| Composition is like chasing the holy grail or the | | | | close so be careful. By detail we mean look for |
| mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It | | | | the smaller patterns, texture and form. Using the |
| can be elusive and frustrating. Just when think | | | | macro feature on your compact camera or a |
| you have it the illusion fades. Why is this? Is it | | | | macro lens on an SLR will get you in really close |
| really possible to get the perfect composition. The | | | | and bring out the detail of any subject. It's this |
| answer is yes. Here's how. | | | | detail, the pattern of a fabric, the links in a chain |
| You will never take that perfect shot if you don't | | | | or the texture of a building's brickwork that adds |
| learn the basics of photographic composition. The | | | | an element of depth to your photography. |
| fundamentals of photography need to be | | | | 4. Make the most of the photo opportunity |
| mastered, even if only to a limited degree, if you | | | | Don't just shoot a few shots of your subject. |
| are going to stand a chance of taking that | | | | Once you have analysed it, thought about it and |
| perfect shot. And, it is remarkably simple to do if | | | | looked at the detail, start shooting. Shoot from |
| you just implement the basics. The ground rules | | | | every conceivable angle you can think of. Change |
| will take you to another level. Just try it and see. | | | | your perspective or vantage point. Get higher and |
| Here are some of my steps to that perfect | | | | then lower. Use your feet to move around the |
| photo. | | | | subject. Get in closer. Mover further away. |
| 1. Take a closer look | | | | Change the camera's angle by 45 degrees. Shoot |
| Don't just stand and shoot away. Before you | | | | in horizontal then vertical format. Hold the camera |
| even point you camera take a closer look at the | | | | above your head. The key is to try shoot from |
| subject, object or scene that you are planning to | | | | every position you can think of. You want to |
| shoot. The operative word here is planning. By | | | | exhaust all your options. Try things you have |
| taking a closer look you begin your plan of action. | | | | never done before. This is what creativity really |
| Once you are aware of all the elements you want | | | | is, trying new things that haven't been done |
| to include you can look through the viewfinder | | | | before. |
| and start looking more closely at your | | | | 5. Evaluate and shoot again |
| composition. Knowing your subject, as with | | | | Once you have finished shooting start evaluating. |
| anything, will give you a distinct advantage over | | | | You can do this in the camera if you have a |
| your peers. | | | | bigger enough LCD screen or leave it till you get |
| 2. Take your time | | | | home. What you want to do is go through all of |
| If you are going to progress to more than a | | | | the images and delete those that are really bad |
| 'point and shooter', take you time and think. When | | | | or below average. This is called chimping when |
| you think about it this is so logical. An artist does | | | | doing it in camera. Once you have evaluated you'll |
| it, a carpenter, scientist and all other occupations | | | | see which photos are really great and which can |
| do it as well. Ponder what you want to achieve | | | | be improved. Those that can be improved need |
| before pressing the shutter. The time that you | | | | to be shot again. Once the whole process is over, |
| take will be reflected in the final image. Take your | | | | evaluate again and choose the images you feel |
| time and look at how the various elements, | | | | are the best. |
| subject, colour, shape, angles and light affect each | | | | Now, it's not guaranteed that you have taken the |
| other. Do colours complement each other? Do | | | | perfect shot but the chances are that you would |
| objects distract the viewer from the main | | | | have shot the perfect shot have increased |
| subject? If you take your time you'll notice these | | | | exponentially. Why? Because you have |
| issues and make the necessary adjustments. | | | | implemented some basic techniques to improve. |
| 3. Look for detail | | | | These steps practised on a regular basis are going |
| Most people look at the big picture but not the | | | | ensure that your chances of shooting a perfect |
| detail. By not getting closer you miss much of | | | | image increase every time. Practise makes |
| what a subject is all about. Of course, your wife | | | | perfect is what the old adage says, so keep |
| or girlfriend might not want you to get in too | | | | practising. |