Just some of my photographs
There are 10 important elements to consider when taking pictures: CONCEPT - SUBJECT - LAYOUT - COMPOSITION - LIGHTING - EDIT - FRAMING - ANGLE - EXPRESSION - STORY
You don't have to have the most expensive camera or the latest one for that matter, but a good judgment and a great eye for Conceptualizing what you have in mind would be a good start. Even if it's just a point and shoot camera, you need to know the basic functions of your equipment.
One classic rule I always follow is the "rule of thirds" which simply means NEVER center your Subject in the middle of the frame. This will allow you to see a more dramatic visual interest. When I look at a picture, I'd like to follow the thoughts of the photographer. Where does it lead me? Or am I confused and not able to interpret the message he/she is trying to relay to me? There are thousands upon thousands of subjects that we come across everyday. Consciously or otherwise, they are kept in the storage space inside our brain and when something hits the light, everything just seems to fall into place. Always ask yourself these 3 questions -- Why do I want to take this picture? What factors should I take into consideration? and How do I make this subject worthwhile?
Good lighting is another worthy note. Controlling your Lighting is one key element for it can either make or break a photograph. Lighting is everything. Without it, you won't even see the picture! Know how to control the tone, brightness, hue and contrast.
If for some reason you did not achieve the right lighting technique, you can always photo Edit them. Removing red-eye, cropping, adding contrast and other basic editing techniques can improve your picture but make sure you do not overdo it. Keeping it in it's most natural state is the best. Be aware of your surroundings and think carefully when you are composing your image taking note of the color, the mood, the lines & the tone of the overall image.
Make it interesting by telling a Story. A picture should always tell a story, period. Have you ever wondered why some pictures look better than others?
What you put within the Frame and what you leave out is part of understanding how to take better pictures and good Composition. There are simple rules to follow. As I've mentioned earlier, the rule of thirds apply. Keeping the horizon straight can also give a huge impact in the overall image. As always, bear in mind what you want to convey to the viewer. For example, the formation of the storm clouds has a greater depth if the horizon is positioned at the bottom frame. Vertical or horizontal lines should stay that way for the most part. Avoid clutter!
A simple background with your subject will have a better Layout. Try to be the director when taking pictures. I do not get it when I see a photographer tilt their camera when taking skylines, sunsets, buildings and even portraits!
Do we have to tilt our heads too when viewing them? Another way to add effectiveness or impact to your images is how you Angle your subject.
Take note that this is different from the previous topic I just pointed out. The play of light and shadow brings life to a photograph. Getting closer to your subject ie literally kneeling down is a good example. Try taking pictures other than from the normal eye level.
Look up, look down, stand on something or even lie down! More times than not, you'll be surprised at how creative your shot will be. Strong images come from being able to capture emotions or Expressions.
As I've mentioned in this article earlier, always try to give a story to your pictures. Experiment, play with light, angle or position yourself when aiming at your subject, try not to center your subject and follow the rule of thirds. Strong images are the result of experience, hard work and patience. Know every aspect of your camera.
Take tons of pictures, disregard the bad once. Enhance and edit them when you upload them to your computer. Be passionate about what you take and what you have just experienced. If you do not feel anything after taking a shot, then most likely, the mood or expression in your subject was never there to begin with. But if you feel that you have just connected with what you just took, most likely, you have captured the essence of being different and above from everyone else.
CONCEPT - With my old Nikon FM2 manual camera and a tripod, I took my self-portrait using a self-timer. I wanted to incorporate old B/W photos of my family which I meticulously taped on the wall.
SUBJECT - I took a closeup photo of these two newlyweds with hands folded and their wedding rings showing as the center of their concluded ceremony symbolizing their vow to each other.
LAYOUT - This photo was taken in Las Vegas and I wanted to capture the lighted fountain and the lit structure of a building, the novelty stores and the arc of a Ferris wheel to dramatize the fun events at the strip at night.
COMPOSITION - With a bit of patience and luck, I placed a lone yellow leaf by the sand and wanted to get the right wavy froth of the water coming to shore, The late afternoon sun soon cast a shadow on my leaf together with the gentle wave. I intentionally used a slow shutter speed to show motion or movement.
LIGHTING - This photo was taken at sundown silhouetting the statue at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar that added a striking shape and boldness to the photograph.
EDIT - This photo of a pier in Coronado San Diego CA gave it a nostalgic touch using a sepia app in the photoshop editing tool.
FRAMING - After reaching the top end of our hike, I reached a cave and took this photo from the inside framing the rugged cliff.
ANGLE - Photo of Allure Waikiki building in sepia. Taking photographs of a building is a bit tricky since it can come out distorted. I wanted to make it interesting and majestic with all its lines and shapes.
EXPRESSION - This tired guest at a social function was surprised when a Charlie Chaplin look-alike snuck behind and gave him a massage. I was just at the right place at the right time to capture his delight.
STORY - Weddings are a always memorable and it always has a wonderful story to tell. In this photograph, I went up to the second floor and took this iconic shot. I also framed the dome with an inscription in English and Armenian. It added perspective and set the tone for this happy event.
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