In this age of cellphones any one can snap a picture and call themselves a "photographer". 4 years of college in which I learn so many things but I will cut it down to 5 tips!
1) Lighting
Lighting is a key component to a picture! If your picture is over exposed the subject could be washed out of the image. If the picture is underexposed your subject could disappear all together in in the background. To make sure you have the correct lighting I would suggest taking a couple "test" shots and adjust accordingly!
2) Angle
No matter what you are taking a picture of it is all about the angle. Take a normal picture of the subject from where you are standing. Then think about a perspective that no one would think about taking. If you are shooting a sunset try laying on your stomach and taking a picture on the same level as the water. If you are taking a picture of food try and turn your camera sideways! If you are taking a portrait NEVER take a picture from below (no one wants to be able to see their whole chin instead of their face!)
In this picture I got down on the dock with my dog! It also helps that he is so photogenic!
3) Focal Point
Everyone has pictures of sunset! (#skyporn) What most people don't think about is putting something else in the picture as the foreground! Wether its a pair of sunglasses or a person, make sure they are the focal point and not the sunset! this will put your viewers in aw!
I used the flag in this picture as the focal point but you can still see the sunset in the background!
4) Be Creative!!!
For my internship with the athletic department I was given an assignment to create the spring sports schedules! I saw how all the other posters looked and tried to give the lacrosse one a different perspective! My boss told me 3 individuals that needed to be on the poster (the seniors). So I thought of setting up a photo shoot! The two guys on either ends I placed the light on the left/ right side.
5) Over Shoot
Whenever you go take photos not matter what you are taking photos of ALWAYS OVER SHOOT! Say you take 100 photos, out of all those photos 20 might be amazing! You can always delete ones you don't like! I have never been put in a situation where I have undershot a photo, but I have been in situations that I took a ridiculous amount. Honestly over shooting saved my life a couple times!
The best tip I can give you is HAVE FUN!
You have to feel comfortable and energetic in taking pictures! Your attitude makes the picture! Bring some friends along and make a day of it!
