Thanks to the digital revolution, taking good photographs is within reach of anyone with little more than the patience required to get good. Inexpensive digital cameras from high street stores like Curry’s have opened the door to amateurs to turn professional without breaking the bank. Here are some important questions to ask yourself if you’re seeking to improve your shots…
What story am I telling? Before snapping away, ask yourself why. What are you trying to convey? Is it just a record of a moment, or are you trying to tell a deeper story. Capturing the emotion as well as the event is a way to elevate your shots to the next level.
What is my focal point? Where are trying to draw the viewers eye to? A well framed focal point can make the difference between a dynamic shot and a drab, anonymous snap. Think about the competing focal points and question whether or not they take away from the image. It will be different in each case – often, secondary focal points can add much-needed depth to a shot. If it seems to be distracting from your main focal point, consider taking a different photo with the secondary focal point taking centre stage. The beauty of digital photography is you are not limited in the number of shots you can take.
Am I close enough to my subject? A common mistake is framing your subject too widely. Shots that fill the frame with your subject tend to be a lot more dynamic. Think about all the detail in someone’s face that is unique to them. They might not always be comfortable with an extreme close-up, but learning how to make them comfortable is part of becoming a good photographer. If you are photographing objects or landscapes you don’t even need to worry about that…. Just fill the frame with something interesting!
Is my framing straight? So many shots that would otherwise have been good are ruined by poor framing. Keep horizons straight. Or, if you’re going for a jaunty angle, make it purposefully so. The key is a confident shot where nothing looks like an accident.
How will the eye travel? This is perhaps the most important of all. Eyes tend to follow lines, so if you can have vertical or horizontal lines leading somewhere, it makes the shot that much more interesting to view.
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