8 Simple Tips To Improve Your Photos

Taking pictures is an enjoyable activity for many, but unfortunately, not all of us have neither the technical background nor the academic preparation to take a picture that would amaze our friends, family or the internet. Nonetheless, there is a few guidelines you can follow to get the best out of your -or someone else’s- camera.

Table of Contents

• 1. Use a grid to balance your composition.

• 2. Play around with different perspectives.

• 3. Focus on one point of interest, or subject.

• 4. Use the vanishing point.

• 5. Negative space is a good thing.

• 6. Watch the light.

• 7. Symmetry is great.

• 8. Candid pictures make great scenes.

1. Use a grid to balance your composition.

Having the elements of your picture under a grid will provide a better perception of balance and level your composition in general. Based on the “rule of thirds”, you can divide your image into nine pieces (a 3x3 grid) so that the point of interest rests more naturally and delivers a more engaging appearance.

2. Play around with different perspectives.

We, humans, are used to seeing the world from the centre of our heads, so a picture with an unusual angle is more memorable. In addition, certain objects’ characteristics can be highlighted by approaching the picture from different angles. Want to make something look bigger than it is? Try taking a picture from below.

3. Focus on one point of interest, or subject.

The Center stage is great for performers, but the interesting point of your photo is another story. Try moving your subject closer to the edge so that way your picture has more context of where your subject is located.

4. Use the vanishing point.

The vanishing point is a great way to create a sense of depth in your images. In addition, playing with the focal point and the vanishing point can help you generate a “layered” image that will be perceived as balanced and natural.

5. Negative space is a good thing.

Negative space can be defined as the areas around single or multiple subjects. This space can be an open sky, a body of water, or even an abstract pattern or texture. When handled right, the negative space can make your subject stand from the background and it can make a big difference between a “normal” and a great photo.‍

6. Watch the light.

Great photographers are constantly referring to light as the second most important aspect of a photo, as it can really highlight or diminish accents on your subject and generate a wide variety of moods and scenes. Also, be aware that using the flash at night can make your scene look unnatural and very contrasted. Try an indirect source of light for subject photos at night and you will see a world of difference.

7. Symmetry is great.

In this article, the word “Balance” is used a lot. That’s because our brain is used to seeing things at a “rest” state naturally, like a pot on a table or a car on the street. The lacking of balance, on the other hand, can make an image feel unnatural or disproportionate. This is not necessarily bad, but if you are looking to improve a casual shoot, you might want to look for symmetry.

8. Candid pictures make great scenes.

As a professor at my university would say: “People being people is a photographer's dream”. Imagine capturing a commuter on the run, a lover’s kiss, or a kid smiling after getting ice cream. Your scene can’t get more authentic than that. Try capturing a special moment, an unforgettable memory, an act of kindness or something that would happen not so often. The results will amaze you.

Remember that in the end, what really makes a great photographer is the ability to communicate his view of the world to others. How does the world feel to you? Your world’s view is unique! Get out there and share with all of us your view of the world that surrounds you through the lens of a camera.
Don’t worry, if you don’t have one at hand, Beazy is there for you, with all the gear you might need. Take a look at the camera catalogue here.

Lastly, If you are following the photographer’s life path, don’t forget to check this article on how to make money as a photographer.

Enjoy your shoot! 🎥

‍