Top 5 Beginner Photography Tips

  1. Use the Rule of Thirds. This may be the most well-known ‘rule’ of photographic composition. The basic idea is to imagine that you are breaking the scene you are photographing into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts. A picture that composed by the rule of thirds is generally pleasing to the eye.
  2. Use Simple Backgrounds. Try to find a plain background for your photograph, one with simple patterns and neutral colors. You want your viewers to be drawn to the focal point or subject of the photograph, rather than something that is going on in the background.  
  3. Change Your Perspective. We already see the world straight-on, at eye level. So change things up when taking photographs: Kneel close to the ground or stand on a chair for a higher point of view; try taking a picture skewed from the side; or get a lot closer to your subject. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how different your shots feel with these changes.
  4. Be Quick! If there’s a chance that your subject may move — whether you’re afraid it will run away, fly off, stop smiling, or just get bored waiting for you to take the photo — shoot once right away. Practice getting quicker and quicker, and don’t worry about taking too many photos.
  5. Consider a Tripod. An inexpensive tripod is a worthwhile investment, even if you’re going to be taking photographs on your phone. Eliminating camera blur (something that can happen even if you don’t have shaky hands!) will make you a lot happier with your photographs.