Photography is a language more universal than words
"Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art"
– Ansel Adams
You’ve got a great camera. You’re taking one great shot. But when you upload it to your social media, it’s just another photo. It’s blurry, uninspiring and faded. How then you make your photos stand out? What aperture, or filter or amount of light should you use?
How do you make your photographs stand out?
To answer this and to train our learners to take excellent photos that stand out, Mr. Vinit Sonje, a creative artist and photographer took our learners on a shooting spree in the school premises, capturing nature at her best.
Here are some tips he offers to help you take your photography to the next level:
1. Make sure your photos are sharp.
Sharp photos are more attractive to potential buyers. They are also easier to share. Here’s how to get sharp photos:
- Shutter speed: The longer you keep your shutter open, the sharper your picture will be.
- ISO: The higher the ISO, the brighter the picture. However, the higher the ISO, the more grainy and noisy the picture will be.
2. Make sure your photo is in focus.
Focus is the most important part of any photograph. If your photo is not in focus, it will look blurry. Here are some tips to help you focus on your subject:
– Use a tripod.
– Use a remote release.
– Use the right focal length.
– Experiment with aperture.
– Use a flashlight.
3. Adjust your white balance.
The white balance setting on your camera is the most important thing to adjust. White balance is the colour of your photo. If you’re in a dark room, your white balance will be close to blue. If you’re in a bright room, your white balance will be close to yellow. When you’re taking a shot, make sure you’re in a white place with no shadows.
4. Add a filter.
Filters can make or break your photograph. Here are some tips to help you choose the right filter:
– Make sure you know what you’re looking for in a filter. Use one that enhances your subject.
– If you’re planning to upload it on social media or to send it for publication, choose a filter that will make your photograph look professional. Avoid the retro or vignette filters. They give your photo a retro look. That said, I don’t mean to say you should not use the retro look. It has its own use.
– Planning to share with your friends on a birthday? Use the fun filter to give it a happy look.
– Or if you are thinking of adding an artistic or painting like look, choose the artistic filter.
– Finally, choose one that makes you photograph look unique.
5. Add a border.
A border can add to the depth and colour of your photograph. Here are some tips to help you choose the right border:
– The border should not be too bright. Don’t use any contrasting colour. Use a shade of the dominating colour.
– See that your border is the right style. That is, don’t use a retro style border to nature photography. Use bright colours that complements the colours of the subject.
6. Add a caption.
A good caption can evoke interest and make people look at your picture twice. It should reflect the emotions the subject is trying to create.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right caption:
– Keep it relevant.
– Make sure your caption is short for easy remembrance.
– And above all make it catchy or even poetic.
While photography is basically a creative pursuit, knowing how to position the subject, time the click and use the right colour balance can immensely help. They constitute the science of the art. Master it, creativity will follow and your photographs will tell stories.
