Basic Guide to Photography

Contents:

Intro
Layout
Focusing
Shutter / FX
Tips

Introduction

First of this is just a guide, whatever I say here, I found by experimentation, reading up books, etc. It is personal experience. It does not have to be correct, its just what I think about when taking photos. I also place photos here, so If you don't like the results fair enough. Don't limit yourself to what I'm saying. Be critic, think about it, maybe try it out yourself. But again, don't limit yourself, be creative. It doesn't matter if you're complete newbee to photography, or an expert. Both might find there enlightenment here.

Laying out a photo

As every photographer knows, a photo should be overlayed with a grid of 4 lines. Which cuts the photo into 9 equal boxes. Where the lines cross (at 4 points), the photo should have a hot spot. (or THE hotspot should be located there.)

In this case I used the water as a starting point off the image (bottom left), which moves towards the hotspot, the duck-like thing. It is located exactly on a hotspot. Which makes the photo well aligned already. This principle can be used on most occasions. If you photograph something, don't place it into the middle, but more on the left or right side.

Here again, the block is located on the left hand side.

But as every rule, you can bend them, or even break it. Sometimes it is necessary to break this rule on purpose, and still achieve great shots. Take a look at the 2 photos below.

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