emphasize on the eyes and cheeks.
Upward Angle:
To make a subject look bigger, more striking, and demanding you can use an upward camera angle. This angle can be used to make the subject seem more important. Also, it often gives you a sense of possibility when you take pictures of the sky with the upward angle, as opposed to downward angles.
Direct Angle:
This type of shot is simple, neutral, and has no power or effect. You can take pictures in this angle by leveling your camera to the subject. At first, it might seem boring, but it works well.
Avoid Unwanted Background Particles:
This is different from complicated backgrounds; there are objects that shouldn’t be shown in the photographs. For example, a power outlet looks distracting in the background of a photograph. You can judge what types of objects are distracting when you are taking the photos.
Lighting
Avoid Backlight:
Backlight should be avoided because it makes the camera think that it is a very bright subject. Try to shoot away from the backlight like the sun and try to make the light point away from your subject. You should do this because backlight can severely ruin a picture.
Nature Light:
Try to pick a good time of the day to capture wonderful pictures and choose a time where the lighting will match the mood of your photograph. I suggest using indirect lighting because it will prevent squinting. A solution is to stay near shaded areas.
There are a lot of tips when you are taking photographs, but I think the most important one is take your camera and be ready use to it everywhere. Furthermore, you should keep your camera steady and take a lot of pictures.