HOW TO TAKE GOOD PHOTOS: 10 BASIC RULES FOR A CORRECT PHOTO CORRECT PHOTO
Introduction: The Power of a Good Photograph
Photography is more than just clicking a button; it’s an art that captures moments, emotions, and stories. A good photograph has the ability to evoke emotions, tell tales, and freeze memories in time. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or someone who enjoys capturing moments, understanding the basic rules of photography can significantly enhance your skills.
It is sad to invest money in a good SLR camera and not be able to get more than failed, ugly and disastrous photos, one after another, due to naive oversights about basic rules of photography, rules that every photographer, no matter how beginner, should know. Today I bring you a series of simple technical photography tips and some very basic rules that will tell you how to take good photos, or at least correct ones, those that satisfy the eye. From there, making them spectacular will depend only on you. At least the rules will be on your side.
If you want to delve deeper into photographic composition and learn all the tricks and tips in this mega guide that I have prepared for you.
Understanding Composition and Framing
Importance of Composition
The composition is the backbone of a compelling photograph. It’s about arranging elements within the frame to create an aesthetically pleasing image. Understanding the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and framing techniques can elevate your photos from ordinary to extraordinary.
Rule of Thirds
Divide your frame into nine equal sections using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections creates a visually appealing composition.
Framing Techniques
Experiment with natural frames like archways, windows, or trees to draw attention to your subject and add depth to your photos.
BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES
As I mentioned, these are the first steps you should know when it comes to knowing how to take good photos. From here it can only get better.
1. THE RULE OF THIRDS
This rule is very simple but has tremendous power in the way we view the photo. It consists of dividing the image, mentally, into 9 equal parts (using 2 horizontal parallel lines and another 2 vertical ones) and then placing the subject at some point of intersection of the lines. This photo illustrates it perfectly:
Rule of Thirds
As you can see, the photographer has placed the bird at the intersection point at the bottom left of the frame. Any other point of intersection would have worked equally well.
This in photography is called strong points. They are points that especially attract attention and give the subject greater interest and prominence.
2. THE LAW OF THE HORIZON
Useful for knowing how to take good landscape photos. When you are composing a photo, before shooting imagine 2 parallel horizontal lines dividing the photo into 3 equal parts. This is applicable in both horizontal or vertical modes.
The law of the horizon
If what you want to have special interest is the sky, place the horizon on the bottom line. If, on the other hand, you want to give greater importance to the terrestrial landscape, place the horizon on the second, upper line.
It’s that simple. As you will see, it is not even close to the most complex photography techniques and, however, it is really effective.
3. STRAIGHT HORIZONS
Speaking of horizons. It’s one thing to include a crooked horizon with a clear intention of creating tension with a diagonal, and quite another to carelessly leave a crooked horizon. The first well-executed case is usually attractive, the second disastrous. You can ruin an image you’ve spent a lot of time on.
Example of a crooked horizon that should be straight
Example of how a crooked horizon can work
4. EXPLORE NEW ANGLES
Experience photography by shooting your camera from daring and unusual angles. For example, take a photo of yourself in the rearview mirror of the car (only when you are not the driver, please) or capture the image of a historic building reflected in a puddle of water.
5. APPROACH YOUR SUBJECTS WITHOUT FEAR
Take very close photos of small objects. Capture details and fill the frame. You could even focus exclusively on the detail, ignoring the rest of the object. The results are usually very striking.
This is especially useful when there are many distracting elements around your subject that all they do is get in the way of the scene and divert attention.
6. ADOPT THE HEIGHT OF YOUR SMALL-AGE SUBJECTS
If you want to know how to take good photos of children, squat or kneel, try to lower yourself and place the camera at the same height as the child or animal you want to photograph, this way you will convey more realism and the impact will be much greater.
7. USE THE FLASH OUTDOORS
For portraits, use the flash outside. Even if it is a particularly sunny day, the flash helps prevent shadow areas that occupy the person’s face due to, for example, wearing a hat or something that casts a shadow or because the sun is above or behind the person photographed. The best way to avoid this is to force the flash. It is called fill flash, and its purpose is not to illuminate the darkness, but to fill the subject’s face with light so that it is uniform with what surrounds it.
You can also achieve this same effect with a reflector.
8. GET GOOD EXPOSURE
One of the most basic and important technical photography tips I can give you is to ensure a good exposure. An underexposed or very dark photo should be avoided as much as a burned or overexposed photo.
Find the right point of light, the semi-automatic modes of your camera will help you achieve it, and the histogram will help you know if it is well exposed.
In this comparison you can see an underexposed (above) and overexposed (below) photo.
Up underexposure, down overexposure
It’s important not to confuse high key and low key here. For example, the following image is taken in low key, although it is dark, it does not mean that it is underexposed, since what we want to show is correctly exposed.
9. GET A CLEAR PHOTO
When I talk about sharpness, I don’t expect you to achieve professional sharpness, but I do expect some minimums. To achieve a correct photo you must ensure that your subject is not blurred (unless you do it intentionally) and that it is well focused, even if you blur everything else.
The following image, in addition to being a good example of overexposure, is a perfect example of a not sharp photo. If you look closely, the girl who should be the protagonist of the image is out of focus, while the plants to the right of her are out of focus.
In this other image, however, you can see that it is not blurred or out of focus, although the background removed is. And the golden advice if you really want to know how to take good photos…
10. SHOOT IN RAW
Take your photos in RAW, especially when you’re trying to take good photos, not just throwback photos from your uncle’s birthday. No, those photos in which you put a lot of care, in which you don’t mind investing time developing them in front of the computer to polish them and get the best out of them.
It is not that it is the solution for how to take good photos, but this format preserves all the elements of the image (colors, light, shadows, saturation) and allows, through post-processing, to move them as we wish. That is, it allows, having captured a correct photo from the beginning, that you can achieve a much better one in the development. Taking a photo in JPG produces a final photo in which we would have no further room for modification. (More on the pros and cons of shooting RAW, here .)
Conclusion
Photography is a journey of continuous learning and exploration. By understanding these fundamental rules and techniques, you can elevate your photography skills and capture moments that resonate emotionally.
I hope you enjoyed today’s article. If so, please be sure to recommend it on your favorite social network.
FAQs
Do I need an expensive camera to take good photos?
While high-end equipment offers more control, a good eye and understanding of techniques matter more than the gear.
How important is post-processing in photography?
Post-processing can enhance the quality of your photos but doesn’t replace the need for good composition and lighting.
Can anyone become a good photographer?
With dedication, practice, and a keen eye for detail, anyone can improve their photography skills.
What is the best time of day for photography?
The golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers soft, warm light ideal for photography.
How can I find my photography style?
Experimentation and exploring different genres can help you discover your unique photography style.
