subject: A Beginners Guide to Photography - How to Take a Picture [print this page] A Beginners Guide to Photography - How to Take a Picture
So you took up photography as a hobby eh? You won't regret it! It's a fun hobby to have because you can capture exciting moments and look at them over and over again. It can be quite confusing though, especially when you have just started out. Maybe you've taken a thousand photographs and with most of them you have that feeling that "something" is missing. I'm going to help you and tell you some points so you can go out and improve your photographic skills. Alright let's go.
Point of interest.
Every good picture has an interesting point of interest. It's the main thing you'll be focusing on. As simple as it sounds, sometimes this is can be quite challenging to find out. Your point of interest is really important because you are going to build your composition around it and it will make or break your photograph.
Watch your composition.
This is also a vital point because your composition is going to make the point of interest actually look interesting. So pay close attention to how your main subject is going to be portrayed in your image. A good way to make it look a little more interesting is to show of contrast.
Keep it simple.
Don't try to overdo your composition by putting a lot of stuff in it. The simple photographs are usually the best because the message they tell comes across more powerful. Keep this in mind when you are starting out and don't know what to do. Focus on your technical skills at first and keep your photographs simple to start with.
Viewpoint.
Some viewpoints have been done over and over again. Photos of family reunions for example. Most of these pictures are taken at eye level and have everybody lined up next to each other. They usually are bang in the middle of the frame. A picture like this has been taken a million times before and it can get quite boring. So next time try something new. Instead of standing you can try sitting on the floor or shooting from an elevated position. This will spice up your photograph a little and make it look less plain.
Rule of thirds.
Noticed how the best photographs never have their subject centered in the middle of the frame? That's what they call the rule of thirds. If you divide your frame into nine equal parts by drawing two horizontal and two vertical lines you should put your subject on the intersecting points of those lines.
Now you are on your path to knowing how to take a picture. Every time you go out to take photographs you can use these tips and techniques to create better images. Getting good at photography takes time and you'll only get the experience if you actually go out and try it a lot. If you want to learn more check out my blog.
