How To Compose A Photograph That Looks Great

Some people just seem to have mastered the art of taking a photograph.
They keep their eyes open, look around, source something that catches their eye and without too much fuss or setting up of the shot, they capture a stunning image.
So what makes for a great and memorable photograph? How do you turn an ordinary shot with fairly ordinary subject matter into something artistic and memorable?

Think Of Something New
Firstly, try and look at images with a fresh eye. Instead of lining people up for a group shot, try and position them so that perhaps you capture them talking naturally to one another when they are not aware they are being photographed. Or make the main subject of the shot not the middle of the group, but an aspect – for example a child looking away at something that has caught their attention, or everybody looking at something off camera in unison.

Something Everybody Notices In A Photograph
Try and work emotion into your shot. This may be laughter or tears. It could also be concentration, confusion, surprise or affection. People identify with emotions in an image and it’s a good way to draw attention to the shot.

Another good rule to follow is to compose your photograph using the rule of thirds. That is, divide your image into thirds horizontally and vertically and put eyecatching matter along the lines. This has the natural effect of balancing out the image. Using straight lines is also a good way to divert the eye to what you want the viewer to see. So if you’re taking a photograph of a landscape, try and see whether there are some natural lines to follow – they might be a road, a line of trees, a hedgerow or a range of mountains.

Move About, Don’t Stay Still

When you’re taking your photograph don’t forget to move and position yourself. Maybe the shot would be better if you stood on a chair, or moved to an upper window to get a view from above?  Or maybe you should lie on the floor and take a shot from ground level looking up?

Don’t forget about black and white photography. Some images, particularly of architecture, views and patterns, look much more artistic when seen in monochrome. It also works well for portraits. Colour has its place, but do investigate the appeal of black and white.

Charlotte blogs about art and lifestyle for leading glasses online providers Direct Sight.