Photography basics by Navtej Kohli
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008Hi there! Here I’m back on Navtej Kohli interest blog with one more useful post for all you photography freaks out there. Taking a flawless photograph is not as easy as it may seem to be. All it takes is some common sense coupled with an experimentive mind.
Photography is an art that is tried by many and only mastered by a few. Taking pictures may seem as simple as 1-2-3, but there are several factors that make a photograph stick out of bunch. So, what it takes to make a good photograph?
Just three things:
1. Plenty of light
2. Suitable background
3. Visual clarity
Once you get hold of these three, your photograph will be a masterpiece. Let me explain how each of these factors contributes in taking that picture prefect shot. To start with lighting, a well lit vista gives clarity to your subject. Mastering basics of lighting is an essential ability to any good photographer. Lighting creates contrast. A well contrasted photograph is delight for both the photographer and the viewer. Proper lighting adds depth to your subject, whilst adding life to the overall setting. You can play with light to accent a particular feature or for creating that dramatic appeal.
Next, we come to backdrops. A photographer has to be careful while choosing a background. Where on one hand a well-chosen background sets the mood of a picture, it tells your subject’s story, on the other. It underlines several trifling details that are not so apparent otherwise. However, choosing a backdrop is just one part. What comes first is the proper planning of all important details for your photo shoot. Remember, a backdrop must serve the purpose of photo shoot and more importantly the subject’s purpose in having his/her pictures taken. A rule of thumb - areas that can be 1) easily remembered, 2) are distinct and 3) meets the purpose of the shoot makes best backdrops.
Altar for a church wedding, soccer goal for your child’s first soccer game, cake for a birthday party etc. count for some of the most eye-catching and easily recognized backdrop examples.
For a studio photo shoot, I recommend backdrops that will augment the appearance of your subject. They must emphasize the features of your subject. A backdrop must complement the subject instead of distracting the viewer to other superfluous details. A harmonious backdrop calls for extra attention and creativity. Suggested photography backdrops are those that don’t clash with subject’s apparel and makeup. Last but not least, backdrops should be free of any stains, spots or wrinkles.
If your subject wants outdoor theme, better go outdoors than using replicated backdrops in the studio. Shooting outdoors may seem simple, but there are lots of distractions in the open that may steal the focus on your subject. Therefore, caution is required. Take care there are no bystanders or people passing by.
Last comes visual clarity. Now, do I need to explain this? If you take due care in the preceding steps, results automatically follow in terms of visual clarity. One should perform all steps properly since the purpose of each step is to accomplish a perfect photo, free from all sort of visual clutter.
So, what are you waiting for? Open your creative eye and start capturing right away. Make a conscious effort to know what your subject is looking for and let that understanding lead your instincts in choosing the appropriate background.
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