this is how to take a great picture

1. How to take a great
picture
Maisie Bloor

2. Tip one- Rule of thirds
In this shot the
photographer has placed
the subject along a whole
line which means she is
considerably off centre
and therefore creating an
additional point of interest.
If she was placed right in
the centre of the frame it
could have resulted in a
‘awkward’ shot.

3. Tip 2- get in close
A famous photojournalist Robert Capa once
said “If your photographs aren’t good
enough, your not close enough” If you feel
like your images aren’t popping, take a step
or two closer to your subject. Fill the frame
with your subject and see how much better
your photo will look without so much wasted
space.

4. Tip 3- Shoot every day
The best way to make your photo skills is to
practice. Shoot pictures as much as you can
– it doesn’t really matter what. Experiment.
Your style – your ‘voice’ – will emerge in
time.

5. Tip 4- See the light
Before you take your picture see where the
light is coming from, and use it to your
advantage. See if its natural light coming
from the sun, or an artificial source like a
lamp; how can you use it to make your
photos better? You can use the light to
highlight an area or cast interesting
shadows.

6. Tip 5- use flash during the day
You might think you only use flash at night
time or indoors, but that’s not the case at all.
If it is an extremely bright day outside and
the sun is creating harsh shadows on your
subject, switch on your flash. By forcing
extra light onto your subject, you will be able
to fill in the shadows and create an even
exposure.

7. Tip 6- Use a plain background
A plain background shows off the subject
you are photographing. When you look
through the camera viewfinder, force
yourself to study the area surrounding your
subject.

8. Tip 7- Buy books, not gear
Having expensive camera equipment
doesn’t always mean that you’ll take good
photos. Instead of having ten different
lenses, invest in some fantastic photography
books.

9. Tip 8- read your camera’s
manual
The best way to know what to do with your
camera is to actually read the manual. So
many people miss this really important step
on their photographic journey.

10. Tip 9- slow down
Take time to think about what is going on in
the viewfinder before pressing the shutter.
How are you going to compose the shot?
How are you going light it? Don’t jump
straight in without giving it some thought
first.

11. Extra tip- You’ve got to be
joking
A well timed joke will always yield a more
natural smile, than simply saying “smile”.