How To: Start taking better photos Instantly
As a photography enthusiast, you have the power to change the world with your images. You can be elated by exploring new places and capturing their beauty. You can also be a part of a community that is as diverse as the world itself.
In this article, we will discuss how to take better pictures in various different settings.
There are some photography rules that have been around for decades and have proven their worth over time. Our team member Chloe has recently shared some simple photography tricks with our Instagram community, so that every amateur photographer struggling with finding the perfect lighting or pose in a photo can start taking better pictures instantly!
Photo by the Alice Camera photography competition finalist Manuel Delgado
1) RULE OF THIRDS
The rule of thirds states that for a landscape picture, one should split the scene into three parts or nine equal parts, horizontally and vertically. This can be done by imagining a tic-tac-toe grid over the image with lines drawn at each intersection point.
A horizontal line should be drawn at two-thirds of the height of the image, while a vertical line should be drawn at two-thirds of the width. The intersection points are where you would want important compositional elements in your photo to appear within this imaginary grid system.
“If you are tuned in to the imagery we see around us, I feel like you sort of absorb [the rule of thirds] even if you can’t put your finger on it. But it’s incredibly helpful for people who are starting out and need a practical tool to help them with their composition.”
Photographer, author and instructor Khara Plicanic
Lisbon, Vik Kumar COO & CFO of the Alice Camera
2) LEVEL OUT HORIZONTAL LINES
Symmetry creates a sense of balance and organisation. In the field of photography, it is important to have symmetry because it brings out the best in a picture.
Horizontal lines can also be seen as a way to level out an image. It is vital to make sure that the horizon line is perfectly horizontal for this technique to work correctly.
“Understanding horizon line in photography allows you as the photographer to use the horizon line to highlight certain aspects of an image, create impact, and compose a unique shot that is pleasing to the viewer. “
Wildlife photographer, traveler and author of Photo Jeeper Jamie
Photo by the Alice Camera photography competition finalist Karla Congson
3) USE THE SURROUNDINGS
To create better photos, you need to use the surroundings. The key is to make people feel what is happening in the picture. When this happens, it will be much more memorable. You can do this by using any elements you see around the main object: trees, grass and flowers within the photo's frame.
“Your photos should tell the viewer what it is like to be there. Think about it as though you are talking to the viewer through your images. Use your images to tell the stories that surround you, no matter how big or small.”
New York-based photographer and author of the e-book, “The Essentials of Street Photography” James Maher
Copenhagen, Vik Kumar COO & CFO of the Alice Camera
4) USE LEADING LINES
The use of leading lines can be a very effective way to guide the eye through a picture. If the lines are leading the viewer towards a specific point, then this can also help to create a stunning shot.
“So start thinking about leading lines wherever you go. Practice finding leading lines in the chaos of everyday life. Your compositions will get very good, very fast!”
Photographer and writer Anne McKinnell
New York, Vik Kumar COO & CFO of the Alice Camera
5) MAKE USE OF SYMMETRY
Symmetry is the act of arranging objects in a way that they are evenly spaced on either side of a line or axis. When you make use of symmetry, you can simplify your image.
One way to make use of symmetry is to place your subject in the center so it is even on both sides. This provides a sense of balance and order. Another tip for achieving this effect is to make sure that both sides have a similar number of objects and colours.
“Your knowledge of symmetry will help you improve your imagination and find opportunities in many places.”
IVLA graduate and published photographer Taya Ivanova
Going out and finding a cool scene to shoot is what makes the process of photography the most enjoyable. Our engineers have put a lot of work to make high-quality photography more accessible for anyone. Through the Alice Camera’s AI features, intuitive user experience, and connectivity, most of the more time-intensive and tedious parts of editing are out of your way, leaving you with more time to be creative, explore and frame the shot to best tell the story of the scene.
The way we take photographs has changed over time, but that doesn't mean that there aren’t innovative ways to create beautiful pictures. Our mission is to empower the next generation of creators and we can’t wait to see you experiment and explore!
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