news&views Summer 2019 | Page 26

Keep your photos simple and fill the frame with the subject Simplify Subjects A rule of thumb when taking a photograph is to keep the subject simple and let the picture tell a story. Clutter is the nemesis of good pictures because it detracts from what the photograph should convey. Keep pictures simple by focusing on the main subject area; capture the essence of a scene by eliminating extraneous material. This is easier said than done, but it’s the mantra of every good photographer. How many times have you seen pictures where the subject is in the middle of the frame surrounded by empty space? Photographers call this ‘dead air.’ Don’t take these kinds of photos. Move in close to your subject or use a zoom lens and fill the frame with the subject before pressing the shutter. Make simple photos your mantra. 26 | arta.net Fill the frame and follow the rule of thirds in landscape photos to enhance depth of field. Rule of Thirds Another pointer is based on a ‘rule of thirds’ imaginary grid that involves placing a subject in that portion of the frame 1/3 of the way from the top (or bottom) and 1/3 of the way from either side of the picture. Such framing creates pleasant pictures regardless of the subject.