Simple Tips to Achieve Better Looking Photos

How To, Ideas — By derek

Looking to tone your photography skills but don’t know where to start?  Want to bring some more creativity and liveliness to your photos?  Try out some of these easy tips for every camera, even if you’re a novice photographer starting out with a point and shoot camera.

Shooting vertical or horizontal pictures

Who said you need to choose?  Take both horizontal and vertical pictures of the same subject and determine which makes a better fram for your subject.  Some photographers may argue that photos of people and buildings always look better when taken vertically, but experimentation with different angles will result in creative pictures.

Focus on your main subject

It might be difficult for a viewer to ascertain what you wanted to express with your photo if there are too many distracting elements.  Try moving closer or zooming in to eliminate some of the clutter, of use a simple background so as to make your subject stand out.

Try the Myspace technique

Shoot your subject from various angles, trying out different compositions.  Try shooting from above, from below, from the left, from the right, etc. until you find a perspective that you think fits your subject and conveys your intent.

Place your subject off-center

You don’t have to place your subject in the dead center of your photo to make it clear that it is your main focus.  Experimenting with the placement usually results in more interesting and dramatic shots.  Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid over the viewfinder of your camera and place your subject on one of the 4 intersections.

Watch the horizon

Play with the horizon on your pictures, adding in the effect of distance and space by placing the horizon towards the bottom of your shot.  Another easy way to add depth to your photo is to include foreground elements to your shot.  If you want to invoke the feeling of proximity, place the horizon towards the top of your shot.

Check out the photos below!  Awesome shots taken by my friend George.