How to Compose Beautiful Pictures
Many shutterbugs rush around with their point and click camera and photograph everything in sight – then they seem to be disappointed with the result. How much better would their photographs be if they took a little time to compose? Sure, we can’t always pose candid shots, but there are plenty of times that we can. Even taking time to notice what is in the background can be helpful. At the very least, it could save someone being forever remembered with a pole or tree branch growing out of the top of their head.
So the first rule is look, really look to see what is in the background. Make sure it is visually appealing without detracting from the central focus or subject. The foreground is important too. That headless teddy or the bone from Fido’s last meal doesn’t really need to be there. Nor do we want the foot of the person who happened to be sitting next to our subject, to intrude into a corner.
Background is such an important part of the shot – the background that is meant to be there, that is. The trunk of a tree, a fountain, a lake or mountains; all are part of the background. You can go to a bit more trouble to pose your subject near a really unusual – but still appropriate - background or you can settle for a bit of old wall, it’s up to you.
Simple props can give your photograph special appeal. A feathery scarf or a big, floppy flower pinned to hat or shoulder, or just held in the hand can elevate a shot from ordinary and a little boring to just great. Remember too, to fill up the screen with your subject. Most candid shots of people are simply taken from too far away. This means that you can hardly tell who is in the snap, or whether it is meant to be a landscape instead.
Remember to pay attention to lighting. Too dim or too light and you will lose details that should be there. Don’t have the sunlight shining into your subject’s face and protect your lens from it too. Watch for inappropriate shadows, too, both on the ground and on your subject’s face.
Smiling is important. If you become annoyed while posing your subjects, they will look tense rather than happy. Even if they smile, you will be able to see by their eyes that they are not happy. Smile, laugh, tell a joke or play music; anything to set the mood to one of happiness and joy – or at least, relaxation.