Something that many people have never been introduced to is how to take a good picture. Don't get me wrong, there are a number of people who take great images without having a PhD in photography. However there are a number of things that people don't consider when taking that final action of pushing the button. Fortunately there are a few tips that you can do to ensure that the picture is "set up" properly. Let's take a trip, shall we?
#1 Let the Picture Tell the Story?
Good stories don't always need words. Sometimes looks alone can give more feeling than words could.
Have you ever read a good book? one that you had a very difficult time putting down or were sad when you reached the end because you were so enthralled by it? This was probably because the author took you places that you recreated in your mind. You brain began composing a scene based on the author's words and the characters actions.
Photography takes a similar approach, but rather than reading words and having your mind develop a picture, we give the "Readers" a picture that can allow them to see the story. Every image that we take is a reflection of something that we see as beautiful, touching or poignant. It is our job to make sure our readers understand the story that we see.
But how does someone do that? Start by looking at your subject. It might be a bolt, it might be a child playing, it might be a tree. Whatever the subject, think about what makes it touch your heart. Focus on that thought and try to compose a shot with that in mind.
#2 The Rule of Thirds
Using the "Rule of Thirds" can make your image pop. Offsetting this bride gives the feeling of motion to the image drawing your eye from her to the direction sh is looking and creates a very pleasing feel to the image.
One of the most basic principles of taking a good photo is knowing where to place the subject. So many people tend to place the subject in the center of the picture which, to be fair, seems to work some of the time. However, by offsetting the subject in the frame, more times than not, it enhances the image and makes it more pleasing to the eye.
Photographers and painters do this bu utilizing something called "The Rule of Thirds." Put simply, imagine a Tic-Tac-Toe board in your viewfinder. By placing the subject at one of these intersections, you give the image a sense of flow and it becomes more pleasing to the eye. Now, that being said, the Rule of Thirds is merely a guide, not a hard and fast rule. Some images lend themselves to being centered. Play around with the placement and see what you get.
#3 Where is Your Light Coming From?
For this shot, two flashes were used to illuminate the face of the model. The flash to camera-left was decreased in intensity to allow for a soft shadow on the face from left to right.
This is one thing that gets overlooked many times when taking pictures, especially outdoors. Many people feel the sun needs to be behind them so the subject is lit properly. However, this causes the subject to start squinting and yields a poor image. Others believe the sun should be behind the subject so they are not squinting which will ultimately lead to a HUGE shadow on the face and body (this can be corrected somewhat by using a fill-flash which we will discuss in another session).
Ideally, you want a combination of light and shadow. Consider placing the sun behind and to the side of you so that the subject's face is lit, but they are not squinting. Another great option is to take the picture in the shade with a flash. That way, they subject is not squinting and the background is not washed out. Sometimes shade can be provided by bringing a reflector panel or even a large sheet to help block the sun on the subject.
#4 Posing vs. Candids
Getting someone to be themselves is often the best way for someone to take a picture. Why force someone to do something that they themselves would not do. Instead, allow them to be themselves ad you will get a far superior image.
Depending on the picture, there are times for each. Sometimes, you may want a nice, formal family portrait or a group shot of some sort. For this, make sure that you not only look at the individuals in the shot, but look at the group as a whole. The general outline of the group should look pleasing to the eye. Normally you do not want to have a short person in between two tall people in they are in the same plane (i.e. Standing in line with each other).
When taking a picture of an individual, do not have them face you directly (i.e. do not have their shoulders perpendicular to the camera. Instead, go for a softer look by having them turn slightly. Also, to create an interesting image, have them look at something other than the camera. Make them laugh or have a contemplative feel, but indirect shots seem to work out very well.
There are those times, though, where you want to capture the moment and this calls for a candid. Personally, these are my favorite types of images. You want to remember that there are other angles to look at, but try to frame the subject in good before you snap the picture. There is no one way to take candida other than just try to keep it a surprise so they story of the individual is kept in the foreground.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can be a better photographer. Professionals strive for this daily which makes them good at what they do and i question the person who is not continually trying new things. The good photographers are constantly looking for new techniques, new angles, new methods of telling the story in every image they take. These are just a few of my suggestions to you on taking basic pictures. Try them out and see what works for you. Try different stances, different focus points, different lighting techniques and see what fun you can have. But most of all, enjoy telling the story!