Although I’m fairly new to the business side of photography, I’ve been using these basic techniques for years. Whether you’re using a DSLR, a point-and-shoot camera or a smartphone, these are some basic elements that anyone can implement to improve their photography.
Keep Your Lines Straight
Try to keep any dominant lines in your frame as straight as possible (whether they’re horizontal or vertical). Keep your horizon, tree trunks, buildings and window frames straight and I guarantee you will love your images more. You have no idea how often I see even professional photographers post beautiful images on IG with crooked horizons! If you end up shooting at a weird angle, crooked lines take just a second to adjust in the crop setting of your phone or editing program.
Before adjusting shoreline After adjusting shoreline
Respect the Rule of Thirds
This is probably one of the most basic skills of composition to master and one of the most important. The idea is to imagine your frame broken up into 3rds vertically and horizontally and place your subject somewhere along these lines or intersections. Our photos tend to stand out more when we put this rule into practice rather than placing a subject right in the middle of the frame. This is another adjustment you can make in the crop setting afterwards if you need to.
Before After
Watch for Merging Bodies
I love standing back and taking photos of families doing an activity together from far away. Kids running around, dads throwing them up into the air or having them chase bubbles allows for natural reactions and beautiful memories. Although difficult to do sometimes, I try to make sure each person has their own little bubble of space and isn’t merging with another family member. This tip is closely related to the next tip:
Ensure a Clean Background
Pay attention to what’s behind your subjects and place yourself in a position to ensure a clean background. This technique will take your photos to the next level by not distracting the viewer from what you want them to see. Backgrounds such as cluttered wall art, light fixtures or even trees can be a distraction to the moment you’re trying to capture (especially if they look like they’re growing out of someone’s head). Allowing yourself to move closer or further or just changing your angle entirely can often solve this problem.
Look for Natural Frames
As much as certain objects can add distractions to your photo, if you allow them to frame your subject naturally, they often produce fantastic results. Think overhanging branches, using the side of a rustic building or even using windows to “frame” your subject allows the natural setting to enhance the photo.
Pay Attention to Available Light and its Direction
I’ve saved the most important element of photography for last. You can’t have a photo without light. The word “photo” literally means light! Choosing the right kind of light and its direction can really make your pictures stand out. I try to avoid using flash as much as possible to maintain the natural “feel” of my photos. I also tend to shy away from using artificial light as it casts unpleasant shadows and colours on my subjects' faces. Natural light is my favourite. Available light can also enhance the mood of the photo. Bright and airy photos feel playful and happy while darker images with heavy shadows suggest quieter, more intimate moments.
There you go! Some simple steps to better photos. Of course with any "rules" there are definitely exceptions. Don’t let these technicalities stop you from just taking the photo. Capturing an awesome moment or facial expression that has arms merging or isn't perfectly composed is still worth keeping and sharing. After all, the moments matter more than the technical side of photography. Just. Take. The. Picture.
Thanks for reading.