Top 10 Tips for Perfect Photos

Whether you are on holiday or just sitting in your backyard, there are special moments you wish you could capture and hold on to forever. Be sure to always have your camera ready to take the ultimate snap. In this list we will explain 10 important tips that turn regular photos into Time Magazine cover material.

10. Rule of thirds

We start with the most famous rule in the world of photography: the notorious rule of thirds. The idea is simple: divide your photo into nine equal parts by drawing two horizontal and two vertical lines. Make sure that your main focus points are on these lines and their intersections. This will make your photograph much more energetic than having the subject in the centre of the photo.

9. Location, location, location

You may have mastered the rule of thirds but if you don’t have an interesting backdrop it’s not going to be an exciting photograph. Think about a place you know and love. Or do the exact opposite and wander around until you discover something new and worthwhile. The main idea here is the same as in real estate; the desirability is determined by the location and not much more.

8. Patience is a virtue

This tip is particularly true when photographing animals or children (in other words: unpredictable subjects). Sometimes it can take a very long time for your subject to do something interesting, strike a good pose or even show up. At these times it is very important to remember that you might have to wait now, but this patience will pay off eventually. The photograph you are about to take will last forever; the waiting won’t.

7. Ready? Action!

Make sure you are always ready to take the picture. Photographs are visual representations of fractions of seconds. The difference between a normal photo and a great photo can be made in milliseconds. As previously stated, sometimes you just have to wait very long to get the photo you want. But sometimes, you will need to skip the thinking and start shooting immediately.

6. Cheap and cheerful

All photography fans know that their hobby is expensive; the camera alone can cause huge damage to your wallet. On top of that you will also need a lot of accessories that are also costly to say the least. But why would you buy these things, when you already have them lying around in the house? Use an ordinary garbage bag as a water proof camera bag. Carry a hand mirror with you at all times to use as a reflector. Buying a flashgun for £100? Be creative with a regular flashlight and the result will astound you.

5. Keep shooting

In the age of digital photography you have absolutely no excuse not to shoot all the photos you want. There is no extra cost anymore; if you don’t like a photo, just delete it. This is an amazing freedom, which you should enjoy every bit that you can. Don’t limit yourself to just one or a few snaps, try taking as many as possible. This will increase your chances of making a modern masterpiece.

4. Light up

The word photography consists of 2 Greek words: “photos” (meaning light) and “graphé” (meaning drawing). So when you put them together, photography means drawing with light. Knowing this, it should be no surprise that light is one of the most important aspects of a good photograph. Try experimenting with the light, whether it is natural (sun) or artificial (any other light source you can think of). Also, keep in mind that unless you want to achieve a silhouette effect, you will want to keep the sun behind you.

3. Zoom

Every camera has a zoom function. It is no coincidence; you are supposed to use it. For photographs of food or plants, the zoom function is your best friend. Try zooming in as far as you can to create a macro photograph. This will really bring out the textures on the subject and create a viewpoint that you would normally not see when looking at these objects.

2. Know the rules…

There are a lot of rules in the world of photography. The more of these you know, the better your results. Read a book on photography, visit a photo museum or learn more about the technical aspects of your camera. Try to increase your general knowledge on the subject. The greater you theoretical knowledge, the more you will be able to put this into practice.

1. …then break them

Photography is not an exact science – it is an art. It is important to know a lot about photography, but it would be stupid to follow the rules all the time. If it’s a good shot that breaks the rules, it’s a good shot in general. The only way to revolutionize art is by trying new things. Experiment as much as you can. Try new locations, subjects, settings on your camera, perspectives and everything you can think of. Remember: the only limit is your imagination.

Great Hotels of the World held a photography competition and you can find all the entries here and the winner here.

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