3 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

hurried because you have people posing for you. Their goal is the same as yours, and although they may kid you, they will appreciate a good photo.

"The Rule of Thirds:" It has nothing to do with those cruise ship buffets! Most camera manufacturers include some sort of guide in their viewfinders, or on their LED screens to guide you to the center spot of your frame. It can be a box, or sometimes just four angles, one in each corner. The problem is, the last place you want your subject is right in the center of the image! Instead, use those four little angles as positioning guides to locate your subject properly, not within them, but smack on top of one of them! Picture a tic-tac-toe grid in your viewfinder. Put the subject on one of the four the crosshairs. If your subject is a landscape, say a sunset taken from a beach, you can still use the rule of thirds to frame a nicer shot: 1/3 beach, 1/3 water, 1/3 beautiful sky will get you a stunning and professional-looking shot!

Where your subject shows "motion" (real or implied) always have it moving into the frame, not out of it. That car, boat, or whatever will look much nicer if you get it off dead center, with the free space ahead of the subject, and don't forget our vertical positioning! Even if the subject is tied to a dock and not moving, it still "implies" motion. Naturally, there are exceptions, such as a departing boat or ship (weren't you supposed to be on that ship?)For portraits, have your subject looking in to the frame, not out of the picture.

Finally, instead of learning how to operate a new camera, use your old one and work on your technique a little. You'll start getting great shots with your present shooter. What you accomplish will be evident in every shot you take, creating memories that will be the hit of your family reunions for years to come!
END

Learn more about this author, Terry Scott Reed.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Taking better vacation photos?
We want to hear your view. Write now!