| What constitutes a good photograph? For this it is | | | | will be the best and since it's free you've nothing |
| necessary for you to understand what a good | | | | to lose. |
| photograph really is. Your aim as a photographer | | | | Trust your eye. After studying the rules of |
| is to attract the viewers attention, show and | | | | composition you should be able to trust your own |
| share an experience or communicate an idea. | | | | vision and feelings when taking your shots. When |
| Normally you will be able to differentiate between | | | | framing the shot, move the camera around to |
| those images taken by an amateur and a | | | | see if there is a better angle or composition that |
| professional photographer. | | | | might work better. There will be times when your |
| To achieve this you will need to understand the | | | | behaviour may appear strange to any onlookers |
| basics of composition in an attempt to have your | | | | but, if it gets the shot want don't worry about it. |
| images come out in a more professional light. | | | | And they probably don't know you anyway! |
| Those photos that present your subject in a clear | | | | Remember it is not the camera that takes the |
| and uncluttered manner are usually the best and | | | | shot, it's you! You may have the best and most |
| strongest. Professionals work with all the artistic | | | | expensive camera but this will not guarantee |
| elements of line, shape, pattern, texture and | | | | better images. By practise you will become more |
| colour. To achieve this there are some rules that | | | | experienced and eventually you will find the best |
| should be followed. | | | | angles from where to take your shots. |
| Ensure you carry your camera with you all the | | | | It will be most important that your composition is |
| time. People miss taking opportunistic shots | | | | correct. You will need to remember the rule of |
| because they don't have their camera with them. | | | | thirds as well as getting your framing techniques |
| How many times have you been out and seen | | | | correct. Once you have learnt these principles it |
| something interesting and not had your camera. | | | | will become like second nature. It will assist you |
| Today's compacts are now easily kept in a jacket | | | | both in aiming and where to focus, enabling you |
| pocket or handbag. You just never know so keep | | | | to take better and better images consistently. |
| it with you! | | | | Once you have grasped the basics, you should be |
| Shoot more images. It won't cost you any more, | | | | able to invest in some accessories such as lenses |
| so take as many and any poor ones can be | | | | and filters (If you own a DSLR Camera. Most |
| discarded. You can either do it from the camera | | | | compacts do not have the facility to change |
| itself or in the post processing on the computer. | | | | lenses). These will help you produce better images. |
| The most mundane shots can become | | | | However there will be many ways you can take |
| memorable in a few years. So shoot away to | | | | excellent photos without spending vast amounts |
| your hearts content, you just never know which | | | | of money on expensive accessories. |