Our digital age has made capturing images easy. An activity that was once reserved for professional painters and photographers is now accessible to millions of shutterbugs, many of whom wonder about how to improve their craft. In order to become a better photographer you must first understand the basic principles that make up a good picture. These few tips deal with design and composition, concepts that would surely be covered in a Photography 101 course.
1. One of the most important things to consider when taking a picture is composition. Composition refers to the way visual elements are combined in a picture. The visual elements that are of importance in photography are color, line, shape, texture, direction, space, size, and perspective. A good picture balances these elements and uses them together to bring the viewer's attention to a single focal point.
2. Lighting is another important aspect of good photography. A well-composed picture can be easily ruined by too much or too little light. Make sure you have a strong, single light source illuminating your subject. Too many light sources can create multiple shadows, confusing the viewer and detracting from the beauty of the subject. If you're shooting outside, make sure it is sunny enough to give your subject enough light. If it's dark or overcast out, you might want to move inside.
3. Another extremely important aspect to consider is your picture's focus. One way to focus the attention on your subject is to eliminate clutter from the picture. Instead of taking a picture of your friend alongside a dozen other things, simply take a picture of your friend alone. Simplifying your pictures will make the remaining subjects really pop. And don