Pixiq

1)    Keep it Off Center

Better known as the rule of thirds this composition rule helps to create visually pleasing images with balance that draws the viewer into the image.  To use this rule mentally divide the camera frame in thirds and place your main subject on one of these area’s.  To see the rule in effect simple look at famous painting, advertisements and even in the movies you see.

2)    Find a Hero

In every photo there is a hero, or main subject.  Decide what you want to be the focus of your image and make everything else secondary in the image.  The Hero can be anything ranging from a person to a predominate color in your image.  Remember you have control of what you want your hero to be.

3)    Selective Focus

Learn the beauty of depth of field.  By using shallow depth of field you can bring your main subject to life and blur out the remaining elements that may distract from the overall photo.  Make a conscious effort to use the correct F-stop to give the look you’d like in your images.  For example an image shot at F 2.8 will bring the viewers attention to point you are focused on, but the same image shot at F 16.0 may become distracting by bringing everything into focus. 

4)    Shoot Like a Movie Director

Most people find a great shot and once they take that picture they stop.  In making a movie one shot is done different ways.  One may be a tight shot, the other a 3/4 shot and then a wide shot.  By getting coverage and shooting beyond the first good shot you give yourself options to go beyond the photo and begin to create a story with a point of view.

5)    Don’t Chimp

Chimping refers to the act of looking at the display on the back of your digital camera.  While you are focused on looking at the back of your camera you are also missing great images and letting life pass you by.  Get in the habit of looking only once and then concentrate on making great images.

6)    Less is More

Today we have faster cameras, faster media cards and technology is changing faster than we can say pixel.  However just because we can shoot a zillion frames doesn’t mean we are taking better pictures.  It’s better to have 30 great images with thought and a point of view and 800 random images.  Be picky and shoot less.

7)    Shoot What You Love

We all have things we like and things we love.  When you find the things you love and photograph them with all your passion you are weaving your powerful feeling through all your images.  Only shoot what you love!