Shooting Techniques

Good Photo or Beautiful Photo?

With the evolution of equipment, one might be tempted to think that simply pressing a button is now enough to consistently get a good photo. Unfortunately, a good photo isn’t necessarily a beautiful one—that is, an image that’s pleasing to look at or that captures the attention of those who see it.

No matter how sophisticated the equipment, what remains certain is that framing (at least initially) and the content of the image will always—or still—be the responsibility of the person taking the photo. The camera merely translates their skill. Beyond the scoop, it’s each person’s unique sensitivity that makes the difference. So, it’s worth cultivating that difference by applying a few basics and respecting some principles when photographing people.

Composition, Framing, Speed, Depth

A few techniques and elements to incorporate for successful photos.

Composition and Framing

It’s essential to compose your image well to guide the viewer’s eye and highlight your subject. But photography didn’t invent the laws of image composition. In fact, painting first established the basic rules that are important to know in order to apply them—or better yet, to creatively break them.

Faster than a painter, the photographer isn’t in control of the spatial arrangement of the various elements that will make up their image. However, they must work with them, trying to organize them as best as possible to create an acceptable graphic composition. While there are hundreds of image composition rules, only one is fundamental to any construction: the "rule of thirds."

"The Rule of Thirds"

In principle, we all have a rectangular-format camera. To apply this rule, simply divide the frame (what you see) with two horizontal lines, each placed one-third from the edges of the image. Do the same with two vertical lines. This leaves you with nine equal rectangles and four line intersections.

The ideal is to place the subject you’re photographing on one of these intersections and create movement toward the opposite intersection. This movement can be suggested by the direction of a person’s gaze or a line in the landscape, or it can be literal, like the edge of a building or the arm of a moving subject. Conversely, avoid centering the subject, as this would leave two areas (right and left) with little interest for the image.

However, this rule has a notable exception: you can center your subject by placing it in the middle of the lower third of the image to emphasize its importance.

"Photographing Is Writing with Photos"

This basic framing rule shouldn’t overshadow another key principle: "Photographing is writing with photos." Just as any story has a plot that’s introduced, developed, and concluded, so too should an image.

It should consist of a foreground, then a middle ground, and finally a background (avoid adding more at first). Each should relate to the previous one. This layering of planes creates the illusion of a third dimension (depth) on a medium (screen or print) that only has two in reality.

Pay attention to how the planes are organized—it’s not about creating a series of planes parallel to the horizontal edges of the image. For example, avoid photographing buildings or a beach head-on. The planes will harmonize better if you create an angle of about 30 to 45 degrees between the edge of the image and the foreground.

Contrary to popular belief, working with planes is much easier when using wide-angle lenses (between 20 and 35 mm). Telephoto lenses tend to compress them, eliminating perspective. Additionally, depth of field is much more limited with this type of lens.

Finally, it’s important to fill all parts of the image. For example, if there’s no subject in the lower right third of an image, it won’t feel balanced. In such cases, it’s better to reframe your photo or wait for the empty space to fill—or fill it yourself (with a person or object).

Speed and Depth of Field

Each Theme or Context Has Its Own Approach

Portraits, landscapes, street scenes, animals, indoor photos—each theme is approached differently and with its own principles, even if some common rules still apply.

Living World

• Photographing People

• Portraits

• Group Photos

• Street Scenes

• Wildlife Photography

The Environment

• Architecture and Monuments

• Landscapes

• Beach Photos

Special Situations

• Action Shots

• Panoramic Shots

• Macro Photography

• Backlighting

• Night Photography

• Indoor Photography

• Photos Through Glass

• Trekking Photography

• Underwater Photography