Photo Taking Inspiration: How to Make Your Pictures Look Nice

So imagine this:

You just bought a new camera (fancy or basic) and you're super exited to snap pictures every chance you get. But you never know what to take pictures of. Or you do know what to take them of. Of the gorgeous leaves in the crisp fall air. Of the mug carrying your hot chocolate with extra whipped cream. You just aren't satisfied with the outcome. 

This has probably happened to anyone who is in the least bit interested in photography or filming.

I don't know what you were hoping for... Probably to feel the warmth through the mug in the photo alone. To feel the autumn air as you simply look at those great orange colors covering the ground. To feel something through your photos. At least that's what I want to do. I'm not the best photographer, but I love it, so at least I'm trying. So here goes

with all of my favorite techniques when it comes to photography.

Read this (or at least skim it) to open your eye to new things to photograph, or new ways to photograph things.

PERSPECTIVE

First off, try to look at things from new perspectives. This is very simple, but it can really make something boring look great on camera.

The basis of the whole "perspective" idea is to see things from new angles. Not just 

straight ahead.

1. Look Up

Instead of taking a photo of the whole tree, try starting at the base of the trunk, and facing up. This is just an example, so it applies to almost anything (lamp posts, walls, anything) it just kinda brings a new light to something a mundane as a tree.

2. Get Down Low

Worms eye view is actually my favorite thing to do in my photos. It's really easy, and makes anything look interesting. It's a great way to display patterns and textures on the ground and make it seem cooler. ITS EASY: simply put your lens close to the ground to get an image of the ground.

3. Side View

Again, this is kinda redundant, but it's worth repeating. It's the exact same technique as the other 2, but from the side. 

FOREGROUND/BACKGROUND

The next most important thing to keep in mind is foreground and background. This is such a basic but can make such a difference. When shooting landscape shots, it can often turn into a very flat, 2D photo. Very simply place a person in front of the scene, or include a bit of land on the other side of the river, to  add more dimension to a landscape.

In my second example, you can really see the rocks extend from the front to the back. This technique really pulls the viewer into the frame and adds the third dimension that photos are missing.

PLAY WITH THE LIGHT SOURCE

Also play around with light and shadows. I'll go over this really quickly. Place your subject in front of the light source to get a gorgeous golden lining. Light flares may also occur, which can be soooooooo gorgeous in so many situations. I love that feeling when I can show someone a photo and say it;s not edited (even if it looks like I put tons of filters, or a really awesome overlay).

1. Light Flares 
My favorite example of this is the photo just above. I swear it wasn't edited AT ALL.

For an easy way to do this, place the subject right next to the light source, so it's covering only part of it.

2. Shillouettes

Simply put the person or object in front of the light source and you instantly get a shillouette. Typically, it you do this with the sun, you can also get a gourgous golden lining on the subject. The last tip about this is that this is a great time to play with hair down hairstyles. With darker hair, the sunlight is bound to slightly shine through the edges of your hair and creat a really cool effect.

This is also a great example of the rule of thirds. This just wouldn't look as good in the middle of the frame. (:

3. Reflections

This is only somewhat releated, but I had to include it. Reflections can create awesome distortions and really great mirrored effects. Also play around with relected light or sunsets (OOHHH there's the connection...).

4. Shadows

This is also a great idea that you should definitley play around with. It can make for some amazing shapes a contrasts.

This example was a natural shadow, and the minute I saw it, I had to take a photo. I love how it also brings a great idea for photography: geometric shapes.

REPEATING PATTERNS
One great source for photo ideas is to seek patterns in nature (or in man-made objects) this like bricks or something more interesting, like how the paint chips on a wooden table. Really just try to open your eyes to small details like this to get great photos.

This is a more "natural" example of patterns. You can see the waves and the white in the waves. This is also a loose example of leading lines.

RULE OF THIRDS

Don't place things right in the middle of the frame. It's kind of predictable. The rule of thirds flatters flowers and other objects so much more.

The principle of the rule of thirds, is that the best place to position things in the frame is on one of the lines on the grid, or on one of the intersections of the grid. The intersections are called points of interest.

You don't actually have to follow these rules exactly, but in most cases this works. So my recommendation is to always keep the grid setting on your camera.

Also, remember that in some cases, it does look better in the middle. Just play around with it so you can learn to tell when what works.

COLOR

In terms of color, I generally like to use opposite colors (red and green, yellow and purple, blue and orange) to make the subject pop out a lot. For another look, try a monochromatic photo, and play with camouflage.

^RULE OF THIRDS EXAMPLE (: ^

EDITING TIPS

In terms of editing, I tend to heighten the saturation on most of my photos. I find that this works well in most situations. Of course, you hae to have an eye for this stuff, and know what photos need what. But don't worry, this will come with expirience.

Also, keep in mind that a photo is not doomed even if the colors aren't right. Know when to use black and white. This can really be a life-saver. Some colors just cannot be saved in a great photo, which is when this comes in handy.

JUST LOOK AROUND

Trust me, there is something to take a photo of everywhere. Just look around. Get inspiration from everything and anything. Try to use the tips I shared to be able to take great photos of even really mundane objects.

Trust me, it's all worth it.

-<3 J