How
to be creative at photography by Luke Chapman
Everyone
who has a DSLR camera wants to know how to get their camera off
program mode and onto manual mode. Whilst this is
important, as there are some great techniques you can use in manual
mode, people forget about the creative side of photography and
worry too much about the technical side. If I can recommend one thing
it would be to spend 30% of your time learning about the technical
side of photography and 70% of your time honing your creative
flare. Below are 10 tips to make you more creative.
1
It's not all technical
When
it comes to getting creative at photography don’t get too fanatical
about the setting on your camera. A well thought-out photo in
program mode is going to be much better than a photo that has been
shot in manual mode but with less thought given to the overall photo.
2
Change perspective - shoot high, shoot low
So
many photographers shoot at eye level, but things get really
interesting when you change the height of the camera. Crouch down low
and shoot up and all of a sudden you enter a whole new world.
3
Don’t have your camera around your neck
I
am still amazed by how many photographers shoot with the camera
around their neck. This is such a lazy way of taking photos as you
are basically telling yourself that all the photos you are going to
take are head height to the length of your camera straps.
I
wrap the strap around my hand and then hold onto my camera, that
way I have full range of use with my camera. I can shoot at
floor level or up high and I don’t have to be looking through the
view finder either. Now you can take some really interesting photos
from a new angle.
4
Sit and wait
It
might only take a fraction of a second to take a photo but the
waiting can take hours or even days. Wildlife photographers
spend many an hour waiting for the perfect moment to take the
picture.
The
difference between taking snaps and producing art is not
rushing the shot and taking your time to think about each picture
before you press the shutter release button.
5
Limit yourself to only 24 shots
In
the olden days you could buy films with 24 exposures on them, now you
can take 1000 photos with digital cameras. If you limit yourself
to 24 photos per day of photography you will be much more
selective with your shots. This technique is great for 2 reasons
- firstly it makes you think about every shot and secondly
it saves you a lot of time when reviewing your photos as there
are less photos to go through.
6
Don’t rush your shot
Everyone
is always in such a rush in today's world, but one time when it pays
not to rush is when taking photos. By taking your time you are
actually thinking about each shot and selecting what it is you
want the viewer to look at. You spend more time looking at the
angles, the light and the contrast in colours, which will
ultimately improve the overall shot.
7
Framing your shot
When
you are out and about look out for interesting objects. Is there
a sculpture or a window frame that you could use to shoot through to
change the point of view and create a natural frame around your
picture? By having an open mind and having a keen eye you can
add a new twist to your photos.
8
Using reflections
Reflections
are great as they add new interest to your images and help create
depth and detail in your photos. Keep an eye out for reflection
in puddles, windows, buildings, sculptures or indeed any shiny
surface.
9
You tell the story
Being
the photographer you are telling a story to your audience and you
must communicate what is important in each photo. Where do you want
your viewer to look? Is it in the centre, left or the
right of the photo? Is the most important thing in the photo in
the foreground or the background?
What
is it about the shot that you found interesting? You must tell
your audience otherwise they will not make an emotional
connection with your photo.
10
Think
Thinking
is the
most important thing of all when it comes to being a photographer.
A great photographer is always thinking about the shot and what
it is about the shot that makes it interesting. By thinking, the
photo becomes much more than just a click of the button. Everyone can
take a photo, but very few can take a great shot. Spending
time thinking before pressing the button will develop
your creative side, which will in turn show in your photos.
Bio
Luke Chapman-
Luke Chapman-
Founder of the Official London Photography Tours with a love of everything to do with photography. On our London photography tours we use London as our playground and are proud to offer the best London photo walks in the capital.
I'd like to personally thank Luke for being my first Guest Writer. Luke has done a wonderful job at writing a great article that is full of important information. Please visit his sites and thank you for visit Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training, and Tutorials! Please visit our Facebook Page !
I'd like to personally thank Luke for being my first Guest Writer. Luke has done a wonderful job at writing a great article that is full of important information. Please visit his sites and thank you for visit Buffaloz Photography Training: Free Online Photography Tips, Training, and Tutorials! Please visit our Facebook Page !
Awesome article.
ReplyDeleteI realize that I do all of these tips kind of instictively, but need more practice with #5.
Having memory cards big enough for thousands of shots, one can often "take too many photos just to get one good one"... it can be exhausting doing that and is a good reminder that many is not necessarily better.
Thanks for the reminder