Top 5 Photo

graphy T

ips

for B

eginners

#1: Move in closerEach time you spot a subject, snap a shot and then move in closer for a better shot. Having your subject almost fill the frame helps your viewer understand and appreciate your photo. Also, details are often more interesting than an overall view.

Keep moving in closer until you are sure the photo will successfully represent your subject.

Captured too far away

Becomes better by moving in closer

#2: Be QuickIf it is at all possible that your subject may move, bolt, fly away, stop smiling, or just get tired of waiting for you to take the picture, shoot once right away. Practice getting quicker and quicker to the draw.

Do not worry about taking too many pictures and do not wait until you're absolutely certain all the knobs and buttons are in their correct position.

Motto to remember: “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later”

#3: Compose Your Picture With Care

Even if you don't plan on selling your photo to the Smithsonian, make every effort to keep it balanced and beautiful. On one level or another, everyone responds better to a picture that has all elements in balance. Strive to lead the eye along an interesting path through the photo, with the use of strong lines or patterns.

•Keep the horizon level;•Crop out extra elements that you are not interested in (more on this is the next tip);•Consciously place your subject where you think it most belongs rather than just accepting it wherever it happens to land in the photo;•Play with perspective so that all lines show a pattern or lead the eye to your main subject;•Work with the Rule of Thirds.

Composing picture and applying rule of thirds

Rule of Thirds is put to use by dividing the rectangular shape of your scene into nine smaller rectangles like so:

You add a great deal of dramatic interest by placing your subject at any of the four points where the lines cross.

#4: Select and Focus on your SubjectPractice shooting with different apertures and monitor the results afterwards to learn how depth-of-field affects your photo.

You will find that a smaller depth-of-field (and smaller f-stop #) focuses all the attention upon your subject. This is great for taking a picture of your subject as it stand s out against a blurry background.

You will also want to become familiar with the way your camera focuses. If it is a simple point and shoot camera, you will likely indicate which part of the picture to focus on by following these steps:

1.Aim so the object you want in sharp focus is in the center of the viewfinder.2.Press the shutter button down half-way and hold it.3.Move your camera until you have the composition you like best (see tip #3).4.Press the button down the rest of the way to take the picture.

#5: Watch the Weather

Look outside and decide whether or not you are going to want to have the sky in your picture. If it's overcast, simply keep the sky out of your pictures as much as possible. This is usually the best way to avoid both muted tones in your subject and washed-out skies in your background. You might also find black and white pictures of an overcast day more pleasing than color.

When the day is beautiful, go ahead and make the most of it.