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By: hypergurl.com
Looking through past family photographs, I've realised that I often place the main subject smack dead in the middle of the photo. However, I've since learned that this is usually the failings of amature photography and that images are much more...
Added: 30 April 2008    Views: 861  
PathArt    Photography
Keywords: basic   learn   fine   landscape   lenses   macro   close   portret   glass   wide   zoom   camera   digital   lens   photography   photo   entertainment   art  
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How to compose your photograph for maximum impact!

Looking through past family photographs, I've realised that I often place the main subject smack dead in the middle of the photo. However, I've since learned that this is usually the failings of amature photography and that images are much more interesting if taken from a different perspective.

Take this photo for instance, where the chair has been placed dead centre in the middle of the shot:

subject in middle of photo

Pretty uninteresting huh?


Now compare it to this one where the chair is positioned to the right with the ocean, islands and boat in the distance balancing the composition of the photograph, while helping to create interest.

photo with subject off centre


When it comes to photography, don't be afraid to go outside your normal frame of mind and learn to experiment a little. Unlike film photography, digital images won't financially cost you any extra to have fun playing around with different ideas.

For example:

A landscape doesn't have to be taken horizontally. Turn your camera 180 degrees as though your taking a portrait and see what happens.

example of landscape

portrait example


Contrasting elements such as two people looking in different directions can make a photograph more interesting. Or for example, a small child next to a large building, or a large muscular father holding a small newborn baby.

example of contrasting elements


You don't need to have the whole subject in the photo. Sometimes part of, is best.

Compare this picture:

bird.jpg

With this one shown below:

bird closeup


Look for lines that may help lead the viewers eye to the subject. For example, in this photograph the horizontal lines on the beach help to lead the viewers eye toward the bird on the right.

example of lines

Another example using line to draw the viewers eye through the image:

example using line in photography


Look for numerous elements that can be used to your advantage. For instance instead of taking a simple photo of a beach:

boring beach photo

Try different angles and compositions:

example of interesting beach composition


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Comments
  says :
5/05/08, 6:34 am

great tutorial!