Although most people think that taking a picture is just as simple as pointing and shooting, there really is an art form to it. Typically, your photos never look quite as good as you imagined they would. However, once you learn the proper techniques, it really is simple to take great pictures.
Get closer to the subject to get a better shot. Getting up close allows you to put a frame around your subject while avoiding any disruptive backgrounds. It also allows you to focus on facial expressions, which can be important elements to any portrait photographer. Small details are easily overlooked when the subject is a good distance away.
You should try to stay away from an overcast sky when taking pictures. Showing too much gray sky in photos will make pictures appear muted. Black and white photography may work better if you must shoot into an overcast sky. If the sky is blue, you should put it in your photo, but be careful of the light.
Many people think bright sun makes for great photographic conditions. But, direct sunlight actually ruins many would-be great shots. It causes awkward shadows, uneven highlights, and may cause your subject to squint when they face your camera. If you can, try late evening or early morning lighting to shoot in when outside.
If you like the idea of becoming an old-school, film-and-darkroom kind of photographer, you can get yourself off to an inexpensive start by searching your local second-hand shop for a film camera. For an even more dramatic effect, ISO rated 200 black and white film offers a great nostalgic quality. You can have your photography printed on several types of paper to see which makes the most dramatic impact.
As you can see from the previous list of tips, photography can really capture a special moment or subject. It takes homework and a bit of practice, but you will get better photographs.
