To get good results from a digital camera, you need to understand traditional photography controls, such as exposure and focus options. That’s only half the story, however. You also have to master digital-only features such as white balance, resolution, and image file formats.
Remember that with your digital camera, experimentation is free. If you don’t like the outcome of a shot, just delete the image and try again. Before long, you won’t be pressing that Delete button nearly so much. And for every picture that doesn’t turn out, you’ll take ten that make you stop and say, “Wow, that’s a great picture!â€Â
With this topic, I'll try to condense the most important lessons of digital photography.
Lines and Patterns
Our eyes are attracted to lines and patterns. They guide our eyes to see our destination or make us wonder what is up ahead.
Aesthetically, patterns are simply beautiful.
Samples:
This a simple pattern of lines created by the branches. I took this shot during a nature shoot lesson in PhotoWorld Manila.
This is the museum hall of the San Agustin Church in Manila. Notice the lines on the ceiling and the pattern on the floor created by the open window, they seem to lead our eyes towards the end of the hall.
Rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is a guideline in photography for better composition. I'll try to explain it as much as I can and hopefully you'll be able to compose your images better.
The rule of thirds is based on the theory that the human eye gravitates naturally to a point about two-thirds of the way up an image.
The rule of thirds is basically dividing your viewfinder or LCD into three rows and three columns. and then, put your subject on any of the intersections that were created as shown in the image below.
when i took this silhouette of Cueshe guitarist Jovan, you will notice that while his head does not meet the intersection, his elbow does. I chose to hit his elbow because it is an extended part of his body being attached to the arm holding the guitar. I could've also had his head meet the upper intersection and it would still be a good composition. It's a matter of personal choice.
when following the rule of thirds, you are not obligated to hit only one intersection, you can hit as many as two.
I hope this little tip helps you in composing your shots.
To be continued........i'll post another lesson next week, All about light, shadows, and shades.
