How To Become A Better Photographer (Part 2): The Rule of Thirds

One of the better known rules of photographic composition is the Rule of Thirds. It is one of the first rules I learned when I was getting serious about photography because I wanted to be able to take better looking pictures. If you practice and master this rule, you will be taking better pictures in no time as you will have a more balanced composition. Of course, remember that this rule can be broken, just know when you are.

The rule of thirds is a guideline on how you, as a photographer, should visualize the image. It helps you compose it in a way that draws in your viewer to the areas and elements in your picture. You are to divide the image into nine equal parts with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines. It is in these lines and or where they intersect, that you need to align the most important elements in your composition.

How To Become A Better Photographer (Part 1)

There is one secret to becoming a better photographer. Here it is... practice. There is no other way.
The good thing is that practicing can be fun and you dont have to leave your home. The question is, How do you practice? What do you take pictures of?

During the next couple of blog entries I will be discussing basic elements of composition. Composition simply put, is how to choose what you will shoot and how to arrange it, at which angle, and so on. Its arranging the elements in your picture so that it tells the story you want people to see. Your game plan for your shot. All good pictures begin with good composition but you have to learn what to look for. These basic elements are only guidelines and can be broken depending on what you intend to do.

The first composition element I will discuss is Patterns. Patterns such as those shown in the images below are all around us and the more you look, the more you will be able to recognize them.

This picture above is a bench in a city trolley taken on a nice day to sight-see. Remember that the best camera to practice is the one that you have with you. Your expensive DSLR does you no good if it is home. Luckily, we live in a world where there is a camera in every pocket... like the one in your smart phone.

5 Tips For Shooting Night Photos

These are some of the downtown Tampa area bridges permanently lit for the 2012 Republican National Convention.

When taking pictures at night there are some things you can do to make them come alive. Here are my top tips for getting great night time photos.

Downtown Tampa Engagement Pictures

These engagement pictures were taken in Downtown Tampa. This lovely couple's session lasted about an hour and a half. We walked the area and they chose locations from a variety I had scoped out days in advance.  As a photographer you need to help the couple relax. Making them feel comfortable will yield the best photos. Showing them the LCD screen from the back of the camera after snapping a few pictures and telling them they are doing well will give them the assurance they need to be natural in front of the lens.