Lightning and composition basics

Some tips to avoid common problems:

Distance yourself further from the object, or use natural or additional light sources, don’t rely on the built-in flash. Use a diffuser for flash units. Bounce the flash, (from a wall for example), to even out lighting, or place wax paper over the flash to soften shadows. If you get underexposed images, decrease shutter speed or increase aperture size to let in more light. In case of overexposed images, increase shutter speed or decrease aperture size to let in less light. Lens flares is caused by recorded light refractions from direct light sources in the camera lens. Avoid pointing the camera directly at light sources (to reduce reflections within the lens), or lower the aperture to reduce reflections. Spot edit problem areas with a cloning tool. Purple fringing is a commonly problem of digital cameras when shooting in low light settings against high contrast borders, causing a purple, (or other hue), glow around edges. The issue can also be affected by lens model and focus quality.

Adjust aperture settings to a higher level, (f4 and above) to balance light.

Some usefull tips:

• Keep in mind great lighting doesn’t have to be expensive
• Use bleach white cloth, paper or cardboard to photograph isolated objects
• Use wax paper in front of the flash to subdue shadows

One of the most popular ’rules’ in photography is the Rule Of Thirds. It is also popular amongst artists. It works like this: Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. You place important elements of your composition where these lines intersect.
The use of a frame can turn an otherwise plain picture into a pleasing one. Usually a foreground element is used to create the frame. Examples are an overhanging tree branch, a window frame, a door, arches, a fence, rows of trees, etc.

A frame serves to isolate your main subject and create an interesting composition. Oftentimes, it’s the feeling of depth you’re after. You may choose to keep the detail of the frame (as in a wall, fence or branch), or let the frame go completely dark (as in a window frame).

When you are composing a shot, keep your eyes open to foreground (and sometimes, even middle or background) objects that can be used as a natural frame. You may need to physically back up a bit, kneel down for a more pleasant composition, or zoom in to include your subject within your chosen frame.

The text books will all tell you that there are a number of rules for composing a photograph (or a painting for that matter) and it isn’t a bad idea to follow these rules 90% of the time. One posibility is to work with a small depth of field. The human eye will always be drawn to the subject that is in sharp focus with a simple out of focus background. Usually this will mean that the background doesn’t contribute to the image, but every so often an out of focus background forms a really important part of the image.

Techniques are there to be used, altered, modified and adapted. This one should become really useful to you once you have mastered it. When you are struggling to make an interesting composition it’s always worth considering narrowing your depth of field.