Saturday, February 28, 2009

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!

Friday, February 27, 2009

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!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

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 :-)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

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!!