Taking better photos

Dynamic photos, even
with point & shoot cameras

By Jerome Shaw

Composition is one element of creating better photos that is available to everyone, no matter what level of technical sophistication your camera has. One simple improvement is to move the main subject out of the center of the frame-position the subject strong right or left, or near the top or bottom of the frame. By doing any of these things, you create an imbalance in composition that avoids "bulls eye" composition and leads to more dynamic photos.

Most photos would also be improved, literally, by one simple step or two-take a step or two closer to your subject. Loose composition, in which too much is included in the photo, is one of the most common faults I see in student photos. Move in and include fewer elements or less of the overall scene.

Read the camera manual to learn about your camera's limitations. What is the minimum focusing distance? Disposable or fixed focus cameras often focus no closer than three feet. If your subject is closer than that, it is not in focus. What is the effective range of your camera's flash? Putting your subject past the distance of your flash will yield a dark subject. On the other hand, placing your subject too close will result in an overly bright or a pasty white face.

Jerome Shaw has been a professional photographer for 25 years and teaches workshops for beginner and intermediate photographers; www.jeromeshaw.com.

Photo Captions:
Balance in composition can sometimes lead to an unfavorable "bulls eye" effect.

Imbalance in composition leads to more dynamic photos. Closer is also better.