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(1) Rule of Thirds
Divide the view finder into thirds by imagining a tic-tac-toe board and
place the subject at one of the four corners of the middle box such that
they are a third of the way into the scene vertically and/or
horizontally. It's also advantageous for the subject to be looking
into the composition rather than away for greater emphasis, drawing the
eye of the viewer into the scene.
__________
Interesting facade of a terra cotta warrior museum attraction in Xian, China |
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(2) Fill the Frame
Don't be shy with filling the frame with your subject. Get in close
and don't waste any uninteresting blah space around the subject. The photograph
makes a more powerful statement this way.
__________
Getting up close and personal with a tortoise in Acapulco, Mexico |
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(3) Watch the Background
Accidental background growths sprouting from your subject's head or
unnecessary amputations can ruin an otherwise great photograph. If
the background is cluttered, move the subject or physically move yourself
to a position where offending background objects do not get in the way.
Sometimes it is nice just to have a plain colored background that
contrasts with your subject, further bringing them to the focus of
attention.
__________
Branch jutting through my head at Fred Flintstone Park, AZ |
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(4) Framing
Using your environment to "frame" your photos can add a natural
way to make your photographs more interesting. Anything in the
foreground can be used including overhanging trees, branches, doorways, or
other objects that can add depth and frame your composition.
__________
Dog wanting to get in from the cold near Killington, VT |
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(5) Leading Lines
Lines made from objects within your frame lead the eye of the viewer into
the photo and draws the viewer's attention into the center or subject of
the photo.
__________
Spiral staircase in a pagoda at Taroko Gorge in Hualien, Taiwan |
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(6) Camera Angle
Taking all your photographs from your eye-level vantage point can get
boring. Alter your angle every once in awhile for more dynamic photos
that can put the viewer in the shoes of the subject. When
photographing kids, drop down to their level to see what the world is like
to them. Taking a high or low angle on some subjects can be very
interesting and can capture photographs from a varied perspective.
__________
Flocking seagulls in San Francisco Bay, CA |
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(7) Rhythm
Repeating items generate a sense of rhythm in the photograph and make it
more visually appealing. A break in the rhythm is disruptive but
catches the viewer's eye, focusing the attention towards it.
__________
Stadium worker at a bull-fighting stadium in Acapulco, Mexico |
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(8) Horizon
Try not to split the horizon and ground 50/50. It's more dynamic to
use the rule of thirds to divide the horizon from the ground. If
there are interesting cloud patterns in the sky, you might want to capture
2/3 of the sky. On the other hand, if there is nothing interesting
about the sky, 1/3 of the sky should be good enough with hopefully more
interesting things in the lower 2/3 of the photograph. Also, while
you're at it, make sure the horizon is level--slightly tilted photographs
are annoying.
__________
Sunset at Dulles International Airport, VA |
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(9) Color
Vibrant colors adds a lot of character to photographs that may otherwise
be bland and somewhat boring.
__________
Colorful used license plates at a shop in Colorado Springs, CO |
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(10) Have Fun
Finally, photography is fun and captures the moments in life that you'll
reflect back on years from now. Have fun and look out for situations
that will bring a chuckle to you and those who view your photos throughout
the years.
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Being a kid again in a miniature world at Windows on China, an hour
south of Taipei, Taiwan |
