Taking Better Pictures

"Beach at Dawn"  Copyright (c) Dave Collins

"Sunset with Dock" Copyright (c) Dave Collins

Anyone can take a snapshot and the snapshot will document what was going on at that instant. But, will it be an interesting picture?  Will it be a picture that others will find interesting to look at?  With a little bit of thought before you snap the shutter every picture you take can be better and more interesting. 

Over the next couple of months, I will be providing articles about  compositional techniques and tools that I use when taking photographs. I hope that you find the articles interesting and useful in your own photography.  I will talk about the techniques  in simple to understand terms with lots of photo examples and some simple and fun exercises.
 

Many people today shoot with a digital camera. I shoot film and digital. The concepts in these articles apply to digital photography as well as traditional film photography. I often hear people talk about fixing a photograph in the computer.  Maybe they can.  But it will take a lot longer and be a lot more work than taking a well composed photograph to start with. 

These articles are primarily intended for anyone who knows how to use their camera and wants to learn more of the artistic aspects of photography. Knowing what makes a good photograph, simple composition and exposure techniques will help you take better and more interesting pictures whether they are of family and friends or scenic landscapes. 

Day Lily Copyright (c) Dave Collins

You will not find much about the technical aspects of photography such as exposure, focusing, camera use or other technical aspects of photography. You can find that information in your camera operating manual, in any photographer's handbook or in many on line articles.

If you are really interested in improving your photographs, I also suggest that you look at a lot of photographs by many photographers. You can go on-line and look at photographs; in libraries and book stores, look through picture books and magazines. See how the photographers utilize various techniques to compose their photographs. You are looking at the photos to stimulate your creativity and to get ideas about how techniques can be applied when you take a photograph.

"Bridge in the Fog" Copyright (c) Dave Collins

Then, practice, practice, practice. "Practice makes perfect" is more than just a saying. Like any skill, you sharpen your picture taking skills with practice. First, you will become proficient with the mechanical aspects of using your camera. In addition, with practice, you will become more comfortable with the thought process of composing your photos. 

In summary:
- I will be sharing some techniques I use in taking photographs.
- The  information is aimed primarily at novice photographers
- The techniques apply to digital photography as well as traditional film.
- Studying other photographer's work will help to stimulate your creativity.
- Practice will improve your photography skills.

Next article in the series: What makes a "good" photograph?