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As photographers, we just love creating great images. That is why we spent so much on our cameras. Of course, just having a camera isn’t enough. We also need some photographic skills. Where should we start? Which skills will help us the most? Well, the following seven skills are a great way to get starting capturing those dynamic images that will stand out from all the rest.

Start with a Grabber

Beautiful sunsets grab people’s attention. So do beautiful flowers. Stunning mountain peaks in the late afternoon sun do the same. All of these are examples of strong subjects – subjects that make people take notice. In other words, these subjects are grabbers (they grab your attention).

When it comes to creating powerful images, it is very important to start with a grabber. If a subject can grab your attention, an image of that subject will, most likely, be able to demand the attention of a viewer of the image. On the other hand, if a subject doesn’t grab one’s attention, an image of that subject is highly unlikely to demand anyone’s attention for very long.

Choose the Correct Light

Light is one of the most important factors in creating great images. So, we want to start with matching the light to the subject to be photographed. Now, it is important to understand that the best light varies from one photographic subject to another. Landscapes generally photograph best in the warm, soft light that occurs just after sunrise or just before sunset. This time period is often referred to as the magic hour by photographers. Flowers generally do best on overcast days. The light from the overcast sky is soft and gentle. This light matches the nature of the flowers perfectly. Even foggy days can be used to create great images – image with a dreamy, romantic feel. Last, the light of midday is harsh and unforgiving. It is best used when a photographer wants to create a harsh feel to an image.

Create a Powerful Composition

Composition consists of how the objects in an image are arranged with respect to each other. Now, there are various ways to compose an image. One of the most popular ways is called the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds states that an image should be divided into thirds both vertically and horizontally. The subject of the photo should be placed at one of the intersections of the dividing lines.

Application of the rule of thirds helps make an image more dynamic and balanced. In contrast, placing the center of interest at the dead center of an image can make the image have a very static feel. Placing the image at other locations can often make the image appear unbalanced.

The Closer the Better

Moving in close to the main subject of an image calls attention to the main subject and gets rid of unimportant detail that resides along the image edges.

Strong Colors Create Interest

Strong colors grab people’s attention. The verdant green in springtime, the blue of a deep mountain lake, or the intense red of a chili pepper grab our attention. Good photographers know how to use this to create strong images. Strong colors can be used in a couple of ways. The first way is to find scenes or subjects with strong colors. For instance, a scene of brightly colored fall leaves would be a good example of this. The second way is to photograph subjects with light that has a strong color cast (such as the light that occurs during a great sunset).

Polarizers Can Improve Images

Consider using a polarizer filter. A polarizer can reduce glare and increase the saturation of the colors in an image.

Tripod

Ever take what you thought was going to be a great image only to discover later that the image was ruined due to camera shake. The solution is a tripod. The tripod will hold the camera steady and help you to create the beautiful, sharp images you are after.

Summary

These seven skills can help lead you to some powerful images of which you can be proud.

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