7 Tips to Dramatically Improve Your Photos

7 Tips to Dramatically Improve Your Photos

Whether you’re starting in photography or have been in the business for a while, you would have come across a few tricks of the trade to help make your photography sessions and shoots simpler and more effective.

If you’re looking to dramatically improve your photos, there are some simple ways photographers can improve their results with little to no effort, just a few simple tips.

This article explores how you can improve your photography results and output significantly using a couple of simple hacks.

1. Turn Off Automatic Flash

Rather than letting the flash automate whenever it gets slightly dark, a quick and easy way to avoid a ruined shot is by keeping the flash closed and off automatic and increasing the ISO. Using the manual mode will allow you to shoot a better photo and will allow you to use the available light to take your shot. This will also mean that you will get fewer blurry photos.

2. Remove Clutter From Your Photos

Some of the best photos are super simple. If you can, find backgrounds that are simple, so you don’t have items showing that are distracting and cluttered.

Locations that are busy and cluttered can be a little difficult for the viewer to take in, so unless the clutter tells a story, remove anything from the scene that is unnecessary or find a background or backdrop that is minimal so you can focus on the hero in the image.

3. Use the Rule of Thirds

Gone are the days of centering your subject smack-bang in the middle of your shot. These days, photographers use the Rule of Thirds to compose photos. Simply turn on your grid function on your camera and move your subject to the left or right of the center into grid spaces on either side of the center and snap away to see the difference in composition.

4. Get Close to Your Subject

There is no rule that you have to include every element of your subject in the photo. If you can, consider getting close to your subject and take a unique approach to your shot. This might mean cutting off their legs, lower half, or even part of their head, but if it provides a unique look into your subject, it could be a really interesting way to improve your photos.

5. Look for Patterns or Uniqueness in the Ordinary

Sometimes ordinary things turn out to be the most intriguing.  And if you stop and take the time to view the world through a lens, you have probably noticed that buildings, bridges, and ‘ordinary’ items can often be extraordinary through the eye of the lens. Take the time to walk around your town and look for everyday things that could be a unique subject using light, shade, and a little magic using your camera functions.

6. Shoot from Unique Angles

There comes to a point in photography where we see the same thing over and over, so if you want to be a little unique, consider shooting items from a different angle or perspective.

Rather than taking photos at eye level, consider shooting from a child's view or from above if possible.  Experiment with technology for a bird’s eye view using a drone or an unexpected angle.

Using symmetry can also provide a shot that is entirely different from what’s expected.

7. Go Overboard With Your Aperture

Many successful images usually have a large aperture that blurs out the background or foreground; this works to sharpen the view of the subject and draw attention to a specific area of the image.

If you are looking to get an impact and take your photography to the next level, increasing your lens aperture capabilities is critical. Invest in a lens with a large aperture and test out the possibilities.

Conclusion

Using a few of the ideas above to improve your photography can help to enhance what you can offer your customers and take your photography to the next level.

Keep in mind that photography is entirely personal and intuitive. These tips will help you fine-tune your skill set and take your photos from good to great.