So you’ve got a great camera, but that doesn’t mean your photos are automatically going to be great. Capturing memorable moments in visual form can be tricky – especially if you’re juggling shooting and editing at the same time. Fortunately, there are lots of simple photography tricks that will take your photos from so-so to sensational in no time. Whether you’re shooting on a DSLR or an iPhone, there are easy ways to improve your snaps by thinking outside the box. So go to those 10 clever tricks by Depositphotos.com, let’s first look at why they work…
A little knowledge goes a long way
There’s no shame in admitting that you don’t fully understand how your camera works. And you know what? Neither do most professional photographers! It’s important to understand at least the basics of the different components of a camera and why they’re important. We’ve all been there – we’ve spent $500+ on a new camera, but when it comes to taking our first shot, we’re suddenly at a loss. Understanding the basics of how cameras work will help you to get more out of your photography.
Use the rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is a simple image composition technique that dates back to the Renaissance Era. The rule of thirds breaks an image down into 9 equal parts using two axes – one vertically and one horizontally. It helps to create visual interest, balance and a sense of order in a photo. When composing your shot, imagine there are two lines (one vertical, one horizontal) that divide the photo into 3 equal parts. Place the most important elements along these lines (e.g. the subject’s eyes, the sun, a mountain top). This simple trick will help to create order and visual interest in your shots, making them instantly stand out from the competition.
Utilize natural light
Natural light is free, beautiful and can transform an average photo into a stunning shot in just a few seconds. While artificial light is convenient and easy to control, nothing beats the warm glow of sunlight or the soft flash of candlelight. For portrait photography, natural light is the king. But you can also use it to create beautiful shots of landscapes, cityscapes and just about anything else you can think of. To make the most of natural light, you’ll need to consider a few things. First, determine the direction of the light. If you’re shooting outdoors, position yourself so that the light is hitting your subjects from behind. This will create a beautiful rim light effect on their faces, adding definition and depth. If you’re shooting indoors, you’ll need to choose a window that’s facing the right direction. If you’re unsure, there are lots of online tools that will help you to identify the best light.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with shutter speed and ISO
Most people think of shutter speed as a way to control the amount of light that gets into the camera. While that’s true, shutter speed also has a huge effect on the finished product. Shutter speed can be used to freeze motion, create motion blur and do a whole lot more. Experiment with different shutter speeds, and you’ll soon discover that there’s much more to this concept than meets the eye. ISO plays a big part in regulating light too. It allows you to manually adjust the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor, meaning you can use a lower shutter speed in low-light environments. If you want to freeze motion, use a higher ISO. On the other hand, if you want to create motion blur, use a lower ISO. Experiment with these two settings and you’ll soon discover all the ways they can transform your scenes from boring to breathtaking.
Find the right angle
The right angle can transform a ho-hum scene into a head-turning masterpiece. There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to finding the right angle. However, there are a few simple things you can do to get the creative juices flowing. Start by thinking about the subject of your photo. Where would you like it to go? What kind of emotion are you trying to portray? From there, try to visualize the scene from a different angle. You might want to shoot the subject straight on, or you might prefer a more dramatic view from above. Maybe you’ll want to shoot from below, or even from the side. There are no rules when it comes to finding the right angle, so get creative and have some fun with it.
Learn to love framing lines
Framing lines are basically the lines of the frame in a photo. It can be the edge of a table, the outline of a door, the lines in a person’s face or anything else that’s visible in the shot. They help to create interesting compositions and can be used to draw attention to certain visual elements. When it comes to framing lines, the possibilities are endless. All you need to do is look around you, and you’ll see them all around you. They can be incredibly useful when it comes to creating interesting compositions. When framing lines, think about how they can be used to draw attention to the elements you want viewers to notice. For example, if you’re taking a photo of a beautiful sunset, you might want to frame it using the silhouette of a person or a tree to add visual interest and create an aesthetically pleasing shot.
Add a bit of digital remastering artistry
Artists and creators have been using tools like oil paints and watercolors for centuries. These materials are extremely messy, require a lot of skill and are quite expensive. Fortunately, we now have software and apps that allow you to digitally remaster your photos and apply a variety of creative effects. If you’re strapped for time and want to make your photos stand out from the crowd in just a few minutes, consider adding a few digital effects. You can transform your images with a few quick clicks, and you don’t need to be a highly skilled artist to do it. In fact, some of the most creative art is done digitally. If you want to see a few examples of digital remastering, check out the Artsy app. It features a collection of stunning photos that have been digitally remastered.
Don’t skimp on editing
Once upon a time, editing was done on expensive computers that cost thousands of dollars. Today, all you need is a laptop or a computer and a few editing apps. While you can’t completely remove the flaws and imperfections in your photos, you can do a lot to make them look better. Editing is an essential part of photography, and it’s something that many photographers are skimping on. Most photos can benefit from a little bit of editing. Whether you’re improving the contrast in a landscape shot, removing a distracting element from the frame or adjusting the brightness, it’ll make a huge difference.
Photographers are visual storytellers who capture the world as it unfolds around them. Great photos are more than just a pretty picture – they’re a glimpse into another person’s life. When you’re taking photos, remember that it’s not only about the person or object you’re photographing – it’s also about the emotions, feelings and memories associated with that moment in time.
With the right mindset and a few simple photography tricks up your sleeve, you’ll soon be taking photos that turn heads and leave people speechless. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your camera and get snapping!
