All too often we try to get as much into the image as we can, thinking that the more the better. The more it will say something about the subject or, the more it will show about a place. Rarely though is this true. An easy way to get better images is get in close to the subject and keep the composition simple. There is always a reason that we take an image, a person, a place even an object. This should be the main focus of the image. All the other elements within the frame should add to the subject and not distract from it. So what are some of the ways we can keep our subject the centre of attention?
Rule of thirds
A generally accepted rule of composition is the “rule of thirds”. When taking your next shot imagine dividing your image into three equal sections both vertically and horizontally. The point where each section intersects is regarded as a powerful position to place your main subject. The rule of third will work for most types of photography including portraits, architecture, landscapes and action.
Get in close
Get in close, then if you can, get in even closer. Fill the frame with your subject and cut out of the image anything that is distracting or takes away from the main subject.
Use your shutter and aperture
The human eye is always drawn towards the part of the image that is in sharp focus so use this to your advantage.Depth of field is a great way to isolate your subject. If you can’t get in close to the subject to get rid of distracting foregrounds or backgrounds, then open up your aperture and reduce the depth of field within the image. This will send the parts of the image you don’t really want to show out of focus, letting the viewer concentrate on the main subject within the image.
Movement can be used to our advantage. Often we try to keep the image sharp, in-focus and with no movement. However, by purposely adding movement within the image, we can often isolate the subject. Panning the camera and using a slower shutter speed to blur the background is a common technique used by sports photographer to isolate the main subject. It also has the added advantage of bringing a sense of movement and dynamics within your image.
