Taking Pictures:
What Makes it Great?
The “Top 10” Elements That
Make a Great Photograph
1. Depth of Field
Using depth brings a
dynamic element to
your images, giving a
sense of reality to the
viewer.
Very simply put, it is
the use of…
Foreground
Middle Ground
Background
2. Lines
Lines are everywhere from
trees, walkways, to streets,
poles, etc. Find some lines
in the area to use in your
images to frame your
subjects. These lines can
help guide the viewers’
eyes right to where you
want them to focus, making
an effective image.
Can also be used as an
effective way to add interest
to your pictures.
3. Movement and Motion *
Capturing movement
helps to emphasize
the action that is
taking place at that
moment. You can use
a fast shutter speed to
freeze a moment, or a
slower shutter speed
to show a motion blur.
4. Perspective
It’s easy to take the camera
and just shoot straight towards
your subject matter. Look
around at the environment
and think about different ways
you can photograph the
subject. For example, if you
are in a church, is there a
balcony that you can go up to
take pictures down into the
church to get an overview? Or
if you are in a courtyard with
beautiful trees, think about
getting low to the ground and
shooting upwards.
5. Composition
When composing, think
about where the subject
is, and how you are
shooting.
Where are objects in
relation to one another.
Are you centering or not?
Do you have to center?
Think about the
environment in relation to
the subject matter.
Use your viewfinder!
6. Lighting
All of the following can effect a
photograph indoors or outdoors,
in terms of lighting.
What time of day is it?
What season?
What is the weather?
Outdoors
Where is the sun? Make sure it
is at your back. You don’t want
to shoot into the sun.
Indoors
Where is the light source? You
don’t want to directly shoot into
the source.
Can be used to create interest.
7. Capture the Unexpected
The real stuff can never
be redone. You have to
keep an eye out for
those special moments
and try to anticipate
them so that you are
prepared for them.
Doesn’t always have to
be with people.
Be observant!
Sometimes referred to
as “candids.”
8. Emotions *
Just like capturing the
unexpected, look for true
moments that are
timeless. With emotions,
look for sentimental
emotions of joy, fear and
love.
Can be captured or
produced.
A picture can also make
you feel a certain way as
well.
9. Sandwiching Effect
Place your subject
between a foreground
and background, and
create depth. You can
also switch it up by
focusing in on only
the foreground,
subject, or
background.
10. Location.
Take advantage of
where you are, and be
sure to use it in your
pictures.
It does not have to be
the focus, but can
frame the subject.
May not relate to the
subject matter, but
provides interest.
It can also tell a story.