Hey Photographers! Welcome to this mini photography tip to help you with your camera and to get better photos! If you want to catch up on all the tips in detail and in one hit then sign up for one of my photography workshops, there’s one for everyone, click on the link below then scroll through all the different workshops I have available. From an educational workshop to a photography experience, I am always there to guide you to ensure you get the best photos and improve on your photography journey. They are suitable for all levels of photography experience and take you to some of the best places in North Queensland.https://www.philcoppphotos.com/photography-workshopsThis photography tip is all about what makes Good Photo. There are many things that are contributors to “A Good Photo”. A good photo will capture your attention and make your eyes wander through the photo. It will engage your imagination and create emotion when you look at it. Photography is very subjective and I am by no means a pure expert but I will share below what I try to “create” when I capture my photos. Firstly there are two things you have to get right:
- If your photo (or at least the main subject) is out of focus then you may as well delete the photo. There may be examples where this is intentional like a moving subject but it’s generally good to have some part of your main subject in focus. If your subject is a person or animal, the eyes are a key focus point.
- It’s critical to get your exposure right in camera and minimise any really dark shadows or bright highlights. It can be challenging or even impossible sometimes to recover detail in these areas. Using the histogram when shooting is a great way to manage this. Sometimes filters can assist with this as well as exposure bracketing which is merging a few different exposures together to control shadows and highlights. Even though those two things are nailed down there is still a lot to consider for what makes “a Good Photo”:1. A good subject. This is important because if there is no subject, what is the photo of? Your eyes should lead to a good subject when viewing a photo.2. Good light whether natural or artificial. Every photographer chases the “good light” either in the golden/blue hours or using controlled artificial light. Photos captured during “golden hour” or with balanced diffused flash make for a better image rather having harsh sunlight or uncontrolled un-diffused flash light.
- A strong composition. Composition is important to ensure the viewers eyes are lead through the image, not out of the image. A balanced composition also helps ensure the photo is not heavy on one side for example. Leading lines also work really well to draw your viewers eye through the photo. Typically use a “Rule of Thirds” composition which is the most common and sometimes a “Balanced Composition” to ensure the image is “balanced” on each side over an invisible middle pivot point (like a seesaw).
- Simplicity and removing distractions. Most good photos are “simple”. Removing distractions also helps keep the viewer engaged in the photo. Sometimes it can mean moving a bit to the left or right, or editing a distraction out of your image if you cannot get it out of the image when shooting.
- Different colours can affect a photo also, and can also be distracting sometimes. Sometimes B&W can be the answer to control this. A bright coloured item or something else with a bright vibrant colour will lead your eye straight to it.
See below some examples of my landscape photos. If you think about all the things above it will take you a long way in your photography journey and to capturing photos like this. I hope you enjoyed this photography tip. Feel free to ask any questions by sending me a message on social media or by EMAIL.
Till next time, happy shooting.
Phil
