Suggest and add your own here. Bitch.
Tips on Photography
I'm guessing a majority of the people here aren't fortunate enough to own an SLR, so I'll base these on the assumption that most of you use a point-and-shoot.
If you're constantly getting blurry images, remember that you need to hold the camera as still as possible. Use the
timer setting
because even the slightest movement, including pressing down the shutter with your finger, can have an effect on the focus of your image. Use a tripod or monopod (you can get decent ones for cheap) or set
your camera on a flat, sturdy surface. Another very important factor is light - make sure you are in an area where a lot of light is hitting your subject. The more light that is let into the lens, the faster
the shutter speed can be and the clearer your image will be.
Refrain from using a flash, especially on point-and-shoots! If not used properly, the flash will be too bright and will wash out
your subject and create an overexposed image. I've seen WAY too many photos ruined by a bad flash. Detachable flash units can be useful, but a straight-on flash to the face (if taking a portrait) does not
flatter the subject. Good lighting is very important!
Keep an eye out for distracting background elements. This is also VERY important! It's not too hard to train yourself to look
around the frame for a few seconds before you take the picture. Every single detail counts. I promise you it will make a huge difference in the end.
When photographing people, try and get the model to ignore the camera. It's not easy, but the more you have a camera
around, the more relaxed about it they'll get. This doesn't mean to have the model look away from the lens, necessarily. Be good friends with your model. Knowing how to make a person laugh is really helpful.
Bring up an inside joke or tell them a story about something stupid that happened to you the other day. Take LOTS of pictures. A photographer can NEVER take too many pictures. You improve a little with each
photo you take. You'll find that if you get your timing right, you can catch a genuine expression and that's always pleasing. Plus, the model's mouth might end up being open in mid-sentence if they're talking, so
having pictures to choose from is good.
The rule of thirds is probably the most basic of photography and composition rules.
"Rules" is used lightly, though, because there really are no rules. The reason for placing an object off center is because when the eye sees something in the middle of the frame, it subconciously expects
something to be there, so it's kind of boring. Also, it's a little harder to create an eye path to help one's eyes flow around the picture smoothly. It's all about balance. Having a completely centered
focal point is not always bad; Here are some examples of popular photographs I found on deviantart.
