Tips for Better Photos
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Composing the Image

Composing the Image
Getting It in Focus
Watch Out for Blurring
All About ISO
Understanding Light
Master Your Flash
Glossary
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Take a Moment to Compose
Where would you like your subject in the frame?
What kind of background do you want? A little care in composing goes a long way to creating a great photograph.
Vertical orientation
By including everything from close foreground to distant background, a vertical frame brings a sense of depth to the scene.
Horizontal orientation
A horizontal frame captures the world more as our eyes see it, with balanced, pleasing proportions.
Low angle
Pointing the camera upwards creates a dynamic, powerful effect.
High angle
Shooting from above can emphasize the smallness or cuteness of your subject.
More examples of composition
Pay attention to the background, the angle, and other timely opportunities to create unique, memorable pictures.
Use a window to frame your subject
Catch them unawares
Emphasize the scale of the location
Try shooting from an angle like a fashion photo
Focus on the details
Watch Out for Parallax
The image you see in the viewfinder of your compact camera doesn't quite correspond to the image that actually goes on the film — and the closer the subject, the greater the difference. So when shooting close, use the parallax marks in the viewfinder for more accurate framing.
Viewfinder image Actual print
Example of parallax with a compact camera
Use a Grid
Practice using the grid on your digital camera screen when composing your shots. Rather than placing the elements of the photo squarely in the center, try to position them near the points where the lines intersect, as illustrated below. This gives you a more dynamic composition than merely centering the subject. If your camera is equipped with auto-focus, first focus on your subject in the center of the frame, then keep the shutter button depressed halfway to lock the focus while you recompose the scene with your subject slightly off-center.
Film or Digital? | Shoot Like a Pro! | More Fun with Prints! |