HINTS

Hints for taking better Photograph’s

The main areas where anyone can improve are content, lighting, and angle:

Content

· Go through some old magazines to get a feel for how professional photographers 'frame' their subjects
· Grouping a nice collection of objects or people together is one method of creating good content, and isolation of a single subject is another.
· The more natural the background and subject, the better the photograph will look in the end.
· The most common mistake amateur photographers make is having too much background that is not related to the subject. By getting a little closer, and/or zooming in on your subject a little, try to isolate your subject from all the surrounding blank walls or chaos. Getting closer can also capture a little more detail in your subject itself.

Lighting

· Lighting is something you must be very aware of in order to take better photographs. Even with the simplest camera equipment, the amount, direction, and quality of light make all the difference between a great photo and a terrible one.
· Despite most amateur photographers' beliefs that you need lots of bright lighting, most cameras take better photographs with indirect lighting. This would be an overcast day or light shade outdoors, and a covered flash indoors.
· Cover your flash with a light white cloth, which will allow some of the light through, but not bring such a harsh light to your subject.
· The direction of direct, harsh light brings problems to your pictures. If facing the sun, your subjects will end up squinting, but with their back to the sun, their face may turn out too shaded, and you risk getting the glare of the sun in your camera lens. With more indirect type of lighting, you do not have to worry about glare or shadows so much.

Angle

· Choosing your angle can make a great deal of difference in the interest of your photography as well. Don't be afraid to move around and see how the view looks from higher, lower, to one side, or even turning your camera for an angular or longwise shot. Try placing the subject in different parts of the picture, the top, bottom, or to the side, rather than always dead centre. Intentionally off-centre shots are very much the rage with professional photographers today.

The keys to taking better photographs are being aware of your content, your lighting, and your angle; not being afraid to experiment; allowing yourself to be a little bit creative; and knowing what your camera can do.