O
OldSalty
- 21
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Some have an eye for photography. Others, like me, learn through trial and optimization. Here are a few tips that I learned by poking around.
The first tip is to break the rules. Normally backlighting without any front (fill) lighting on the subject is verboten. But there are occasions where it is appropriate.
You may have heard of the rule of thirds (dividing the photo into three parts and filling each with something different). There are times when its use is appropriate.
And there are times when a photo stands on its own using things like color, contrast, texture, or symmetry.
Each of these photos should draw your eye towards the subject. And, sometimes, that is all we need.
There are many ways to draw attention to the subject using post processing tools. These enhancements are built into popular photo editing apps. The first is vignetting. You see it in old photos as a distortion around the edges of the photo. I use it to reduce clutter at the edge of the frame and give focus.
Be careful with this tool. It is not a cudgel! Sometimes the periphery of the frame enhances the finished product. You can also create a frame using a complimentary color.
Speaking of focus, blurring the background with selective focusing forces your eye to the subject.
There are many other tools embedded in photography apps that you might find useful. I learn by poking around. Try it. But be careful. Less is more when it comes to photo manipulation!
These tips will get you started. But photos are normally more pleasing when they move your eye around. To accomplish this, you should compose your photos with objects that draw your eye into, and then around the photo. A leaf, a light, or a lizard will do.
You can easily change the composition of your photo by changing your angle. Have you ever seen a photographer doing the Kama Sutra, dancing around their subject?
Get High!
Get Low!
And don't forget to keep things in perspective!
You should also choose the appropriate light source and lighting angle to flatter your subject. Here is an example of what not to do! There is much to be said on this aspect of photography. That will be the topic of a separate post if people find this one useful.
I hope this helps in some small way. Please feel free to add your own suggestions and photos.
Happy growing!
The first tip is to break the rules. Normally backlighting without any front (fill) lighting on the subject is verboten. But there are occasions where it is appropriate.
You may have heard of the rule of thirds (dividing the photo into three parts and filling each with something different). There are times when its use is appropriate.
And there are times when a photo stands on its own using things like color, contrast, texture, or symmetry.
Each of these photos should draw your eye towards the subject. And, sometimes, that is all we need.
There are many ways to draw attention to the subject using post processing tools. These enhancements are built into popular photo editing apps. The first is vignetting. You see it in old photos as a distortion around the edges of the photo. I use it to reduce clutter at the edge of the frame and give focus.
Be careful with this tool. It is not a cudgel! Sometimes the periphery of the frame enhances the finished product. You can also create a frame using a complimentary color.
Speaking of focus, blurring the background with selective focusing forces your eye to the subject.
There are many other tools embedded in photography apps that you might find useful. I learn by poking around. Try it. But be careful. Less is more when it comes to photo manipulation!
These tips will get you started. But photos are normally more pleasing when they move your eye around. To accomplish this, you should compose your photos with objects that draw your eye into, and then around the photo. A leaf, a light, or a lizard will do.
You can easily change the composition of your photo by changing your angle. Have you ever seen a photographer doing the Kama Sutra, dancing around their subject?
Get High!
Get Low!
And don't forget to keep things in perspective!
You should also choose the appropriate light source and lighting angle to flatter your subject. Here is an example of what not to do! There is much to be said on this aspect of photography. That will be the topic of a separate post if people find this one useful.
I hope this helps in some small way. Please feel free to add your own suggestions and photos.
Happy growing!
I worked as a professional wedding photographer for about 5 years. I found that photography was no fun when it was done exclusively for someone else. I was so burned out that I didn't pick up a camera for about 10 years.
