Taking Pictures: What Makes it Great? The “Top 10” Elements That Make a Great Photograph

1. Depth of Field Using depth brings a dynamic element to your images, giving a sense of reality to the viewer. Very simply put, it is the use of… Foreground Middle Ground Background

2. Lines Lines are everywhere from trees, walkways, to streets, poles, etc. Find some lines in the area to use in your images to frame your subjects. These lines can help guide the viewers’ eyes right to where you want them to focus, making an effective image. Can also be used as an effective way to add interest to your pictures.

3. Movement and Motion * Capturing movement helps to emphasize the action that is taking place at that moment. You can use a fast shutter speed to freeze a moment, or a slower shutter speed to show a motion blur.

4. Perspective It’s easy to take the camera and just shoot straight towards your subject matter. Look around at the environment and think about different ways you can photograph the subject. For example, if you are in a church, is there a balcony that you can go up to take pictures down into the church to get an overview? Or if you are in a courtyard with beautiful trees, think about getting low to the ground and shooting upwards.

5. Composition When composing, think about where the subject is, and how you are shooting. Where are objects in relation to one another. Are you centering or not? Do you have to center? Think about the environment in relation to the subject matter. Use your viewfinder!

6. Lighting All of the following can effect a photograph indoors or outdoors, in terms of lighting. What time of day is it? What season? What is the weather? Outdoors Where is the sun? Make sure it is at your back. You don’t want to shoot into the sun. Indoors Where is the light source? You don’t want to directly shoot into the source. Can be used to create interest.

7. Capture the Unexpected The real stuff can never be redone. You have to keep an eye out for those special moments and try to anticipate them so that you are prepared for them. Doesn’t always have to be with people. Be observant! Sometimes referred to as “candids.”

8. Emotions * Just like capturing the unexpected, look for true moments that are timeless. With emotions, look for sentimental emotions of joy, fear and love. Can be captured or produced. A picture can also make you feel a certain way as well.

9. Sandwiching Effect Place your subject between a foreground and background, and create depth. You can also switch it up by focusing in on only the foreground, subject, or background.

10. Location. Take advantage of where you are, and be sure to use it in your pictures. It does not have to be the focus, but can frame the subject. May not relate to the subject matter, but provides interest. It can also tell a story.