How to Take Inspirational Photographs: 10 Great Tips

Professional photographers are not the only ones that need to improve their skills: amateurs and enthusiasts who take joy in photography similarly want to see their work improve. Here you will find what you need to learn how to take inspirational photographs: 8 great tips that will take your photography to the next level.

Source: Kennedy Garrett

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Tom Walker of Franking Machine Cartridges

Professional photographers are not the only ones that need to improve their skills: amateurs and enthusiasts who take joy in photography similarly want to see their work improve. Here you will find what you need to learn how to take inspirational photographs: 8 great tips that will take your photography to the next level.

1. Get a camera you like

Obviously you can’t take inspirational photographs without a camera. If you have one, do you like it? Is it compatible with what you want to photograph. If you do your work at night or aim for the stars, you will need the appropriate gear to get the job done.

2. Try taking photographs in naturally occurring situations

Always have your camera with you and be ready to shoot whenever you encounter something interesting. Once armed, you will be surprised at the interesting and amazing things that transpire all around you.

3. Use perspective to your advantage

Your photograph will be as good and inspirational as where you are standing. Try holding the camera up high, use distance, find different lighting conditions and you’ll be surprised at the different effects you can come up with. The unusual way of looking at things will grab the attention and imagination of everyone who sees your work. Additionally, including objects such as fences, wires, and roads can help you direct your viewer’s eyes toward a particular direction or point.

4. Get up close

A wide angle lens up close to your subjects can help you achieve interesting results. You will find that close up shots are always more interesting and they capture more detail from your subject. Additionally, photograph plants and animals at or below their level to give them more appeal.

5. Ask for critiques

Online, there is no shortage of critics who are willing to speak their mind. Go ahead and post some of your photographs and see what other photographers have to say. You don’t have to listen to anyone, but if you get some feedback, you are sure to get some suggestions that will help you take inspirational photographs.

6. Take advantage of the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds uses a virtual Tic Tac Toe grid in your mind that you apply to the view finder as you set up your shot. The four corners of the center square are your four points of interest where your subjects can appear. Try out the different points and see how they inspire you differently from a standard shot where the subject is centered.

7. Do a lot of shooting

If you can, take numerous shots of each subject. This will give you a better chance at capturing an inspiring expression or an unusual quirk.

8. Use framing in your picture to help accent your subject

An open door or crawl space can readily frame an animal that is front of it. To get better photographs, look for natural settings that can frame your subjects.

9. Experiment with different camera settings

Change your aperture and your shutter speed and see what different results you come up with.

10. Adapt rule of thirds for horizon and landscape shots

Include an object in the foreground to give your photograph depth and then align the horizon with the upper left and right points of interest (rule of thirds). This will give your photograph depth, reality, visual appeal and inspiration of your shot.

You have just read how to take inspirational photographs: 10 great tips found here can help you immediately improve the inspiration and quality of your photographs. Apply these solid techniques to your photography and you will notice that your photographs look better and more inspiring.

Tags: contrast, HDR photos, Photo Tips

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5. 

   Great tips, I find this very useful. Thanks.
Swopper on December 17th, 2010