By Les Milligan
Everywhere you go you see iPhones galore. It seems everyone over the age of 10 has one and they are all taking pictures with them. It is a great way to share experiences with friends and family as well as the world.
This is a new phase of photography that is fast becoming the source of the majority of images taken. It’s easy and everyone can do it, so why not capture the moment.
My guess is that very few ever look at their phone’s operation manual to learn how to use the camera, after all you just select the camera app and push the button and wow you have the image, text it to a friend who reply’s great, love it. At this point you think, I am really good at this, and you are, but is being good all you want or would you like to be better?
There are some simple things to remember before you take that shot that will improve the outcome and give the maker a image to be viewed with more appreciation.
- It is easy to crop the image before you take picture, just take a moment to look around the subject and leave out things that are not necessary to complement the subject. Look for power lines, utility poles, a fence, street, anything that is not part of the subject should be left out. Get in close so there is no doubt what the subject is.
- Another thing that should be watched for is areas of light that will have no detail, such as bright sun spots or dark shadows, leave these areas out of your image by moving yourself or the subject so you can shoot from a different angle. Leaving these things out of the image will allow the camera to expose the subject so that it will look more like you see the subject.
- Show action whenever possible such as a foot off the ground, arms partially extended, or a ball in midair. Anything that shows or implies motion adds interest to the image.
- The use of good composition is very important. Every time you look at a magazine or while you are watching TV notice how the image is composed and use this when taking your images.
Sometimes the simplest things can improve your image and lots of these can be found in your user manual, use it. You will be happy you did. Camera clubs and study groups also are good affordable ways to learn how to make your images something to be proud of for a life time, not just for the moment.
Les Milligan
Photo Graphic Society America (PSA)
Dir. Digital Study Groups
lesmilli@frontiernet.net