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Tips for taking great photos
Great photojournalism is more than just taking a picture of the subject. Taking just a little more care and knowing a few basic rules (don't worry, they can always be broken) can draw in your reader and tell the story that your words cannot. Though a good photo is not a substitute for a good story (and vice versa) they can enhance each other.
Use these tips to make your photos look awesome:
1. Follow some rules of composition
"Composition" means the choices you make when deciding what makes it into the frame and where it goes. You don't need to use all of them at once, but they can help spice things up.
The Rule of Thirds
Imagine your photo is divided into thirds, horizontally and vertically. Positioning your subject on one of the intersecting lines to make it much more appealing than sticking it in the center.
Notice how the photographer did not center the subject. The use of the extra space makes the simple photo pleasant to look at.
by unleashingmephotography from Flickr.com
by timrb from Flickr.com
Leading Lines
Finding and including interesting lines can give your photo direction and draw your eye to important part of the image.
The line where the floor meets the wall draws your eye to the man. This photo also employs the rule of thirds.
by audi_insperation from Flickr.com
by Hubertk from Flickr.com
Layering
Sometimes, a photo can tell a more complete story when there is something going on in the foreground, the middle ground and the background.
This photo gives us lots of information about the protest. In the foreground is the colorfully-dressed monk carrying signs, while a policeman keeps watch (middle ground) and a crowd gathers (background).
by DEMOSH from Flickr.com
by california cowgirl1 from Flickr.com
Framing
We put pictures in frames because they look nice that way. Look for interesting ways to "frame" your subject inside the image.
The photographer took a different approach to this girl's portrait by using the mirror as a frame.
by Ro9.flickr from Flickr.com
by Paulo Sacramento from Flickr.com
Next:
2. Look for "moment"
3. Capture movement
4. Know your equipment