composition of a photograph..

Composition is one of major factor that contribute to the overall quality of a well photographed image. There are many elements which make up what is called the composition of a photograph and here we will go over just a few.


The Rule of Thirds:

• Any image can be divided into thirds as mentioned earlier. The focus points of a photo will stand out more if they are placed at these intersection points.

Leading Line:

• A leading line is a natural line or shape that leads the viewers eye to the focal point the photo. These lines are what cause the viewers eyes to circulate around the photo taking it all in, good leading lines will cause the viewers eyes to travel all around an take in the whole picture while bad leading lines will cause the viewer to only observe one section of the picture rather than flow easily.

Perspective:  

• Whenever the lines of an image converge towards the centre it draws the viewers eye to that point called the vanishing point. Camera position can also add to the interest by changing the viewers perspective. When images  are taken from below (worms eye view), above (birds eye view), or from any interesting angel of an object it adds to the whole composition of the photograph. 

With all these elements in mind one will be able to  capture overall better photographs and above are some examples of all of the following.

macro photography..

When attempting to take a macro photograph (macro photography is close-up photography.) here are some helpful hints.


Depth of Field: First a person must consider the depth of field. That is the area between the nearest and farthest points from the camera that is sharp and focused  within a photograph. 


• Deeper depth of field - more area in focus, or foreground softened
• Shallow depth of field - less area in focus, causing a main subject   to stand out


Smaller aperture openings extend the range of what is focused withing the photo while large openings restrict the sharp focus to a shallow area (shallow depth of field). The smaller the opening of the
aperture the more focused the entire image becomes, this statement includes the background of the photograph 


Digital Zoom: Next a person taking a macro photograph must consider the digital zoom. In the digital area, zoom range is often enhanced via digital zoom. The camera zooms into the area of the image to achieve a closer look at the subject. This results in a higher quality focused image with a softer background resulting in a macro effect.

(after trying this myself, here is an example of a macro photograph) 

landscapes..

Here are some short and easy tips to keep in mind while taking photographs of landscapes particularly  


Maximize your Depth of Field:

• Often while photographing landscapes one should ensure that as much of your scene is in focus as possible. The simplest way to do this is to choose a small Aperture as the smaller your aperture the greater the depth of field in your shots. 

 Look for a Focal Point 

• Every photo needs some sort of focal point this is also true for landscapes. Focal points can take many forms in landscapes and could range from a building, to a tree, to a silhouette, even to something like a rock. Think only about what the focal point and think about but where you place it (rule of thirds might be useful) 

According to rule of thirds the picture frame is mentally divided in to three parts horizontally and vertically as in the picture. The main subject of the photograph is then placed in one of the four locations where the lines intersect.  




Think Foregrounds 

• One element that can set apart your landscape shots is to think carefully about the foreground of your shots and by placing points of interest in them. When you do this you give those viewing the shot a way into the image as well as creating a sense of depth in your shot. 

(during a trip to Alaska I took this photo, try and spot the person in the canoe!)

light trails..

Equipment Needed:

• a camera that allows you to have some control over exposure settings – particularly those that allow you to choose longer shutter speeds (a camera that has the ability to shoot in either full manual mode or shutter priority mode)
• a tripod (or some way to making your camera completely still) - as you’ll be shooting with long shutter speeds

Basic Principle:
At the most general level photographing light trails involves finding a spot with dark lighting and a bright light. For example where you’ll see the light trails created by cars. Securing your digital camera, setting a long exposure setting on your camera and shooting at a time when cars will be going by to create the trail of light. The general factor behind it is longer exposures that will enable the cars that create the trails to move through your image.


Setting Up Your Shot:
Photographing light trails is not difficult – it’s as simple as finding virtually any road with cars going down it once the sun goes down. 
Timing/Light – one very effective time to do it is just as the sun is going down (just before and after). If you shoot at this time you’ll not only capture light from cars, but the light of the setting or rising sun, the light in the sky which can add atmosphere to your shots.
Creative Perspectives – some of the most effective light trail shots are taken from perspectives. Get down low(worms eye view) or find a place looking down on your scene (birds eye view) that will create a different angle.


Settings:
Aperture and Shutter Speed – usually a shutter speeds between 10 and 20 and with apertures in the mid range.  If your shots are overexposed – shrink your aperture down (increase the f stop number) or if your shots are underexposed open it up (decrease the f stop numbers). If you want the car’s lights to go further through the frame go for a longer shutter speed and if you want it to travel less through the frame shorten it.

Keeping all these elements in mind and a little bit of experimenting with different settings is what should lead your way of photographing a photo of car lights trailing. I myself have tried this too and this was the result. 

why photography..?

    The biggest reason, I believe photography is so important to me, is just the ability of capturing a moment as it happens with just a single click of a button. It serves as a snap shot in time, freezing of a moment. People often say that a picture is more than one hundred words and I personally support this statement fully. A photo can capture so much of that moment, the things that may fade with the human memory, specifically things like the time, the scene, moreover just the essence as a whole, the emotions, the feelings, just the overall atmosphere.


      In addition to this there is so much more artistic components of photography. Photography itself is an art, something simple for anyone to admire. To me, photography servers as a way for me to show others around me, what I can see. It provides the ability to show the world in a different angle. Through society today there is so much corruption and with mass media advertisements the true beauty of the world is often hidden.


      A simple picture, the ability to stop and take the time to showcase even an mundane item, in a different light is enough to remind people what is real. Here is an example, while me and my friend were on a walk, I happened to have my camera with me and noticed a snail. Something so small as a bug on the wall, something not particularly pretty or outstanding can been seen in a different light, a different angle, shown as the beauty within the world.