Tip #6

Adding dimension to your photo's continued.

Following on from yesterday, I explained about subtle ways in which you can add depth and dimension to photo's creatively. This photo is not one of mine, as I could not find one of mine which described exactly what I was wanting to explain in portrait photography.

As with the boat in the previous example. The idea here is to creatw some dimension to the photo by looking over the shoulder of someone else. She is clearly the subject, however there are almost layers to the photo now which makes for some creative photography, particulary when the photograph continues to fall off in the background and out to the door!

This photo here is one of mine, with a similar effect however it does not have the level of depth due to the lack of forground - but it still uses the dimensions.

Tip # 5

Tip # 5 Adding Dimension to your photo's

Hello again....yes slack I know very slack, I have not entered a tip for a few days I apologise!

Today is a simple technique to add dimension, layers (and effectiveness) to your photo. This can be used with portraits, landscape etc. Today I will focus on landscapes. This is not something that I have read anywhere and I am not entirely even sure what it is called!! But in studying other people's and my own photo's and self learning which most of you are doing, I know it is a technique which works well and does add a dimension to photo's. Similar to framing, but not so obvious. When you have your subject in mind, as with framing, you can choose to simply take the photo of the subject (which of course always works well!!) But for something different, try adding something in the foreground which does not detract from the object, but demonstrate the depth and dimension to your photo. eg in this photo I took in New Zealand a few years ago as an absolute amateur completley unedited straight from the camera......without knowing this technique - I still used it. Instead of just photographing the beautiful lake/mountains etc, I added the dimension of the boat to the side. It does not detract from the photo as the subject is still clearly the landscape, however, it has added the dimension of being on a boat, having a foreground and layers in the shot without detracting from the subject.....see what I mean? You can use this in almost any form....just remember...you don't want it to detract from your photo or it will become messy and too busy and noone will know what the actual subject is and where to look. If you are using this as a technique simply to add dimension and layers SUBTLE is the key!

I will have tips tomorrow on how to use this same technique with portrait shots.

Photo composition Tip # 4

We are going to continue to discuss framing today.........

One of the common problems with many shot's is that the object is not captured well due to the object not filling the frame...... there are several way's to obtain this which we will go into details with in another entry. But simply, if you want to photograph a soccer player kicking the ball, the photo will be much more effective if only the soccer player and ball are in the shot, rather than the entire field, 2 teams etc! It will be a far more dramatic shot with great details if it fills the frame. Sounds simple, but this small change makes a HUGE difference to your shot's!

This photo I took, I wanted to capture the face details and expression, so instead of doing a full body shot, I filled the frame with the object I was after - predominantly the face and only the face! It has allowed the details like the eyeleashes, lips etc to beam. Have fun practising.....

How to compose a photo - tip 3

How do I compose a photo?

Another great way to compose a photo is framing!! No not buying a frame for your photo!! ;-)

Framing can be a great way to compose a photo in a different way and to give it like a border with the main image in the middle. An example of this may be to have someone looking through an open window with the window being the frame.

Personally I love framing photos with nature. As you can see in this photo, I took a photo of the wave - it was a perfect day, but I have framed it with the trees and looked through them which has created a frame. It does not need to be a perfect frame by any stretch......nor does it have to be all 4 sides....sometimes just having something else in the composition changes everything! This photo would have been completely different if I had just focussed on the wave only.

The list of things which you can do is as endless and imaginative as you would like to make them! Just remember the object of the photo needs to remain your focus!!......unless of course, you want to use this as another rule breaker and actually make the frame your object....ahhhh now you are thinking aren't you!!! :-) Have fun creating some frames to compose your photo!

Tip # 2 - How to compose a photo

Another great way to add to the success of a photo is to add contrast to a photo

ie dark on light or light on dark......

This simple contrast can make a huge impact in your photo. If a photo is being taken against a cream or white wall - have the person wear a dark or bright coloured shirt.....nothing too busy or that may have the opposite effect - simple but contrasting is the key!

This photo I took today, and is a classic white on black - it gives the photo a great strong contrast - well I think so anyway.....:-) Give it a go!

How do I compose a photo?

This week I am going to focus on composing a photo. Having searched a lot I have come across a few tips which have made getting the photo "right" so much easier.....

Tip # 1

Lets start with the good old favorite the "Rule of Thirds" - 'One of the most popular 'rules' in photography is the Rule Of Thirds. It is also popular amongst artists. It works like this: Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. You place important elements of your composition where these lines intersect.' Of course some of the most stunning pictures break this and most of the following 'rules'. But whether you follow them religiously or break them rebelliously its worthwhile knowing them. Sometimes breaking them can create the most effective photo's!

This is me being a rebel!!! LOL :-)

Welcome to Jen's Photography Tips - My first entry!

Well, I decided to write this blog for all those people out there who love photography, but perhaps, do not know a lot! This was me!!

I found it was really difficult to get information to help me on my way. A lot of people told me that it was too hard, you needed to study for years, that it was an art that takes many years to learn, some people even got terribly offended at me even entering the photography industry! I even lost a photographer friend over it!........and I am here to tell you this does not need to be the case and anyone can learn to take good photo's!!!

Of course all these things are true, but you can start with what you have and practise and try different things. Which is what I am going to attempt to help with! Knowledge of some basic's can make a HUGE difference.......many photographers do not want you to know this and try to hoard the information!!! :-) Others however have been nothing but helpful - I aspire to be like these people!

I am here as proof that it can be done....don't get me wrong - I have a LONG way to go, and am learning every single day and always will as there is always something new to explore. But as I alway's say, everyone has to start somewhere - some people seem to forget that! And for every doubter - there are many more supporters! Hang onto them and rid yourself of the others!!

I have experienced a lot in life and lived through a number of trauma's and continue to battle a debiltating illness, however I will not let any of this or any people try to take my dream, and I believe wholly that you are a creation of your choices - and your choices are wholly and soley unlimited by your dreams and desires to create what you want.

So on that note - welcome to my blog! I hope that you enjoy the tips....and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask, I will be more than happy to attempt to answer all questions! I want to be a provider of information not a withholder! Everyone has the right to learn how to take great photo's! If anyone has any area's they would like to be covered please comment and I will attempt to cover it for you!

Tomorrow I will have my first tip!! This photo was from my first "shoot" when I decided to get serious - even on fully automatic taken outside while I was practising composing!!