A Camera can only shoot what you put in front of it!!!

We all know that there are limitations on a camera compared to the fantastic power of the human brain and eye as image processors. Being out in the 'field' so to speak, with the camera, our senses are alive and we literally capture all aspects of the things that surround us in our memories.

However it takes effort and preparation to fully capture those senses in a photograph for other people to enjoy. Or just to mark an occasion simply for your own memories.

What You Need

A Camera first and foremost is the most important aspect of this process as well as the ability to see a prospective picture in your surroundings. Whether it's an SLR or not doesn't matter, however the next important thing is a Tripod. Tripods not only allow for definition and finery in a shot but they also make you stop, slow down, and take time to set up for an awesome photograph. If you've got a digital point and shoot consider investing in a small Gorilla Tripod. They are fantastic things.

If you're using a Digital SLR and have wide angle lens then be sure to bring them along. They stretch out an image and allow for a wider capture, greater depth and altogether more room to structure composition.

The Rule Of Thirds

You hear this everywhere. People drop comments on your work saying, 'You should have used the rule of thirds ' or 'Great use of the rule of thirds! ' In reality, rules are made to be broken. But you should really learn them first

Here's a handy step by step tutorial to save me repeating what hundreds have said before me.

Working The Lines

Lines are powerful things, and the ones found in images can really work together to create your shot. Consider how you are balancing your image when you set up a shot and after you have taken it. Shoot again from a different angle, make the most of the composition in front of you.



When working with an image consider the horizon but also look at other horizontal lines and the vertical lines. Use the edges on the edges of your view finder as a gauge and once you've got them lined up make sure you don't move around too much and you'll be much more likely to get things straight.

:thumb132701859:

Lacking Inspiration?

(Breaking the Rulez)

Shoot from different angles, crouch down to accentuate the size of a building in comparison to the proportions of a person. Tilt your camera, zoom out, zoom in - close up on something interesting for a full on pattern capture. You can freshen up your Photography with something as simple as standing on a bench to shoot from up high.



Forget about the tripod (yes really!) and use a self created motion blur to enhance a sunset or create a Surreal effect. We all know that breaking the rule of thirds can create some of the best most inspiring pictures around. So do it every once in a while.

You could even...higher your ISO to create grainier shots JUST for effect!



It's important to realise that once you have achieved the rules of Photography, you can go wild and break them just to make the best of them.

Happy Creating!

"Composition is not a gift, it is something that can be learned with hard work and effort and then discarded for the right moments!"

:thumb153507013: