What Have We Covered So Far
It is time to take a break. I hope you have enjoyed the blog and the information we have been sharing. Let's go over what we have covered so far.
Take Better Pictures with the Camera You Already Own
Many people do not think that their point and shoot camera or the camera on their phones are capable of taking great pictures. I can tell you that they are wrong. Let me give you an example:
Here are two pictures. One was taken with my Nikon D90 DSLR and the other with a Nikon point and shoot camera. I have sold both pictures in an art gallery. Can you tell which was the point and shoot?
And the Winner Is?
The point and shoot is the picture of the dome.
Phone Cameras Do Well Too
Here is a picture I took with my iPhone. It was just a quick shot of a butterfly.
The real key is getting to know the capabilities of your camera and then to understand some of the techniques we have covered thus far.
Take Better Pictures Using the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is one of the most powerful composition tools you can use. I use it in the majority of the pictures I take. It helps you to direct the viewer's attention to the subject of the picture. Here is an example:
You can see the expanse of the sea and mountains in the distance. Your eye is also directed to the man walking at the edge of the land and sea. You will also notice that the dark beach and the lighter sea act as a Leading Line.
Taking Better Pictures Using Leading Lines
As we saw in the Rule of Thirds example, there is a leading line that also helps direct your eyes to the man walking along the beach. Leading lines can be very powerful. See how the lines in this picture draw your eyes to the top of the picture.
This is an example of lots of leading lines in the picture. Leading lines work. You should use them in your pictures whenever possible.
Take Better Pictures by Understanding Exposure
Understanding exposure is key. Understanding how your camera handles exposure will help you take better pictures.
Learn to Read the Shooting Conditions
The first thing you need to do Is learn how to read the conditions when you are ready to shoot. This will help you select the proper shooting mode for your camera. Are you shooting a portrait? Are you shooting on a bright sunny day at the beach?
Selecting the right shooting mode will help you take better pictures.
Take Better Pictures by Filling the Frame
If you are taking a picture of a person or a flower, you will get better results if you fill the frame with the subject. Remember, negative space is not your friend. Negative space is everything in the picture that is not your subject. The less negative space, the more attention is paid to your subject.
Here is an example of what I mean:
I could have gotten even closer, but I wanted a blurred background. Notice I also incorporated the rule of thirds because the subject flower falls at the cross point of the upper right.
So what is next?
Next week's blog will cover how to use light. This is very important in helping you take beautiful pictures. Photography is a great hobby that can give you so much enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment. So get out there and shoot!
If you wish to see examples of my photography, visit my website at
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