Yes, I hear you screaming at your computer and throwing out some choice words about the final installation of Basics of Digital Photography. What can I say but absolutely nothing. Been busy editing photos, designing new sample products, and playing with some new toys. yea! Well, here's you've been waiting for, so enjoy. Oh, and about posting on Wednesdays, well I see that as more of a guideline and not a hard fast rule. :)
IV. Composing and Capturing the Shot
A. There are three elements that make a good photograph.
1. Know your subject.
2. Focus attention on your subject.
3. Simplify the shot.
B. Rule of Thirds
1. Avoids putting your subject dead center of the frame.
2. Divide your frame into three equal rows and columns.
3. Place your subject dead center then move your camera
left, right, up, down until your subject is off center.
C. Creating Kinetic or Static Photos (my personal terms)
1. A Kinetic photo is one that shows not only energy,
but can shows emotion as well.
a. Key elements of a kinetic photo are angle of camera,
lighting, color, posture or movement of subject.
b. Photojournalism and Candid styles are good
representations of kinetic photos.
2. Static, or traditional, are your classic posed shots with
frozen smiles and uneasy postures or stock photos.
a. Static photos are the conditioned response
to the camera and flash.
b. Portraits, Group and Weddings are good
representation of static photos.
3. No matter how you shoot always try and make your
subjects, if they are people, feel comfortable in front
of the camera. Talk to them, make them laugh and put
them into a more relaxed state of mind.
D. Photographing People and Groups
1. When shooting people, using a 3/4 or 2/3 turn is much
more appealing and adds impact. Also, having them
tilt their head down will dramatically increase the
photo’s appeal.
a. The reason for the 3/4 or 2/3 turn is because a person’s
face is not symmetrical and a head-on shot could look
off balance.
b. Be sure to check your lighting so there are no deep
shadows on the face unless, of course, that’s what
you are going for. Raccoon eyes anyone?
2. During a group photo the same rule can apply, just use
the 2/3 turn of the head to show more of the faces.
a. If at all possible, try and stagger the group to
show interest.
b. Be very aware of the different heights and skin tones of
your group. This could cause a visual unbalance in the
resulting print.
3. For both shots, also play around with different angles and
the camera can be rotated and titled. Try and stay away
from the static photo. Unless of course you have assistants
that can hold lights, reflectors, and diffusers.
Recommended Reading
1. Digital Photography Simplified by Gregory Georges
2. 50 Fast Digital Camera Techniques by Kevin L. Moss
3. The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
4. Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with
a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan Peterson
Websites
www.nyip.com - New York Institute of Photography Free Tutorials
www.adorama.com - Equipment and Free Tutorials
www.photoflex.com - Equipment and Free Tutorials
www.photovisionvideo.com - DVD Tutorials
Ok, that will bring us to a close on this 4 part series. I really hope this has answered any questions or even peaked you interest in photography. Please remember this does not even scratch the surface of everything that goes into taking that perfect shot. And as always, feel free to shoot me a question or two. I will be glad to answer them.
Now, where do we go from here? I know how sad you must be thinking these photo post are over, but fear not, I will continue with helpful lessons one technique at a time. So keep watching for new posts and thanks for reading.
