Tips for taking great photographs?

Question

what are some tips for taking great photographs??? I mean Photos, not just snapshots...I'll be in the Grand Canyon and what are a few sites to capture unique and stunning views? Hoq would you compose a great photo??

Answer 1

there's a hundred things that you'll have to be thinking about, and i'll try to list most of them here, but my advice is to go out and get a book and really read it. anyway, here we go.

lighting-- natural lighting is always best. since i assume you'll be dealing with some sort of consumer grade camera, you wont' have to worry about exposure, but always try to use the lighting availible, not flash. it flattens objects and makes sure the view knows that they're looking at a photograph, not a real scene

horizontal or landscape? try both, depending on your subject. if you want to indicate movement, try holding your camera at an angle.

try not placing your subject in the excact center--this makes photographs look static and don't really give it movement. since you'll probably be taking landscapes, don't have the horizon line down the center. if you're taking a picture of the sunset, let the earth lie on the bottom bit of the frame. if you want a river, cut out most of the sky.

make sure your subject takes up most of the frame. don't let there be too many distracting things in the background, or the viewer's eye will just sort of wander. try to get rid of distracting elements.

try to capture a mood or emotion, no matter how strange that sounds. if you're taking a picture of the canyon, do you want it to look big and unsettling, or calm? how can you achieve that? it's right brain thinking, but if you really want it to be a PHOTOGRAPH rather than a picture, you need to reflect

if you're so lucky to have photoshop or something of that sort, try playing with the brightness / contrast / colour for some more added effects afterwards. don't really manipulate it, but you can puts some more darks in to give it that little extra umph.



again, these are just the basics, but if you have any more questions don't be afraid to drop me a line. there are some things like the three-fourths rule or the golden triangle and some more basic principles of art, and if you're not afraid to do a little research, i'd suggest heading over to barnes and nobles.

good luck! have fun!

Answer 2

For the most dramatic lighting, shoot your pix up to two hours after sunup or within two hours of sunset. The Grand Canyon is spectacular at noon, but your photos won't be. Also, try to frame your pictures naturally with some of the trees. There are trees. The Canyon is about 7000 feet above sea level. Try to keep your center if interest out of the center of your picture. Draw an imaginary tic tac toe game on your viewfinder and put the center of interest where a vertical line crosses a horizontal line.

Take a lot of pictures and throw away all but the best. That's the hardes thing to do.

Answer 3

GREAT question! Take time to compose your shots properly in the cameras viewfinder. If you are using a digital camera, don't use the LCD screen since you will be outside and those screens are very hard to see in bright sunlight. Also, make sure your horizon line in the photo is perfectly straight not crooked. That can ruin an otherwise great shot and all judges in photo contests will reject the shot even if the horizon line is only a little off center. Try not to include too much of the sky when you shoot the Grand Canyon. Instead, focus your attention on the canyon itself and all its natural beauty.

good luck

Answer 4

first on the list would be a decent camera: im an SLR kinda guy however any decent camera will do.

the thing i see most that really bothers me is the subject matter being in the center of the photo. don't do it.

oh and the second would be the tilted horizon: yes it can be corrected in photo shop but its always nice to have it done right the first time.

Answer 5

Recognizing what makes a good Composition and a conciousness of a focal point.

The message behind the photograph, other people can relate to what your trying to say visually.

Answer 6

It all matters in the light. If the lighting is too dim then the picture will looke dull and if there is too much light, the picture might come out really dark or really light. Check out this website, it might help.

Answer 7

Control the light. That means understanding aperture, shutter speed, how light can affect mood and composition. Control the composition - where you stand, what are you shooting, how little or how much of the subject and its placement are all important. HAVE a subject.

Answer 8

with ur ability