How To Make a Perfect Picture

Photography for Beginners

By Pallavi Rao

A picture speaks a thousand

words!‘Afghan Girl’ is an iconic photographic portrait by

journalist Steve McCurry dating back to 1984

A perfect picture:

❖ Grabs your attention

❖ Tells you a story

❖ Makes a statement

Steps to Making A Perfect Picture9

Step 1: Decide a Theme

A good photograph might appear random but that’s far from accurate. Choose a central idea that runs through the pictures you’ll take.

Step 2: Narrow Down the Theme

Question yourself about the chosen theme, its importance and the message you wish to convey.

Step 3: Decide a Subject

A subject in the photograph tells you a story. It helps the photographer connect with viewers on a visual level.

Step 4: Explore the Possibilities

Take a few pictures and analyse them to see what’s working and what’s not. The right connection between the theme and subject makes a photograph stand out.

Step 5: Visualize the Photograph

Visualize the potential photograph by arranging elements in a manner suitable to you. Decide the perspective (frame) from which you are shooting and practice before taking the actual picture.

Step 6: Get Down & Dirty

As a photographer be prepared for surprise delays, unearthly shooting schedules and disapproval from people who don’t appreciate the art.

Step 7: Wait for the Right Moment

Hone your observation skills and wait endlessly to capture the right moment. Adjust the camera settings and attempt a unique frame to get a great shot.

Step 8: Edit & Arrange

The real work begins after the click. Some editing is required to find the images that are just perfect.

Let go of pictures :

❖ With a shaky subject

❖ With a lack of focus

❖ Which are either too dark or too light

Step 8: Edit & Arrange

What next?

Find the photographs that fit your theme and arrange them

in a manner to convey a STORY.

Step 9: Take Feedback

Feedback is essential to grow as a photographer. So always :

❖ Pay attention to constructive criticism

❖ Evaluate how it would improve your photographs

Photography for BeginnersRead the complete article by Pallavi Rao

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