Are you planning on entering the Library District’s 4th annual photo contest? If so, you’re going to have to bring your A-Game. Last year, over 75 people competed for the top spot in their age group. Do you have what it takes? Good photography is more than just a nice camera and a pretty model. You have to understand angles, lighting and framing. Below I’ve listed 5 tips to help your photos pop.
1. The golden hour
Photo Credit: Tammy McGary
The best time to take photos of people (or pets) is the hour and a half around sunrise and sunset (45 minutes before and 45 minutes after). Light can affect a person’s features. The lighting during the golden hour casts interesting shadows and provides good natural light.
2. Rule of Thirds
Photo Credit: Nosha
The rule of thirds refers to where in the frame you place your subject. Divide your frame into three rows and three columns (or nine little squares). Place your subject at the intersection of the lines. This will create a photo that stands out from a standard portrait and is more aesthetically pleasing and interesting to the eye.
3. Choose a simple background.
If you’re snapping portraits, you want the subject to stand out. So choose a simple background for them to stand in front of.
4. Use leading lines
Photo Credit: Angus MacRae
A leading line guides the eye from one side of the picture to the other. Often they start in the foreground and lead the eye to the subject of the photo. When leading lines are used to connect the foreground and background of a photo, the photo has more depth and interest. Common types of leading lines are roads, rivers, fences, doors, trees, windows, buildings, rocks etc. Anything that leads the eye from one part of the picture to another is considered a leading line.
5. Get on their level
Are you photographing animals or children? If so, get down on the ground and then take their photo. People often make the mistake of photographing animals and children from above. This makes them appear small, and rarely results in a super cute shot. But if the camera is at their eye-level (or even slightly below), the chances of snapping the perfect pic increases drastically. Try it!
Anyone who lives in the Poudre River Library District area is eligible to compete in the photo contest. This year’s theme is “Picture Your Hero”. We are looking for images that celebrate your hero – person or animal. For more information on the contest, and to learn about judging criteria, visit the contest’s homepage.
Get snapping! Photos are due by July 6!