How to Take Great Photographs

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Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

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Anyone can snap a blurry picture of a friend standing in front of a tourist attraction, but with just a little more effort, you can take great shots.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A camera
A flash (optional)

Step 1: Shoot level with subject

Shoot level with your subject. Being too far above or below can make your shot impersonal and less interesting.

Step 2: Avoid busy backgrounds

Keep your subject away from complicated, detailed and distracting backgrounds, even those found naturally.

Tip: Watch out for objects that could look like they're connected to your subject, like a tree that appears to grow from their head!

Step 3: Move in close

Don't be afraid to move in close. You're looking for the most interesting angle, so consider whether you want to shoot a field of flowers, a single flower, or a tight shot of a single petal.

Step 4: Shoot vertical

Take some vertical shots. It's natural to shoot horizontally, but that's exactly why verticals can be so striking.

Step 5: Lock focus on subject

When using an auto-focus camera, lock the focus on your subject and then re-frame the shot however you want. That way, your subject will always be in sharp detail.

Step 6: Move subject away from middle

Move the subject away from the middle. Use the rule of thirds, mentally dividing the viewing area into three vertical sections, and then keep your subjects in the left or right sections.

Tip: For landscape photos, divide the viewing area into thirds horizontally, and keep the horizon in the top or bottom section.

Step 7: Frame your photo

Consider framing your photo with something in the foreground, like an overhanging tree branch, especially if the subject is in the distance.

Step 8: Watch light

Watch the light and keep your subject out of the extremes—both shadows and harsh, bright light.

Tip: Natural light is always preferable, but if you're indoors or it's cloudy, use a flash to keep your subjects well lit.

Step 9: Direct subject

Tell your subjects where to move, and where to stand. They'll like the photo more if they look good, so don't be afraid to boss them around.

Step 10: Take lots of pictures

Take lots of pictures. In today's digital age, there's no reason to not fill up your memory card.

Step 11: Don't check after every shot

Don't stop after every shot to check the digital image. Not only does it drain your battery, but it distracts you from your subject. Just trust your talents and keep shooting.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• recreation
• diy
• instructional
• tutorial
• do
• it
• yourself
• tips
• essential
• skills
• learn
• to
• photographs
• photo

[anabs10]

"you will need : A camera"

NO SHIT

[whitbyjet65]

My friend HAS got a tree growing out of his head. Every time I take a photo of him, people think I'm shit at photography.

[m2ngur]

@TeenGirlLovex wow, your mom has a dick? bet that you are suckin on that every night you go to sleep. the "!" marks and caps lock equal as yelling, and yelling equals to being nerveous. mostly. fucking stupid cunt, go choke on your moms dick and die.

[TeenGirlLovex]

@m2ngur im aloud to put "!!!" what does it do?!!!! LOL!!! suck you moms cock

[m2ngur]

@TeenGirlLovex take a chill pill, faggot. you are the only one raging over the internet. look at the "!" marks after end of each of your sentence. fucking cunt, eat a dick and shut the fuck up. son of a fucking whore.

[TeenGirlLovex]

@m2ngur Just chill axx, whore!!! You are starting stupid stoires just because of a camera!!! grow up son of a bitch

[m2ngur]

@TeenGirlLovex you fucking cunt, no one is as stupid as you are and gos out with their fucking webcam to take some pictures, cunt. you must be fucking retarded! did your parents drop you when you were born? or maybe they're brother and sister, that would explain how fucking idiot you are, too. little fucking shit, go fuck yourself.

[TeenGirlLovex]

@m2ngur Anddddd, people can use webcams to take pics if they dont have a cam FYI, commonsense and use itt!!! jerk

[TeenGirlLovex]

@m2ngur Okkk, you can chill your grill you bastard! I was not ringing your fucking bell, idiot! And dont have to copy what i say you fucking punk asshole. Fuck YOURSELFFFFFF, not meee!

[m2ngur]

@TeenGirlLovex heyyyyyyyy i was talking to you, you little bitch. and notice that there is CAM after Webcam?!?? as in webcamera! fucking little idiotic son of a bitch. Fuck YOUUUUUUU.

[TeenGirlLovex]

@m2ngur heyyyy, I was not talking to you!!! And it does not need to be outside and YESSS it can be a webcam you son of a bitch! Fuck YOUUUUU.

[m2ngur]

@TeenGirlLovex no bitch you shut the fuck up. you are going to go outside with your fucking laptop and webcam to take some fucking pictures? fuck you