5 Tips to put that WOW factor into your photographs

PHOTOGRAPHY-and how to improve your photos.

The following article appeared in the February edition of the Wilderness magazine. I thought it was excellent and that the photographers in the Club would gain a lot from reading it and applying the techniques discussed.

As one of the web Administrators I get many photographs sent to me-many which could have turned out to be very good photos if perhaps some of the techniques covered in the article had been applied when taking them..

As someone who takes a lot of photos, I found this article most useful and it will make me think a lot more about how I compose my photos. I’m sure you will find it helpful also.

My thanks to the author-Peter Langlands and to the Wilderness magazine for generously allowing us to use the article.
PK


Five - tips to put that wow factor into your photographs
(Considerations on perspective.)

For me taking a camera along on any tramp, or outdoor event, is second nature. It is fun to create a visual diary reminding you of the day. As we all know, no two days are the same. In fact I feel naked without my camera and often take two just in case one breaks down!  With the advent of digital camera we are all taking alot more photographs than in the past, but myself, like many people, find that out of multitudes of photos taken only one or two will stand out. Ok digital take the cost out of getting “hit or miss photos”, but with the shear volume of photos being taken some thought has to be put into getting the image that rises above the masses. I have listed some ideas to get that special picture that you may like to try.

1. Get low and dirty! - By taking a photograph of your subject from ground, or water level, and by looking back up at your subject you often will create a striking perspective. Most people take photos at eye level so by getting a different perspective you will get a more striking image. Also by looking up at your subject it I unite an appreciate, and more intimate perspective. Photos taken at, or as close as possible, to water level also work, especially when looking across the water to mountains. For example when kayaking try placing your camera just above water level and take a photograph of the view. The challenge here is to get the horizon straight, but digital allows you to experiment. Conversely taking a photograph from an elevated position also works. I climb onto the top of my 4WD drive for such images. A stepladder can be used, or for trampers a rock stack or tree.  Looking straight down on the subject matter also gives a different viewpoint. So remember to try to vary your perspective on the subject matter.

2. While on the subject of perspective try taking photographs with as wide an angle as possible. If you use a SLR camera, then certainly trying 15-28mm wide angled lenes gives a spacious view to any photographs. Many people shot photos from a standard camera setting of about 55-58mm, so by moving out of this range you will have pics with a different perspective. Wide angles are great for landscape shots and giving that sense of speciousness. If you can anchor a wide angled photograph with something in the foreground, all the better. When using wide angled lenes you will have a lot of depth of field and you will also be able to take photographs in low light conditions. Full frame cameras allow a wider angle. Also if you combine a wide-angle shot, with the low angled idea, as outlined above, then you really hit the wow factor. Anchor the foreground with a tree or rock formation, a person, or some wildlife, and you have the image.

3.Get as close to your subject matter as possible. Getting up close and personal will add impact top your pics. Often many people will simply take the photo too far away from the subject matter. The main subject only fills a small proportion of the photograph and in many cases has less impact than it would if you get as close as possible to your subject, aiming for a full frame image. Sometime it is appropriate to have the main subject shown in the larger context, but if you want to emphasis the main subject matter aim to full the frame.

4. Following on from the above why not try taking photographs of only part of the main subject. Often partial images will emphasis certain striking details that the subject has, and also the partial image will get the viewer guessing about the image is creating a sense of intrigue. By using a macro or telephoto lens you can further increase the amount of detail that you have when taking a partial photograph. For example the flash of orange against the otherwise green feathers on the kea’s back. Capturing plant, lichen or feather details are my passions. Look for repeating patterns within the subject to add interest for the viewer.

5. Finally when taking photographs of people try to take as many candid shots as possible. When in the outdoors taking photograph of people looking at the scenery or the subject matter makes a more natural image, rather than the more typical “Mug-shot” of someone looking straight towards the camera. Sideways glances often will draw the viewer into the picture, along with the subject matter.

Try these different perspectives. A mix of all of the above will really help towards creating a photograph with passion that draws the viewer in. By taking the time to get a different perspective your images will be more eye-catching. Remember most people take 95% of their photographs with a camera setting of 58mm and at eye level. Break this mould and your photographs are more likely to have that wow factor. As a final comment treat photography as a life long journey, with always something new to learn, and be receptive to others ideas and comments. Good luck!

 Peter Langlands