October 18, 2006

COMPOSITION TIPS YOU CAN USE FOR BETTER PHOTOGRAPHS

By Carol Shields, in Atlanta, GA

Dear Reader,

A typical problem with photos is that nothing in them grabs a viewer's eye.

Take a look at this image submitted in October's photo contest:

 
See how the colors in this shot are all basically a monochromatic blue? 

Technically, this photograph is exposed well and the water is crisp and clear. The coffee mug and table might have been better if they were sharper, but what would have really helped this image sell is simply a splash of color.

HOW TO ADD INTEREST TO YOUR IMAGES 

For starters, when you have a good subject or scene, take stock of the colors. Is it all similar shades or even all the same color? That can sometimes happen in, say, a meadow shot when you have in front of you a sea of green. Look for something nearby that you can...

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... add to the frame to give it a blast of color. In a photograph, often it's the most minor element that becomes the center of interest because it is different from the rest of the shot.

For example, in a green meadow landscape, a single yellow flower in the foreground would make all the difference to an otherwise static shot.

With the image of the coffee mug on the ship, if there was a colorful flag in the shot -- or perhaps a bright napkin on the table -- this would add visual interest to the scene.

The blast of color will often give your viewer's eye something to focus on (it draws the viewer in) and, therefore, guarantees you a better image.

ENTER TO WIN!

To find out more about our photo contest click here and register to win.

First-time users should register first on the "register" link on the right side bar.  Once you have a username and password, click "Enter to Win" to upload your photos.  Only one photo per applicant will be considered.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Carol Shields has a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, majoring in photography. During college, she had a lucky break and got a job in the photography department of a Fortune 500 aviation corporation. She picked up many more skills there and eventually worked into the staff photographer position, which she held for almost 10 years. Working for a Fortune 500 corporation gave Carol the opportunity to see many of her photographs on the cover of trade magazines. Today, most of Carol's photo sales are accompanied by articles.

To learn more about how you can turn your pictures into cash, visit: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/ph2/website]

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