Guest post- Nine Ways to Compose a Photograph

9 Ways to Compose a Photograph

“A big thank you to Bonnie, for giving me the opportunity to guest post at this wonderful Blog!”

There are so many different techniques, rules and ways to take a good photo. So many that sometimes we get overwhelmed. Today, I have broken it into Nine simple steps.

1.       Perhaps the most well know principle of photographic composition is the ‘Rule of Thirds‘.

The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts.

The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot – using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.

I’ll leave you to imagine the lines. But, notice that the tree is not in the centre of this photo.

2. Try focusing on one aspect of your subject. Using the Macro setting, which is on most cameras.

3. Try taking photos from different angles. Nobody said you had to stand in front of your subject and simply click the button. Try taking photos from above and below eye or head level.

4. Take photos of Silhouettes. Sunrise and sunsets are your best friends.

5. Take photos that invites the viewer(s) in.  i.e. standing in the middle of the road.

6. Play with your photos using an editing program. I use Picasa and/or PhotoShop.

In the photo below, I increased the shadows, and used “I’m Feeling Lucky” on Picasa.

This photo was lightened. To help the white balance.

7. Practice. Practice! Practice makes perfect, and so does true dedication.

8. Tell your model to jump off something. This is most effective when using a motion or anti-blur setting (on some cameras.)

 8. Take colourful photos. It never hurts to take a few bright photos!

9. And most of all.… Have fun. Photography should not feel like a chore!

All Photos are the Property of Shining Arrows Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2013

About the Author | Sayna:

Sayna is the Editor of the Shining Arrows magazine and blogs over at the Shining Arrows blog. She is an amateur Photographer. Some of her hobbies include: Sewing, crafting, running, singing, Piano and hairstyling.  She is currently writing a novel.