As we launch our first ever Photography Competition in partnership with DPIX Creative Photography we thought we would pick the brains of Darren Shipman, Manager of DPIX about what makes a ‘good photo’. Darren has more than 25 years experience in commercial photography, so he knows what he is talking about!!
“Taking great photographs is an art that can be done with both a camera or a mobile phone. The key to producing amazing images is to pay attention to the elements of composition: lighting, focus, exposure, and editing.
Here are some tips for taking great photos using a camera or a mobile phone:
- Composition: A great composition can make all the difference in the world. Take the time to think about what you want to include in the frame and how you want to arrange it. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry to create dynamic and visually appealing images.
- Lighting: Lighting is one of the most important elements in photography. Natural light is often the best option, but you can also use artificial light to create the desired mood. Try to take advantage of soft, diffused light and avoid harsh shadows.
- Focus: Make sure your subject is in focus. For cameras, you can control focus by using the right aperture setting, or by using manual focus. For mobile phones, tap on the screen to focus on the subject. Pay attention to what is in the background and make sure it doesn’t distract from the subject.
- Exposure: Exposure is the combination of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. A good exposure ensures that the image is properly lit and has the right amount of detail. Experiment with different exposure settings to see how they affect the image. On mobile phones, you can adjust the exposure by tapping on the screen to focus and then swipe up or down to adjust the brightness.
- Edit: Don’t be afraid to edit your images. Cropping, adjusting the brightness and contrast, and removing distracting elements can help you create better images. You can use photo editing apps such as Lightroom or VSCO to enhance your photos. However, be careful not to over-edit as this can detract from the natural beauty of the image.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and techniques to find what works best for you.
In conclusion, taking great photographs is a combination of technical skill and artistic vision. By keeping these elements in mind and using the right tools, you can take your photography to the next level and capture images that you’ll be proud to share with the world, whether you’re using a camera or a mobile phone.”
Thanks Darren…. Now, taking on board all Darren’s advice…let’s get snapping!
Submissions are open until 28th February. The theme is New Beginnings and Darren is looking for images that are creative, inspirational, thought provoking and uplifting. They can be colour, or black and white, abstract or quite conventional.
You can submit your photo entry here.