Capturing memories of your travels with photographs allows you to share your adventures with others or bring your trip to life each time you view your photos. There are many aspects of a great picture so your “right shot” could include unique architectural features, crystal clear blue waters or beautiful landscapes. A great shot is a personal connection between a time, a place and maybe a companion or two.
Not only can you share your travel memories with stories and photographs, you can express your creativity and artistry in how you frame and interpret an image. A great shot is one that tells your story and highlights an image in a unique, creative or thoughtful way.
What’s the Secret of Photography?
Well, there really isn’t a secret to great photography. It doesn’t take pricey photography equipment to get a great shot. The real secret is in what your eyes see. How you envision your subject and how your eyes interpret an image are all part of creating a great shot. Your interests and your personality go hand in hand in how your eyes perceive your subject to create a photograph worthy of displaying in a beautiful picture frame.
Good Photograph vs. Great Photograph
Everyone has their own opinion of what constitutes a good photograph. But, generally, if the photo evokes an emotion or conveys a message, you have a good photograph. Whether your subject is a person, an interesting building or a landscape you need to make it the main focus of your photo and prominently frame it in the foreground of your shot. The background of your shot enhances your subject and adds context to your photo, so be sure to eliminate clutter from your shot. Your photograph’s subject and background work together to create a good photograph.
On the other hand, a great photograph is one you want to proudly display in a beautiful picture frame. A great photograph draws the viewer in and controls where the eye wanders. Composition plays an important role in producing a great photograph. Look for interesting shadows or colors to create the mood you want.
Tips for Taking Great Photographs:
- People in a photograph personalize and add warmth to the shot. To showcase your subject avoid crowds and clutter. Simplify the shot by focusing on one or two people.
- Avoiding clutter may sound simple, but it can really be an art to achieve the correct composition. A simple layout will bring attention to your subject and an interesting or sparse background will bring focus to your subject.
- Dare to be bold, but avoid distracting patterns. A solid primary color makes a great backdrop. For the best image possible think harmony. Be sure you have similar colors and tones for a calm image.
- Depth can bring your photograph to life. Include a person for a strong foreground when you are shooting a mountain landscape. If you want the focus to be on the person, an out of focus background adds depth to your shot.
- Light can provide a dramatic effect to your photo. A ray of light breaking out of a cloudy sky or a sunbeam shining down through a grove of trees can make a great photograph. Take advantage of the best lighting of the day and shoot your photograph in the early morning or late afternoon, a time professional photographers call the “magic hours.”
