How to Take Better Pictures

With today's automatic cameras almost anyone can produce a sharp, well-exposed image. What will set you apart from other photographers is how well you compose your images. The tips below will help you create eye-catching compositions—and transform your photos from mere snapshots into works of art.

Follow the Rule of Thirds

Divide the image into three sections Placing your subject off-center creates an interesting, dynamic image. Imagine your photograph divided into three horizontal and vertical sections. To compose a well-balanced, off-center shot, place your subject near the intersections of the imaginary grid lines. This is called the rule of thirds.

Use the rule of thirds to create dynamic portraits Emphasize a dramatic sky by placing the horizon along the lower grid line With a moving subject, use the rule of thirds to leave space for the subject to travel into Busy shots feel more orderly when you apply the rule of thirds.

Get Close

Your subject is interesting, so get close to it. Don't let your pictures suffer from the "Grandma at the Grand Canyon" syndrome, with a tiny subject and lots of boring, irrelevant space.

Get close to your subject

Try Unusual Angles

Be bold! Try turning your camera to 45 degrees before snapping a picture. Or instead of snapping it from eye level, kneel down or lie on the ground to get a more interesting shot.

Take a picture from an unusual angle

Frame Your Subject

Try framing your picture with foreground objects to add depth to the image.

Frame your subject in the scene

Pay Attention to Lines

Curves, straight lines, and diagonals add energy and movement to your compositions. Let roads and rivers draw the viewer into the image or lead the viewer's eye in a specific direction. Watch for natural geometric patterns and place yourself at an interesting angle to them.

Let roads and rivers lead the viewer into the picture

Look for patterns of lines

Diagonals are dynamic, and curves are sensual

Don't let lines unintentionally throw your photo off balance. When you shoot the horizon or a building, keep the straight lines level—unless you're shooting at a dramatic, intentional angle.

Keep the horizon level

Avoid Cluttered Backgrounds

Don't let a cluttered background overwhelm or obscure your subject. Move around, or lie down, to get a clear shot at your subject without the distractions.

A cluttered background can obscure your main subject Reposition your subject or yourself

Avoid Mergers

As you position yourself to avoid a cluttered background, also look out for trees, lamp posts, and other background objects which might merge with your subject in unfortunate ways.

Don't let a tree grow out of your subject's head Reposition your subject or yourself to avoid mergers

Look for Interesting Reflections and Shadows

Reflections and shadows lend a touch of artistry to an otherwise plain picture. They can provide meaningful contrasts (such as an old building reflected in a modern high rise) or depth (such as the shadow of trees along a wooded path).

Shadows and reflections add depth and artistry