Digital Imaging

Photography Pro’s Little-Known Secrets

Have you ever looked at a photograph and asked yourself, "How could someone make something so mundane look so extraordinary?" Indeed, there are people who are truly talented at photography. They can make a normal red apple look like the apple of sin from the Garden of Eden. They can make chocolate look like ambrosia for the gods. People with this kind of skill are rare, yes, but if you follow the rule of the thirds, experiment with a different angle, use natural frames, and do some image tweaking you may perhaps achieve the same effect. This article will outline digital tips which you can try using for extraordinary digital photographs.

The most popular rule in photography is probably the rule of thirds. Make an imaginary grid that has three horizontal lines and three vertical lines so you'll have nine squares. Position your subject at the intersection of the lines. This makes the image more interesting, provides a hint of subtlety to the subject, and gives more emphasis on the background. It helps the subject blend in with the background so the subject won't stand out like a sore thumb. Don't overdo it, though. Sure, it'll look good if the image is not centered but you should make sure that the photograph is still balanced. Aside from placing your subject a bit off center, you may also want to experiment with a different angle.

Take the picture from a different angle. Most people use eye-level angles for their pictures. Try taking the picture from a different perspective. Try taking it from a bird's eye view, for instance. Perhaps, you could try taking the picture from below eye level. Taking a picture from an unusual angle will create particularly interesting photographic effects as well as add a bit of dimension to a photograph. The traditional angle looks too flat, whereas a picture taken from a different angle looks like it's popping out. To add more dimension to your photos, you must also try utilizing natural frames in your photographs.

A frame adds another layer of emphasis to your photographs. There can be a frame within the photograph itself. This is called a "natural frame". For this, you can use trees, walls, or my personal favorite, doors. However, you may also add an artificial frame to your photographs when you're in the image editing phase.

Yes, digital imaging does include editing. Even if you scour the world for an apple as red as the apple of sin, you won't find one. The secret to getting the desired shade of red is usually a digital image editing application like Photoshop. Take a picture of any red apple, adjust the contrasts and tones of the image, blend some and filter some, and voila! You'll have one very shiny apple.

Creating extraordinary photographs using mundane and commonplace subjects is something that only an expert photographer can do with guaranteed success. However, if you practice these photography and digital imaging tips, you'll have at least a fighting chance of succeeding where so many amateurs have failed.