Photography Tips From Professional - Lesson #3

Welcome back! It is now time for our third and final lesson right before Christmas. In Lesson #1 we learned about the simplicity of the camera mechanics with the f-stop (aperture) and shutter speed. In Lesson #2 we learned about ISO as well as how the average person should set his camera when shooting various scenes. Today I will touch on the final two rules for creating stunning photos. As an added bonus for our more advanced users I will include one tip using the f-stop (aperture) to improve the depth of field.

When creating a photo or painting the artist should always consider the Rule of Thirds. So what is the Rule of Thirds? For top painters and photographers alike they view each area of interest by dividing it into thirds both in height and lengthwise. This creates three columns and three rows with nine sections. When you take a photo or create a painting the points of interest should be located around the various quadrants/lines created by this division. The main intention is to have the eyes flow through the picture from one quadrant to another. The picture below illustrates this rule. The castle, horizon, rocks all fall within a quadrant and around the division lines. As you view the picture pay attention to how your eyes move throughout the entire shot. Too many amateur photographers place the point of interest directly in the middle of the frame. Imagine how the castle picture would look if everything was shifted with the castle right in the middle? It would clearly be lacking in pizazz and the eyes would not move throughout the picture.

NOTE: All rules are meant to be broken, but you must first learn the rule before you can break it.

Rule of Thirds

Castle In Italy

Most individuals love portrait shots of friends and family. However, they don’t need to be composed shots with everyone saying “cheese”. (In reality they should say “Whiskey” during that type of shot because it brings about a more natural smile.) When having a family or group of individuals gather together they typically are at their most relaxed and humorous state before you begin shooting. These times provide excellent opportunities to take some really interesting and fun shots without anyone noticing. Notice how the shot captures the candid and relaxed aspect of everyone while also following the Rule of Thirds. (Faces are NOT in the middle of the picture.) Lastly, when taking candid portraits you need to be “in the moment”. Try and become the subject and predict their next move, thoughts, or facial expressions. Doing so allows you to capture some fascinating photographs.

Family Shot at Christmas

Predict Your Subjects Behavior

Before moving to the final tip let’s summarize the past three lessons. I still recommend reading all of them one final time to see the connection between each lesson.

Lesson #1 – The main idea behind f-stop, shutter speed, and auto programing is to determine the amount of light necessary for a properly exposed photograph. The faster the shutter speed and the larger the f-stop number the less light allowed into the camera.

Lesson #2 – Larger ISO numbers mean less light required to produce a good exposed photograph. Large ISO numbers should be used in low light and indoor settings. Amateurs should utilize the Tv (S) setting for their cameras instead of the auto programming features such as Portrait, Action, or Auto. This allows you to adjust and match the shutter speed with the subject matter allowing the auto aperture feature to control the exposure.

Now the bonus feature. Anyone that has spent a small amount of time shooting realizes that not everything in a photograph is in focus. This behavior is more pronounced when using your zoom. This affect is due to physics but a photographer can control the amount of subject matter within focus using the aperture. The area in focus is termed the depth of field - how much distance in front of and behind the subject remains in focus. To increase this distant use a higher f-stop setting. For example instead of shooting at f-8 shoot at f-11 or even f-16. Just remember that the larger the number the smaller the aperture (hole) and the less light allowed into the camera. You will need to reduce the shutter speed or increase the ISO setting to compensate for the reduced amount of light.

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed the lessons and are now ready for some incredible picture taking over the holidays. Take care everyone!