By Scott Will
Photography is an art form that can capture memories, tell stories, and express emotions. However, to take great photos, you need to understand the basics of photography and how to use your camera. In this article, we have ten rules photographers like Bruce Weber use daily.
The Rule of Thirds
In a scene, the rule of thirds dictates that you should line up your focal points along imaginary lines, which would divide the image into three equally sized vertical and horizontal sections. If done correctly, this will add balance to your photo because it will have one point of interest – your subject or focal point – in each part of the grid.
Leading Lines
Leading lines give a sense of direction or movement that dramatically enhances your photo. You can create leading lines with roads, rivers, vegetation, and even light trails from car headlights.
Depth of Field
Depth of field simply means how much you want to be in focus. If you want everything to be sharp and clear, try to use a wider aperture (f/4), but if you just want one focal point, such as your subject, then use a narrow aperture (f/11).
Framing
Framing a shot can be a great way to add depth and focus. It is a good idea to use nearby objects to frame your subject, such as using the corner of a doorway or window to frame a portrait or using the edge of a table to frame a landscape.
Lenses
If you want zoom without sacrificing quality, you need a high quality lens. With lenses, there is no such thing as cheap and expensive – it is more about knowledge and experience. When shopping for a lens, avoid the brands that offer you cheap packages with multiple lenses because they are usually low-quality items that will not help your photography in any way.
Color
Using color can help draw attention to your subject. By adding complementary colors, you’ll create the impression that the two colors belong together. For example, red and green are complementary colors because they are on opposite sides of the color wheel – thus creating a strong contrast that draws your eye to them.
Exposure
It’s all about getting the correct exposure. If you are shooting indoors, then make sure your aperture is low to get not only a good depth of field but also some light on the subject. On the other hand, if you are shooting on a sunny day, try using an aperture of f/16 for sharp detail.
Lighting
It’s all about the lighting. The best photos are taken when there is bright light with a low angle to avoid harsh shadows. If you are shooting indoors, then make sure your camera has enough light or use an external flash unit.
Stability
To avoid blurry photos, use a tripod or rest your camera against something solid like a wall. This will ensure that your shot is crisp with sharp focus, even if movement is involved. Also, try using bumpers around the stand to further stabilize your camera during exposure times – this also eliminates unwanted vibrations that may occur when pressing down on metal tripods or stands.
Shadowing
When taking photos indoors with light sources such as windows or lamps, try to position your subject so that they are not in direct line with the source of light. This way, no matter what position the lighting hits them at, there should always be shadows present on their face. This gives more character and appeal to the image.
