Technical Tips

TECHNICAL TIPS

Technical Tip #1: Lighting

Natural lighting is the best. Try to avoid using a flash. Instead, be creative with what natural light is available. If you are taking a portrait, you may consider leaving a portion of the person’s face in shadow or incorporating light that is shining through something else, like leaves or a window.

Generally speaking, the best time of day for light is in the morning or late afternoon. Try to avoid taking the photo in the bright afternoon sunlight or in a very dark room.

Example: For this portrait from the Cosmopolis Toronto project, the light shining through the

trees, and the shadows of the branches, make the photograph of Graciella (born in Burundi)

more intriguing.

Technical Tip #2: Framing

Many photographers use the rule of thirds to frame a shot. Your subject is never in the middle or too far over to the edge of the frame. Instead, the subject sits somewhere near where the points intersect (see diagram). However, photographers often break the rules to create great photos (see the photo above of Graciella). Ultimately, these rules are just suggestions indicating that, generally, we find photographs that follow the rule of thirds to be more appealing.

The following photograph taken in a park follows the rule of thirds, placing the subject in the upper right hand intersection.

Technical Tip #3: Location and Angle

Finding a great location is important. There are many places you can go for inspiration—parks, busy streets or cultural events. Aim for the morning or late afternoon to get the best lighting. Remember to give yourself enough time to explore the place you are photographing. If you are taking a portrait, try a variety of locations so that when it comes to editing you have choices. Try out a variety of angles when taking your photograph by walking around the subject and shooting from different perspectives. Try getting low and testing out a shot, then stand up and try another… see which you prefer.

Example: For this portrait of dancer Sale from Mozambique, he is standing on a bench outside the Ontario College of Art and Design and looking down at the camera. The angle of the photograph added a completely different feel to the image.

Tip #4: Editing

Editing is not essential, but if you are interested in editing there are many easy ways to make your photograph stand out. Advanced editing software includes Lightroom and Photoshop, but if you want a free editing program you can download Picasa or iPhoto. There are also free photo filters apps for smartphones such as VSCO Cam, Snapseed and Litely. These programs are really easy to use and can help you in making some final edits to your photo for things like contrast, cropping and brightness. This is also where you can decide if you want your photograph to be in black and white, or in colour. Sometimes black and white provides a unique feel to the photograph that you can’t achieve with colour. If you need help using these programs be sure to check out YouTube for instructional videos. This can help turn a

good photo into a polished photo.