Friday, March 21, 2008

Using Space in Photography Tips

by Al Sanchez

No I am not talking about the dark black area above us that we see at night. I am talking about the space of the photograph within the borders of the photo. You see there are various areas that you can use the space in your photograph. If you know how to use the space in your photo right you can take much better shots. If you don’t use the space right you can end up with photos that just seem off and are not visually pleasing.

First off, there are two different types of space when it comes to photography.

Negative Space This type of space is the space that is in relation to the object of importance of the image but not the object itself. The negative space is the are on the photo that does not include the object or focal point of interest. For example, the negative space of a picture of a soccer ball with a white background is the white background.

Positive Space I am really sure that you can guess what positive space is now that you know negative space. Yes, it is the space that comprises of the object or focal point of interest in the photograph. This area is where you are going to want your viewer to pay the most attention to.

Many photographers only pay attention to the positive space but in reality the negative space plays a major role in the photo as well. Knowing how to master the use of negative space can make the positive space that much more appealing. The amount of this negative area that you use can make your photo either look trapped and lacking in space or like its liberated and open.

The background of the subject can have a very large role in the picture. The background is the negative space and usually does one of two things in photography. It either is neutral and blank or it is filled with things that contribute to the object of importance.

The use of the space in your photograph is what can really make your photo work or feel as if it is missing something. Experiment with this and do not be afraid to try different things out.

About the Author

Al Sanchez has a great program that teaches you how to take better photos. He also teaches people how to sell pictures online

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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Taking Great Landscape Shots

Capturing the moment

Photography is about freezing a moment in time. You must make the most of the time that you have whilst you are out taking photos. If the weather is not right, use the time to explore the area, assess good viewpoints and work out what time of day will work best for the shot. Using a compass is invaluable in determining where the sun sets or rises, but remember that this changes with the seasons. Preparation and planning will help you to capture a successful photograph.

Composition

Keeping it simple and not cluttering the shot with too many elements is a good rule. By removing distractions from your photographs will help bring more prominence to your subject. It is also important to include some form of foreground interest, which may be your subject or it could be used to draw the eye towards the subject.

There is also a rule that will aid you in creating good composition, which is called the Rule Of Thirds. In photography, using this The Rule of Thirds keeps the main subject off centre, away from the middle of the frame. As a result, a photo looks more dynamic and interesting. Imagine your image divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Placing your subject where any of the lines intersect will help in producing a well-balanced image. But sometimes rules are there to be broken as well!

Focal Point

Without focal point the eye can sometimes wander around the frame unsure of where to look. The focal point is what drew your attention to the shot. It could be a tree, hill, building or boat but should hold the whole composition together. By giving your photograph a point of interest it will also help create a sense of scale.

Time of Day

The quality of light changes considerably during the day. At sunrise there are weak shadows and pastel colours. Atmospheric haze and pollution are also at their lowest.

After shooting sunrise the light becomes harsher and more contrasting. Colours are fully saturated and can be enhanced further by using a polarizing filter. Shooting with the sun behind you or to one side will usually work best for maximum colour.

By late afternoon or sunset the sunlight will create much warmer colours and subjects will benefit from strong side lighting. Shooting into the sun as it moves towards the horizon can also create stunning silhouettes. Making a silhouette with a sunset couldnt be easier. Your foreground subject will usually automatically come out black in these conditions because the cameras meter will underexpose when you are shooting towards a bright light source. Silhouettes can produce very strong eye catching images that will look great when blown up big and hanging on your wall.

Once the sun has set the dusk or twilight colours can still glow with warmth. After the sun has disappeared carry on taking pictures using long exposures and you will see the sky take on a dark blue tint.

Peter Horner is an experienced landscape photographer who co-created the large format printing company DesignerPrint. Using digital printing technology DesignerPrint create canvas prints, block mounts, and poster prints. Canvas Prints - DesignerPrint.co.uk

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