Take Better Pictures~~Lesson 4~~7/24/02

[scooby]

With today's automatic cameras almost anyone can produce a sharp, well-exposed image. The key to taking above average pictures is how you compose your images. The tips below will help you create eye-catching photos—and transform your photos from mere snapshots into works of art. Examples can be seen at
www.smartdraw.com/resourc...ctures.htm


Follow the Rule of Thirds ~~~~

When looking through your viewfinder, imagine that it is divided into 3 sections, horizontal and vertical sections. Placing your subject off-center creates an interesting and dynamic image. To compose a well-balanced, off-center shot, place your subject near the intersections of the imaginary grid lines. This is called the rule of thirds.

Examples~~~
With a moving subject, use the rule of thirds to leave space for the subject to travel into. We wouldn't want grandma to look like she was walking out of the picture, we want to see where she's going.


Get Close ~~~
Your subject is interesting, so get close to it. don't have a tiny subject and lots of boring, irrelevant space.

Try Unusual Angles ~~~
Be bold! Try tilting your camera to a 45 degree angle before snapping a picture. Or instead of snapping it from eye level, kneel down or lie on the ground to get a more interesting shot. Especially with small children and animals.

Frame Your Subject ~~~
Try framing your picture with foreground objects to add depth to the image. Like trees, have your subject centered between and just slightly behind two trees. This way the trees will be in the outer two thirds of your picture and grandma will be framed in the center.

Pay Attention to Lines~~~
Curves, straight lines, and diagonals add energy and movement to your compositions. Let roads and rivers draw the viewer into the image or lead the viewer's eye in a specific direction. An example would be, your grandparents farm house, down a dirt road, stand far enough back that you will get part of the road leading up to their house. Watch for natural geometric patterns and place yourself at an interesting angle to them.

Avoid Cluttered Backgrounds ~~~
Don't let a cluttered or very Busy background overwhelm or obscure your subject. Move around, or lie down, to get a clear shot at your subject without the distractions.

Avoid Mergers~~~
As you position yourself to avoid a cluttered background, also look out for trees, lamp posts, and other background objects which might merge with your subject in unfortunate ways, like a tree growing out of your husbands head.

Look for Interesting Reflections and Shadows ~~~
Reflections and shadows lend a touch of artistry to an otherwise plain picture. They can provide meaningful contrasts (such as an old building reflected in a modern high rise) or depth (such as the shadow of trees along a wooded path).

[KathiS]

These "lessons" are so great! The main problem I have with our granddaughters is to try to get everyone together and looking in kind of the same direction!

[scooby]

lol, I know what you mean. My grandson refuses to get his picture taken unless he is making some kind of face. Drives me crazy! LOL.

Lesson 7 will be all about kids so.......stay tuned