Knowing photography terms helps improve photography skills. One skill every photographer starts learning as soon as they pick up a camera is composition in photography. Setting up a photograph before pressing the shutter button makes photography striking.

What is Composition in Photography?

Composition in photography centers around the subject’s placement in the frame to make it more pleasing to the eye. It depends on personal style and subject matter, but is built on rules and techniques that anyone can master. Photography composition applies to every type of photography. Wedding photographers, landscape photographers, or anyone snapping pictures in their backyard with their iPhones benefit from understanding composition and utilizing the rules. 

Photography Composition Rules

Composition consists of photography elements such as lines, texture, shapes, and colors. How these elements interact, blend, contrast, or “feel” around each other compose a photograph. The goal of photography composition is to set up the principal elements in the image to draw the viewer’s eye to your subject. 

Eye movement is crucial to photography composition. Effective composition attracts and moves the viewer’s eyes around a photograph providing impact and meaning to the subject. Here are a few photograph composition rules to make your photos pop.

Rule of thirds

It can sometimes be challenging to decide the best place to put a subject in the frame. You may wonder if a mountain looks better in the middle of the photo or off to the side, leaving room for the blue sky. Try the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds works by dividing the shot into nine equal sections of vertical and horizontal lines. The resulting grid helps you figure out the best place to position any subject. With the imaginary frame in place, place the most critical element(s) in the shot on one of the lines or where the lines meet. 

Place a subject on either of the vertical thirds, and the location feels more natural in the frame. The horizontal thirds give a good idea of where to place horizontal points of interest, such as sunset horizon lines or mountain tops. There are endless combinations to use this rule of composition in photography.

Symmetry

Good composition photography sometimes emphasizes symmetry rather than thirds. It all depends on what the photographer wants the focus to be. There’s natural and human-built symmetry all around, and it can be a fun challenge for a photographer to look for it. A fancy staircase or grand entrance to a park or home is more impressive when emphasizing symmetry.

Other symmetrical photo compositions that pop involve reflections. Memorable landscape photos are captured by composing reflections in a body of water symmetrically. In portraits, reflections in mirrors and other surfaces also provide a symmetrical composition that creates memorable photos. 

Leading lines

Leading lines is a photography composition rule that draws viewers’ attention to the image’s main subject through both subtle and obvious visual paths for the viewer to follow. Leading lines can be literal lines, like footprints in the sand leading to a sunset, a winding creek, or a fence lining a field of fully-grown corn. They can be less obvious, like a long shadow or curved space that catches the eye. 

Framing

Frames have various uses in photography composition. Frames can isolate a subject, draw the eye directly to it, hide unwanted items behind it, or give an image depth.  Frames can be human-made (such as bridges, arches, and fences), natural (tree branches and tree trunks), or from people themselves (hands framing a face or hugging another person). For urban photographers, a bridge is a perfect example of a framing element. When shooting in nature, trees are used as natural frames for people to stand within.

Foreground depth

Using foreground depth in a photo puts a subject into context. Foreground depth works well in “busy” environments, like crowded city sidewalks or an amusement park. By taking a step back to include more of the foreground, the viewer will see and feel like they’re part of the environment. Contrast is also used in the foreground of an image. A dark foreground can frame the subject and lead the viewer into the scene. When the foreground is darker than the main point of interest or has rich colors, it can draw the viewer’s attention to the photo’s focal point.

Composition Techniques

There are no hard and fast rules for composition, but there are many techniques to try when learning your personal photography style. Here are some creative composition techniques to use in any photography scenario.

Contrast in photography

Areas of high color contrast draw the eye more than anything else. To attract viewers’ attention to a specific element of an image, find a way to add contrast to the component or the area surrounding it. Use contrasting colors with clothing or props to make a subject pop. Overexpose the background making it contrast with the foreground.  Or underexpose the foreground, creating a silhouette that contrasts with the background. Photo editing can also control contrast in an image to draw the eye. 

Selective focus

Selective focus is a composition technique where the photographer chooses a subject to stress while blurring out the rest of the scene. The subject is sharply focused in contrast to the rest of the image. The viewer’s eyes are drawn towards the isolated subject. Selective focus works best with portrait photography or close-up nature photography. Here, the photographer wants the viewer to see one, sharper image, rather than a busier subject with more than one focus. It’s the ultimate technique to make a subject stand out since it’s much more up close and personal to the viewing eye.

Negative space

Negative space is the space around the main subject in a photo. It creates a relationship between the focus point and the background. Negative space helps create a more dramatic image by attracting a viewer to it and then leading their eyes towards the smaller area of positive space. The contrast in size makes viewers more curious about the main subject. As a result, viewers take more time looking at it. In a way, the smaller the subject in the positive space is, the more noticeable it becomes.

Frame within the frame

In photography, a “frame within a frame” is like an open door within the photo. A viewer’s eyes automatically look through that opening. It’s a perfect place to put a subject that pops. There are frames all around, like windows, tree branches, alleyways, or buildings. This technique works with anything that creates a “box” for viewers to look through to find the subject. 

Rule of odds

The rule of odds is a simple and effective compositional rule to help guide shot choices.

Odd numbers work well in photography. Photographers can use a number of subjects in the foreground or objects in the background. An odd-numbered grouping tends to be more visually appealing than even numbers because odd numbers have a “middle.” With even numbers, the eye tends to fall on the empty space between them, even though the grouping is more balanced. In odd sets, the tendency to see the middle only emphasizes a pattern and even creates symmetry.

There are plenty of photography composition techniques to test. Take time to use one or two compositional rules or techniques at first. As you learn to utilize and gain experience in the various techniques, create a photo book of your best work. You’ll see how you’re evolving and where you can continue to grow.

The post 5 Photography Composition Techniques That Will Make Your Photos Pop appeared first on The Motif Blog.

There’s another world out there ripe with opportunity for taking great photos, and it doesn’t require a rocketship to get there. Just step into any body of water and encounter a variety of different life forms and landscapes. From swaying kelp forests to six-foot-long sharks, and sandy deserts to vibrant coral mountains, there’s hardly a dull moment underwater. That’s what makes underwater photography so spectacular. It also requires different best-practices to master. Like any kind of nature photography, being well-prepared is a requirement. Even photographing people in a pool presents unique challenges not found on land. Have no fear, though. Navigate the great unknown with the help of our underwater photography guide. 

Underwater Photography Equipment

Whether heading to the shore or the pool, having the right gear is essential to underwater photos. First and foremost, a camera that can withstand getting wet and being submerged for long periods is a must. A professional camera, a GoPro, or even an iPhone will do. Depending on the equipment, all or some of the following pieces of equipment may be necessary.  

Underwater camera protection:

Camera housing – Regardless of what type of camera you’re using, it should be securely protected inside a camera housing unit. Typically, housing is made from polycarbonate and/or aluminum. Aluminum is the more expensive option because of its durability. When shopping for camera housing, check the depth rating (how far underwater it can be submerged), the ports, and the design. If you can’t easily access your camera’s controls through the housing, making adjustments may be difficult.

O-rings – Camera housing is best sealed with o-rings. These rubber rings fit around the edges. Most housing units come with o-rings. Over time, they do need to be replaced. Be sure to test drive new o-rings before going for an underwater photography shoot. To prolong the life of o-rings, use the lubricant recommended by the o-ring manufacturer.  

Anti-fog solution – Changes in temperature can fog up the camera lens. It is fairly common when transitioning from air to sea. Thankfully, there are several anti-fog solutions, including GoPro anti-fog inserts. Many photographers and divers prefer to use silica packets. They’re easy to find and very effective at absorbing moisture.

Underwater camera lenses:

Macro lens – Trying to use zoom underwater can be problematic. You need a macro lens, which can cut through the water. Choose a macro lens with a focal length between 60mm and 100mm. Advanced photographers might be comfortable at 105mm.

Wide-angle or fisheye lens – A wide-angle lens will help get closer to an underwater subject without compromising the image’s integrity. Pair a 10—20mm wide-angle lens with strobes to get optimal coloring. If using a dome port (see next item), opt for a fisheye lens instead. 

Camera ports – Don’t forget the camera ports! These protect the camera from damage and help prevent cloudy images. There are two types of camera ports: dome ports and flat ports. Dome ports are best used with wide-angle lenses. Flat ports are better suited for macro lenses because they allow the lens to magnify the subject.

Color-correcting filters – Even with the sun hitting from behind, underwater photos can appear overly blue. You are underwater, after all. A color-correcting filter fixes this issue by removing other color wavelengths. Images will have a proper white balance and a more realistic look.

Pro tip: turn off the flash when using these filters.

Underwater camera lights:

Strobes – Even in crystal-clear water with unobstructed sunlight, it can be tough to get enough exposure through your lens. Underwater flashes or strobes can spread light evenly. This accessory connects to the camera by way of fiber optic cables. (Don’t expect wireless communication to work underwater.) For wide-angle shooting, two strobes are often necessary to cover the entire field of view. When shooting basic underwater macro photography, one strobe is enough.

Focus light – This gadget looks like a regular flashlight, but it does so much more. Focus lights produce about 300 lumens in a narrow beam. This allows the image’s subject to be seen clearly to lock in on the focus. Quality focus lights have a good depth rating and are corrosion-resistant.

Underwater camera auxiliary:

Batteries – Underwater photography requires many electric parts. Be sure to pack several extra batteries to keep the equipment powered up. It is especially helpful if using a GoPro. They tend to have a fairly short battery life.

Memory cards – Running out of storage in the middle of the ocean is an avoidable misfortune. Even though it’s a small essential, don’t skimp on memory. Choose quality memory cards, like SanDisk, to support your underwater photography needs.

How to Take Underwater Photos With Your Favorite Device

Not ready to commit to a professional camera? Stunning underwater photos can be captured with a device already on hand. Use the following tips with an iPhone or GoPro for better underwater photography.  

How to take underwater photos with iPhone

Gear up with underwater iPhone accessories.

While Apple significantly improved the iPhone 11 camera making it water-resistant, here are a few must-have accessories.

•  Waterproof case
• Clip-on wide-angle lens
• Clip-on fisheye lens
• Dome port
• Waterproof selfie stick

Find your favorite underwater iPhone apps.

The native Apple Camera app is extremely useful as-is. Portrait mode is a great way to highlight your subject’s best features. Other iPhone camera apps may be better suited for particular photographs. For instance, the Camera+ 2 app is good for controlling white balance – a common issue in underwater photography.

Charge your phone to 100%.

It’s risky charging an iPhone near water. Electricity and water don’t mix well. A fully charged battery is crucial for a long day under the sea.

Adjust the video resolution.

When capturing video, check the resolution settings before heading out. Go to the iPhone Settings and select the Camera app. Tap “Record Video” and choose whichever resolution you’d like to ensure proper disc space for storage. The higher the resolution, the larger the video file.

Open the Camera app right before you dive in.

Even with a waterproof case, don’t expect the iPhone’s touch screen to function correctly underwater. Open the Camera app right before diving into the water.

Snap photos with the volume button.

Just in case the touchscreen isn’t accessible, have a backup plan. Pressing the Volume Up button on the side of the iPhone activates the shutter.

How to take underwater photos with GoPro

Accessorize your GoPro.

The GoPro is already a waterproof device. No housing necessary. Consider picking up these useful accessories:

• Camera rig
• Color-correcting filters
• Anti-fog inserts
• Dome port
• Floating hand grip or selfie stick
• Waterproof lights

Confirm the depth rating.

Each GoPro model is different. Double-check the depth rating for the specific unit being used to determine how far underwater it can safely travel.

Clean the gasket and lens.

Any dirt on the GoPro’s gasket will break the tight seal and cause leakage. Wipe down the gasket and the lens before closing the case. A clean lens keeps fingerprints and dust from making appearances in your photos.

Add a lens filter.

GoPro cameras are automatic, which means the white balance can not be adjusted for better coloring. For that, a lens filter is required. A red lens filter is the best choice for blue water. If shooting in green-tinted water, go with a magenta filter.

Use a dome port.

GoPro excels at halfway underwater photos, which are best when taken with a dome port. A dome port keeps the waterline away from your lens.

Adjust the settings.

For shooting underwater still photos, shoot at the highest resolution. When shooting video, try the 1080 SuperView at 80fps.

5 Underwater Photo Shoot Ideas

When considering outdoor picture ideas, don’t forget underwater photography. It may require additional planning and the need to get wet, but it’s also care-free and fun. In fact, part of the fun is experimenting with different subjects and compositions. There are just as many photo opportunities below the waterline as there are above it. Here are a few underwater photoshoot ideas to get you started:

Halfway underwater photo

This is when part of the image reveals what’s below the waterline, and the other part captures the view from above. It’s a common photography technique with snorkelers because their water adventures don’t go very deep. It’s also a great idea for capturing surfers in action, birds diving for food, and shallow-water landscapes.

Underwater maternity photoshoot

Motherhood is such a natural time. It makes perfect sense to honor this phase in the elements of Mother Nature. Unlike a progressive, month-by-month pregnancy memory book, underwater maternity photos are often taken in a single shoot. Choose a clear ocean day or head to a pool. As for an outfit, forget the maternity swimsuit. A long chiffon gown looks elegant, flowing with the water.  

Underwater dog photoshoot

Does your pup love to swim? Catch the fun with a planned or impromptu underwater photoshoot. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just the look on their face as they hit the water is priceless. But if they’re up for it, add a ball or dive ring. Try to capture your dog’s mouth grabbing for the toy.  

Underwater wedding photoshoot

Underwater wedding photos are sure to stand out with friends. They’re a non-traditional choice that pays off in unforgettable ways. To keep some of the tradition alive, dress in classic wedding attire. Adding a vail, flowers, and shoes is optional. Since these photos require getting wet, plan the shoot for after the wedding. Or reserve a second set of outfits for the special occasion.  

Still life photos

Scuba divers find all sorts of treasures on the ocean floor. These are great opportunities for still life photography. Not a deep diver? Underwater still life can also be created in the kitchen. Use a tall glass or pitcher of water and a small, individual subject. Pieces of fruit, seasonal vegetables, fallen leaves, and other petite pickings work best.

6 Underwater Photography Tips

Regardless of what is being photographed or what device you’re shooting with, some underwater photography tricks are standard. The tips below are universal and guarantee a successful day at sea (or at the pool).

1.   Find stability.

Waves, currents, bubbles, marine life, and the wind are conditions that can be tough to overcome. Jerky movements must be minimized as much as possible. A shaky lens rarely produces quality photos. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stabilize a camera in the water. A camera rig is the steadiest option. Locking arms straight can work to a lesser degree. If using an iPhone or GoPro for underwater photography, secure the device to a selfie stick.

2.   Look for clean, calm water.

Rivers and lakes are highly accessible, but they aren’t always the best setting for underwater photography. Their murky floors kick up sediment that interferes with the shot. For clear, vibrant photos, go to a clean, calm body of water. Traveling several hours or making an entire vacation out of the photoshoot may be required if you don’t reside near a proper body of water.

3.   Wade in shallow water.

The shallow water allows you to leave the strobes behind and rely on a natural light source: the sun. All that solar power produces images with more authentic coloring. Stay within 10 feet of the surface for better natural lighting.   

4.   Put the sun behind you.

Without a flash, you need sunlight to properly expose the subject underwater. When the sun is behind the camera, light is directed exactly where it’s needed. Keep in mind that the deeper you go, the less natural sunlight you have. To compensate, use lower shutter speed and carry waterproof camera lights.

5.   Get close to your subject.

“Shooting through water” is a phrase that refers to the distance between the lens and the subject. Too much distance between them means more water to shoot through. This creates blurry images. Unless shooting underwater macro photography, keep at least 12 inches away from the subject. Close-ups also make for more striking images. Imagine a sea turtle filling the frame. It has shock value because the scene feels so lifelike.

6.   Make eye contact.

Once close enough to the subject, attempt to make eye contact. A person or animal gazing directly into the camera brings the image to life. Of course, the subject doesn’t have to have an eye or even be a living thing to make “eye contact.” The idea is to get the camera lens to an equal level. If that’s not possible, position the camera below the subject and aim up. Going low often lets beautiful sunbeams shine through the water.

The post Underwater Photography Guide: How to Make a Splash With Your Photos appeared first on The Motif Blog.

You know how to zoom, filter, and set scene modes. You understand depth of field. And you live by the rule of thirds. But you’re still not getting the powerful, eye-catching photos you want. That’s where contrasting color photography comes in handy. It’s a fairly simple trick everyone should have in their photography arsenal. If you’re not familiar with this technique or need a refresher, here’s the what, why, and how of contrasting color photography.

What is Contrasting Color Photography?

Contrasting color photography is a technique pitting two unlike colors against each other. Pair a dark color with a super light tone. Or cooler colors versus warmer colors. The difference between the colors is extreme.

Generally, there are more than two colors in a photo. The goal of contrasting color photography is to accentuate the contrast. When trying to create that striking contrast, two is the magic number.

Why Should You Use Contrasting Color Photography?

Not only is it fun to do, but contrasting color photography also adds a distinct look to your photos. Below are just a few reasons to give it a try:

Visual appeal – Have you ever wondered why Louisiana State University is represented by purple and gold? What about how red and green are the epitome of Christmas? It’s because there’s a psychology to color. When the brain sees certain hues together, it registers them as either in balance or at odds. Knowing which colors pair well together lets you create maximum visual appeal.

Complete control – Believe it or not, the human eye wants to be directed. It wants to be told where to look. You can do that with photography. While composition plays a role, contrasting colors take it a step further by creating dimension. Use this technique to control what the viewer sees and the order in which they see it. Keep reading for more on this.

Foolproof photos – It’s not rocket science. Anyone can use contrasting colors to enhance their photography. As long as you’ve achieved a basic level of photography skills, adding this technique to your arsenal is a breeze. The best part is, everyone loves color. You’re leveraging a universal element, which guarantees a well-received gallery of eye-catching photos.  

How Can You Create Contrasting Color Photography?

There are a number of ways to execute this technique. Read through these contrasting color photography tips and find the one that suits your style. You might love them all.

1.   Use complementary color schemes.

Remember the color wheel from elementary school art class? That sliced up rainbow pie-chart showing exactly which colors make the perfect match. This goes back to the psychology of color. Colors on the opposite ends of the wheel contrast one another in such a way that it’s visually striking. Your eyes are drawn to the bold combination of red and green, yellow and purple, or orange and blue. These are classic pairings easily found in nature. Or, create your own complementary color scheme with props, makeup, and clothing.   

2.   Understand dominant vs. receding colors.

Cutting the color wheel in half creates two main categories of color: cool and warm. ‘Cool’ refers to blues, greens, and purples. Warm tones include shades of red, orange, and yellow. The warm colors tend to be more dominant. They’re what your eyes notice first. That doesn’t mean the cool colors are invisible. But they do tend to recede. Knowing how dominant and receding colors interact empowers you to create more dimension in your photography. Use dominant colors to bring a subject closer, while cool-colored objects fade into the background.

3.   Emphasize bright lights and dark shadows.

In black-and-white photography, there’s a natural contrast between light and shadows. But you can emphasize this difference in color photography, as well. Note that using shadows in photography requires extra time and effort. For it to work well, you need to photograph in low lighting. Adding a flash or unnatural source of light will overrule those dramatic shadows.

4.   Look for a pop of color.

A pop of color is exactly as it sounds. It doesn’t have to be a vibrant hue. Any saturated subject that stands out from its surroundings will create contrast in your photo. Make sure that pop of color is your focal point or the effect will fall flat. Zoom in if there are too many other colors within the frame.

5.   Think abstract.

Contrasting color photography doesn’t have to be clear and obvious. You don’t need full subjects in the frame. Zoom in on a few toy blocks or let a bright green garden hose fill the entire shot. The idea is to combine bold color with an abstract composition. Be sure you have quality lighting to capture the truest color possible.

6.   Simplify the shot.

Too much activity in the scene distracts the eye. It also tends to add more color. When trying to make a visual impact, fewer colors are most effective. When framing your photo, remove unnecessary subjects. Change the backdrop, if needed. Do whatever is necessary to keep the focus on color. 

Where Can You Use These Eye-Catching Photos?

Once you have a sizable collection, put your best-contrasting color photography in a printed book. It’s a great way to showcase your skills if you’re a budding professional. Or, turn your work into photo gifts for the whole family. Download the Motif Photo app and let it do all the heavy lifting. Its intuitive technology hand picks the best of your best. It filters out dull or low-quality images. Then it autoflows them into a professionally designed layout. After adding a few personal touches, you’ll have a proud display of your contrasting color photography.  

The post Make Your Pictures Stand Out With Contrasting Color Photography appeared first on The Motif Blog.

1. Flat Image
2. Bokeh Effect
3. Family Portrait
4. Balancing Act
5. King Kong Sizes
6. Giant Feet
7. Gravity Bend
8. Merged Subjects
9. Cloud Art

Looking to expand your photography skills? Are you always trying to surprise and entertain people? Is your Instagram feed looking a little drab? If you nodded “yes” to any of these questions, consider trying forced perspective photography. It’s a fun, creative photography technique that will test your imagination. From bending gravity to suspending buildings, forced perspective photos offer a stunning uniqueness.

Below, we reveal the secrets behind forced perspective photography. You’ll also find a few mind-blowing poses to help you get started.

What is Forced Perspective Photography?

You’ve probably seen the photos of tourists “holding up” the Leaning Tower of Pisa or “touching” the top of the Eiffel Tower. These are classic examples of forced perspective photography. The photography technique creates an optical illusion. There are four main types of forced perspective photography:

1. Making a subject appear larger

2. Making a subject appear smaller

3. Merging two or more subjects

4. Bending gravity

The idea is to literally force a new perspective onto the viewer. This is achieved by manipulating distance, depth of field, and/or the line of sight.

The Setup for Forced Perspective Photography

Use the following professional picture tips to get your camera – and your mind – in the right setting.

Set a small aperture – In forced perspective photography, there’s a subject in the forefront and a subject in the background. Both points of interest need to be crystal clear. By choosing a small aperture, you maintain the proper depth of field. Shoot for something between f/8 and f/16. For optimal results, set your camera to Aperture Priority. This way you don’t have to worry about shutter speed.

Add a zoom lens – A zoom lens gives you a lot of room to play with perspective. Use it to move toward and away from your subject while staying in one place. That said, don’t go too wide with the angle. A wide-angle can break down the optical illusion.

Use a tilt-shift lens – This lens serves a more specific purpose. It shifts the optics of your camera’s image sensor. As a result, everything appears miniature in size.  

Consider the composition – Of the many types of photography, composition is the one thing they all have in common. Composition is critical, especially in forced perspective photography. How you place your subjects directly impacts the perspective. To achieve the best composition, use the rule of thirds. Imagine there are three horizontal lines and three vertical lines. Place your subject at the intersecting points. If available on your camera, turn on gridlines to make this easier.

Enlist help – People and props are crucial to achieving forced perspective photos. Props include the main subject (Eiffel Tower) as well as any objects you add to achieve the illusion. People can also be the subject of your illusion. Or, you might need people to physically hold your props in frame. Don’t be afraid to ask for an extra hand.  

Plan accordingly – You know what they say: fail to plan, plan to fail. Forced perspective photography takes time and testing to nail the technique. Do your homework. A thorough plan involves gathering props, laying out the scene, and playing with angles. When you think you’re ready, take a few test shots. If something’s not quite right, make the necessary adjustments and try again.  

Forced Perspective Photography: 9 Poses Anyone Can Do

The Leaning Tower of Pisa bit is old hat already. The good news is there are plenty of other forced perspective photo ideas that are just as easy to pull off. These nine clever poses still feel original and they will astonish anyone who sees them.

1.   Flat image

In a flat image, your subject appears two-dimensional. A common example is the bike lane photo. A person lies on the ground as if they’re riding that white bike lane stencil.

How to do it: The key is shooting directly over your subject. If you go at an angle, the true depth will be revealed. You also want to be sure everything is lined up, especially if you’re attempting the bike lane photo. One leg needs to be hidden.

2.   Bokeh effect

Bokeh is a term from your photography dictionary. It refers to the spots of light created from a fast lens at a wide aperture. Use these light bubbles in your forced perspective photography when you want to make magic happen. Maybe you have someone blow bokeh-bubbles or appear as though they’re pouring a cup of bokeh-effect from a pitcher.    

How to do it: Hang string lights from a tree, banister, or wherever you can. Position your model or prop a few feet in front of the lights. With the aperture set to f/1.4 to f/2.8, focus your camera on the model or prop. Once the lights appear as blurry bubbles (bokeh), arrange your composition and shoot. You may need to adjust the distance between the lights and model. Or, try a wider aperture until you get the right bokeh effect.

3.   Family portrait

Portraits can be so boring. Spice it up by placing the family in an empty picture frame. You’ll have to manipulate the distance and enlist a prop holder or two. But the payoff is priceless.

How to do it: Position the family several yards away from the camera. Have some family members hold the empty picture frame, or use fishing wire to suspend it. Your camera should sit level with the picture frame, so the shot is straight ahead.  

4.   Balancing act

Balance is a tricky thing. That’s why it’s the perfect theme for forced perspective photography. The idea is to make it seem as if someone is balancing on an inanimate object. The object should be something no one could possibly balance on in reality.

How to do it: Oftentimes, photographers use bottles. When a person in the background jumps up, it looks like their feet are balancing on top of the bottles. Timing has to be perfect for that to work. A simpler method is to have the person stand in the background. Adjust the angle so their foot is directly on top of the object in the foreground. To emphasize the balancing act, have the person stand on one leg.

5.   King Kong sizes

With this pose, large objects appear tiny and the person (King Kong) appears larger than life. Examples include someone eating a car, stomping a skyscraper, or pinching an air balloon. The options are endless.

How to do it: Set the object being manipulated in the background. The person playing King Kong should be positioned in the foreground. They may even stand behind the camera with just their foot or hand in the frame. Make sure everything is lined up properly. For the greatest impact, keep the background uncluttered. A clear blue sky or grassy landscape works well.

6.   Giant feet

Create shock and awe with this deceptively realistic pose. It will look like your feet are larger than life, while your body appears average size in the background.

How to do it: Place a pair of empty shoes on the ground. Sit or stand a foot or two behind them. The camera should be level with your shoes and the lens angled up. In the frame, your feet are hidden behind your shoes. This creates a seamless transition between your legs/ankles and the shoes.

7.   Gravity bend

These forced perspective photos turn logic on its head. The subject is usually positioned upside down or appears to be upside down.

How to do it: Locate a safe place to shoot outside, where there’s a building or wall. Ask your model to lie on the ground with their legs sitting flush against the wall. Turn your camera so the wall becomes the ground. Pay special attention to how your model’s hair and clothing are positioned. If they’re hanging in the wrong direction, the illusion is lost.   

8.   Merged subjects

You can merge two people or two objects. This requires the right positioning or a strategically placed mirror. Another popular idea is to merge a live scene with a sketch image. The sketch seamlessly integrates with the current subject in frame. There are many ideas for merging on Pinterest and Instagram.

How to do it: No matter what you’re merging, the technique is basically the same. Your goal is to match the size of the two subjects and align them to touch. You may need a small aperture and a wide-angle lens to get both subjects in focus.

9.   Cloud art

Imagine an aerosol can “spraying” clouds in the sky. That’s cloud art.

How to do it: In the world of forced perspective photography, cloud art is one of the easiest ideas to execute. Grab a can of spray paint or any bottle with a spray nozzle. Kneel on the ground and point your camera up at the sky. The only thing in view should be clouds and sky. Find the end of a trailing cloud. Hold the spray bottle, so the nozzle is right next to that cloud. With a finger on the nozzle and everything lined up, snap the photo!

The post 9 Forced Perspective Photography Poses That Anyone Can Do appeared first on The Motif Blog.

• The Joys of Rain Photography
• Rain on Your Window
• Get Macro
• Abstract Rain Photography
• A Twist on Nature Photography
• Rainy Day Portraits
• Enjoying Your Rain Photos

When it comes to adding another dimension to your photos, rain can add a touch of unique beauty to compositions. So why not leave your umbrella at home and get a little creative?

Famed for being unpredictable and always arriving at the wrong time, rain can sometimes be seen as an undeniable downer. But why not take a moment and to give rain the recognition it deserves? 

Embrace the possibilities that come with rain photography and realize that there are amazing pictures to be had.  So when it comes to rain photoshoot ideas, dive into our creative ideas to help inspire you

The Joys of Rain Photography

There is both power and grace to be found in photographing in the rain. 

Similar to amazing snow photos, using the element of rain in your photography can create some beautiful and dynamic shots. Achieve this by using the rain as an accent, a backdrop, or as the central component of the photos you take. 

Once you discover a variety of ways to use the rain to your advantage , you’ll worry less about the weather ruining your photography plans.

Rain on Your Window

A simple way to add rain to your pictures is to photograph the rain that hits your windows while you’re inside. 

Both individual raindrops and heavier sheets of rain can make for interesting pictures. The way light refracts as it passes through water can create compelling effects. Photos can focus on the rain itself. They can also use the rain for refraction photography to change the look of something on the other side of the window. Both ways let you use the rain to your advantage, creating new photo opportunities.

Get Macro With Your Rain Photography

Ramp up your refraction photography skills by using a macroscopic lens to get up close and personal with the rain. 

By shooting rain on a macro scale, you see the reflections within an individual raindrop. Use these aspects of the water to shape what the viewer sees in your photo. Reflections within a raindrop often completely reveal your surrounding environment.

Abstract Rain Photography

Experiment with your rain photography by using it as a natural filter for more abstract photography. 

The aspects of water that make it so useful for refraction and reflection photography can also allow you to you distort your scenes into something more abstract without the need for Photoshop. Combine this with non-abstracted scenes to create a powerful end result.

A Twist on Nature Photography

It’s no secret that many photographers enjoy taking pictures in nature. 

Surprisingly, few of them consider rain photography as outdoor photography ideas. Capturing clouds and rainfall add interesting twists to shots featuring the beauty of the great outdoors. 

Including rain in your nature photography plans let you capture moments you can only get when it rains.. Raindrops on a stream or an overhang creating shelter from the storm are just a couple of examples. Familiar outdoor scenes find a new light when you add a little bit of rain to the mix.

Rainy Day Portraits

When creating unique portraits, consider these outdoor photography ideas that incorporate the rain.

Try portraits by a rain-covered window. Consider shots where a tree provides a bit of shelter. Take pictures where your subject is simply out under the full force of the rain shower. Recognize how the rain affects the portraits you take. Stage shots that will give you an interesting finish that would be all but impossible to capture any other way.

Enjoy Your Rain Photos

So when it comes to rain photoshoot ideas, sometimes you need to embrace the wild weather to get some truly unique photos.

The post Don’t Let a Few Dark Clouds Stop You with These Rain Photography Tips appeared first on The Motif Blog.

Exposure is an important concept in photography, regardless of whether you’re taking pictures with a high-end camera or on an older smartphone. 

If you don’t find the right amount of exposure, it’s going to be challenging to get the results you want with your photos. In fact, certain photos might not be possible without a better understanding of exposure.

Fortunately, exposure is one of those concepts that you can gain greater mastery over through practice and understanding. To help you achieve this, here’s a rundown of what exposure is, how it works, and how you can use it to create phenomenal effects in your photography. 

What Is Exposure in Photography?

Regardless of the type of camera you use, the camera itself functions by capturing the light that’s reflected off of whatever you’re taking a picture of. 

In many respects, a camera is similar to your eyes. You need light to see and your camera needs light to capture an image. How much light and how long that light is present is exposure. By controlling how long the film or the sensor in the camera is exposed to light, you can adjust the exposure and alter the way that the image is captured.

This may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Especially if you’re used to point-and-click photography with your camera or mobile device. Much can be learned from the basics of exposure. To start with, have a look at the factors that actually control exposure.

Three Components of Exposure

Even though exposure is broadly defined as being exposed to light over time, there are actually three components that come together to make up exposure. Each of these affects exposure in a different way. 

• ISO Tips: This is a setting that affects the sensitivity of a digital sensor to light (or in the case of film photography, the film’s sensitivity to light.) On digital cameras, ISO can be adjusted to change the camera’s light sensitivity and affect how much light is required to properly expose an image. Increasing the ISO makes the digital sensor more sensitive to light and causes it to expose faster; decreasing the ISO makes the sensor less sensitive and causes it to expose slower.
• Shutter Speed Tips: As the name implies, shutter speed is the speed at which the lens shutter opens and closes. The period during which the shutter is open is the time during which the image is exposed; a faster shutter speed receives less exposure, while a slower shutter speed receives more.
• Aperture Tips: A lens aperture is the actual hole through which light enters the lens. By adjusting the size of the aperture, more or less light enters the lens and is able to reach the film or sensor. A more open aperture allows in more light, while a nearly-closed aperture lets in very little light.

You can see how each of these aspects of exposure controls the amount of light available to create an image, and also how each does so in a different way. The more light that is available, the faster an image is fully exposed. Less available light takes that image longer to reach exposure.

The type of exposure control you use for your photos can vary depending on the specific effect that you want to create. You may see different photography tips suggesting different types of exposure control for different types of shots.

Exposure and Noise

In most cases, if you see suggestions talking about ISO adjustments, they deal with controlling the amount of digital noise that appears in a picture. (Most ISO tips relate to digital cameras instead of film cameras, since the light sensitivity of the film isn’t really something that you can control beyond the film choices you make; so discussion of ISO adjustments typically centers around digital noise.) Increasing ISO makes the digital sensor more sensitive but also can increase the amount of noise in a picture if there’s too much light.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, mind you. Increasing ISO can make it easier to shoot in low-light environments and you can create some really interesting effects by playing with light and digital noise. Likewise, adjusting the ISO down can make it easier to shoot on overly bright days when everything is a bit too illuminated. The more you practice adjusting your ISO settings, the more your control of light and exposure will show in your photography.

Exposure and Blur

When it’s intentional, motion blur is an eye-catching, interesting effect. When it’s accidental, however, it can be extremely frustrating.

Motion blur occurs because something in your shot is moving faster than your exposure time. It causes your shot to try and pick up the entire movement as though it were a single object. As you might guess, adjustments to your shutter speed are your best tool when it comes to preventing or creating blur in your pictures.

The slower your shutter speed, the more time objects in your shots have time to move. This can create some amazing effects if only one thing in your scene is moving. Everything else will stay still and in focus while your moving object experiences some blur. Fast shutter speeds have the opposite effect; capturing moments as still life even if there are things moving within your scene. By making adjustments to your shutter speed you can get a feel for how to control blur effects and to get the best photos based on your exposure time.

Exposure and Sharpness

When you see photos where everything seems to be in sharp detail, that’s usually a result of aperture.

On the other hand, when you see pictures where a central subject is clear and the background is slightly or moderately blurred… that’s also a result of aperture. The aperture of the camera’s lens is responsible for setting a picture’s depth of field. A fine aperture results in the entire scene being in sharp focus. A wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field that puts only your central target in focus.

You’ll see aperture measured in units known as f-stops, which correspond to a measurement of the size of the aperture hole on the lens. The smaller the number (such as f/2.0), the larger the aperture hole is and the greater the shallow depth of field effect will be. Likewise, a larger number (such as f/32) correlates to a smaller hole and very sharp and crisp focus within the picture. Adjusting the aperture lets you experiment with different amounts of the depth of field effect, giving you greater control over the sharpness and background blur present in your final photos.

Long Exposure Photography

As you gain an understanding of how different aspects of exposure work, you’ll likely also start to understand the effects created in long-exposure photography more. 

As the name suggests, these pictures are taken with the shutter open over a longer period of time to maximize the blur effect present in moving objects. This is most commonly seen in pictures of cities at night, starscapes in motion, moving cars or athletes, and similar photos where the photographer is trying to maximize the blur effect to artistic purpose.

While long-exposure photography is achieved by controlling shutter speed, you should be able to see how making adjustments to aperture or ISO can play a part in the effect as well. Since the shutter remains open, you’ll need to use other means to control the amount of light entering the lens to achieve the effect you want. This is why some photographers find long-exposure photography a little daunting. As you become more adept at controlling exposure using all three components it starts to unlock some really interesting possibilities.

Exposure and Light

One thing to keep in mind is there isn’t any one-size-fits-all solution for controlling exposure because there are external factors that affect exposure as well. 

The biggest thing that you have to keep in mind when trying to decide on how to control exposure in your photo is the amount of light that’s available in your environment. This can be in the form of natural light, indoor lighting, and even studio lights you’ve set up for your photoshoot. Whether there’s a lot of light or barely any at all, it’s going to affect how your pictures are exposed since light is vital to the exposure process.

Stop and think about exactly how you want the end result to turn out and how much light is available in your scene. This will inform you as to whether you need to adjust your settings before you start taking pictures. You can then take this information and consider it along with the effects you want to achieve, letting you plan out your actual adjustments before you start shooting.

Choosing Exposure Settings

As you become more adept at adjusting your exposure settings it becomes easier to determine the settings you need for any given shot. 

This method can take some trial and error at first, which is why planning out your shots in advance can help. Bright environments where you want to control the amount of light typically require you to adjust settings down, while you’ll find that increasing settings is best for darker areas. Given each exposure setting has a different effect on your final picture, though, being able to master knowing which settings are best to adjust for each situation can take some time.

Consider the amount of available light, how much potential blur you want in the photo, and whether you want to create any depth of field effects. If you have time to take multiple shots and adjust your settings in between, try making small adjustments and viewing the end result to see how much you like them. 

Try to avoid starting with extremes, even if the environment seems very bright or very dark. Remember, small adjustments in either direction are a better way to learn. You can more easily recognize that you’ve gone too far. Just step your changes back one or two settings.

Correcting Exposure

You can create a wide range of effects once you start gaining better control over your exposure settings. 

This doesn’t mean that you have to rely solely on these settings to capture the shots that you want, however. One of the things that you will discover is that editing is an important part of learning how to take professional photos. There are a number of tools that allow you to correct for imperfect exposure or add exposure effects after your picture is already taken. While each of these tools comes with its own learning curve, the time that you spend learning how to properly edit and adjust your photos will make it that much easier for you to create the photos you want to take.

Even when you’re generally satisfied with the pictures you’re taking, there may be small adjustments or edits to your exposure that can take a good photo and turn it into a great one. Some photographers even purposefully set their exposure slightly off to practice their editing skills. 

As you become more comfortable with your editing tools, it will take a lot of the fear out of overexposed and underexposed photos and may even help you on your way to becoming a more confident photographer overall.

The post Our Primer for Mastering Exposure in Photography appeared first on The Motif Blog.

7 Tips for Vibrant Photography

• Focus on a Single Color
• Use Aperture to Separate Colors
• Master Your Lighting
• Avoid Excessive Detail
• Choose the Best Color Combinations
• Use Photo Editing Tools
• Keep Honing Your Skills

Vibrant photos leap off the page, with the colors capturing the viewer’s attention and refusing to let go.

Of course, getting good color results from your photography isn’t always easy. Even when you think you’ve picked a great shot, in the end, the colors may seem washed out or not as dynamic as you’d hoped. It can be frustrating to the point that you might want to give up on trying to capture photos featuring brilliant colors entirely!

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to try and bring those colors to life. Once you get a feel for how to make some of the colors in your shots really sing, it will seem like second nature to you. To help with this, here are a few photography tips that will get those true colors shining through in no time.

Focus on a Single Color

One problem that people run into when trying to photograph robust colors is that they attempt to bring out multiple colors within a single shot. 

Unfortunately, that doesn’t work most of the time; You just end up with a mess of color that falls flat more often than it pops. Before shooting, decide what exactly you’re trying to bring out in the scene. Stage your shots so that your chosen color will be front and center in the viewer’s experience, letting it dominate the shot. This helps ensure that the color you’re trying to capture retains its radiance. 

Use Aperture to Separate Colors

If there are multiple colors that you need to separate, you can make use of aperture to bring your chosen color into sharper focus while blurring the rest. 

This approach works best if your chosen color appears on a single object or in a single location, allowing the rest of the scene to simply fade away from it. The other colors will still be present, but because they’re relegated to the background they won’t be able to dominate the color you’re trying to bring to life.

Master Your Lighting

Few things can kill your attempts at vibrant color photography faster than poor lighting. 

This isn’t to say that you have to have bright lights everywhere to make your colors vivid; you can do a lot with color even in low lighting provided that you know how to approach the topic. Stop to think about how you want to approach the lighting in your scene, considering temperature, hardness, intensity, and even position.

Avoid Excessive Detail

Another way to pull out the colors you want to capture in your photographs is to try to find larger surfaces of color instead of trying to capture fine details. 

The more detail there is, the more shadow will be present and the more your color will be made up of a wide range of hues. Capture larger colored objects and you’ll have a more uniform color that will be more striking.

Choose the Best Color Combinations for Vibrant Photography

Some colors just don’t go very well together. 

If you have a bad combination of colors, you’re not going to get great results when trying to bring some of them to the forefront. Put some time into planning out your photos, choosing colors that will complement each other and enhance how each color appears in the photograph.

Don’t Be Afraid of Photo Editing

There is a belief that in order to really master vibrant photography you have to capture colors that pop without any editing. 

While a skillful photographer can often capture more “Wow!” in their photos than those with less expertise, don’t think that they aren’t going to make careful edits where needed. There’s nothing wrong with editing photos to bring out the colors you really want to highlight, especially if the pictures were taken in situations where the lighting wasn’t ideal or there was just no way to really capture the colors you wanted. Take the time to seek out photo editing tips to make sure that your edits don’t overwhelm the picture and you’ll be fine.

Keep Honing Your Overall Skills

As you become more skilled in photography, you’ll find that all aspects of your work will gradually improve. This means that your photography mojo will improve overtime as you keep working on your other photography skills. Keep an eye out for photography tips to improve your shots and you might be surprised at how well your vibrant color photography starts looking in the future.

The post True Colors: Our Best Tips for Vibrant Photography appeared first on The Motif Blog.

The soft beauty of snow drifting through the air. The glamor of sparkling icicles. The glee of a toddler wrapped in bunting, attempting her first snow angel. As much as we love bright autumn leaves or a blooming April peony, when it comes to photogenic seasons, nothing holds a candle to winter.

Do you want to capture this most wonderful time of the year? Bundle up, down a quick mug of hot cocoa, and then grab your camera…before it melts away! Follow these photography tips to freeze-frame the beauty of your winter wonderland.

Take Advantage of Exposure Compensation

Snow can seem blue, gray or even pink in photographs, but is usually pure white to the naked eye. Why? Our eyes always see snow as white because they’re more efficient at correctly realizing the reflections of sunlight. Cameras, meanwhile, cast snow in a pastel rainbow of colors, resulting in spectacular photo opportunities.

Because light rays are red and blue, how much or how little the object or area reflects of each will affect the color quality of your image. If you’re seeing a blue hue in a photograph, it’s because the snow is actively absorbing more red light, and reflecting back more blue light rays.

You can take advantage of exposure compensation to hone in on a mood.  Blue-infused images are considered “cold” and underexposed and have a more crisp feel, whereas the inverse is considered “warm” and overexposed to light, resulting in more rich, earthy imagery.

Strike the White Balance 

If the moody blues aren’t for you, you can capture the more natural white look of snow by adjusting the white balance. This method of exposure compensation warms or cools down the color temperature of the image. Properly calibrating your camera will yield a photograph that more closely resembles what our eyes see naturally. 

One thing you want to avoid is flash photography, although it might be tempting to use your flash to compensate for reduced light exposure. Unfortunately, this additional burst of light will likely reflect off the snow crystals and create blindingly bright sections in the image. A lens hood can also help with any of this flaring that occurs naturally. You generally don’t need to worry about overexposure when capturing snowy terrain, however. If your photos are coming out off-color, you’ll want to actively overexpose the camera lens slightly to compensate for the lack of natural light. 

A tool you do want to take advantage of is your histogram, which will indicate the level of light exposure in your shot. A graph emphasized to the right indicates overexposure; a reading too far to the left reveals underexposure. You can use this information to help dial in your light balance more accurately. 

Sky’s The Limit

There’s nothing like a colorful sky to illuminate the stark whiteness of snow. Try to grab some photos during the golden hour to photograph a snowy day in all of its glory. 

A bright sunny day is also a great day to shoot the snow; the strong contrast of the blue sky gives the ground the appearance of added illumination. When you’re out on the ski slopes with friends, or out capturing the kids sledding down their favorite hill, be sure to snap the horizon in the background to bring the subject come to life.

Make Use of Scenery and Color Where You Can Find It

Snow is best captured when framed against the beauty of nature. White flakes falling on the neighborhood pine trees or against the nearby lake can create a beautiful and striking color balance. 

You can also experiment with photographing snow in motion by adjusting your shutter speed. When photographing falling snow on the standard setting, you’ll likely receive a blurry image. By speeding things up, you’ll be able to create artistic visuals that freeze that micro-moment in time.

Melting Snow Can Also Create Beautiful Pictures

It’s joyous to capture the winter season at its peak, but photographing the melting landscape can also freeze the moments of season’s end. As another wonderful year comes full circle, these moments frozen in time can encapsulate the coming change.

As the snow melts, you’ll likely get exposure from new colors such as green grass or the warm sunlight above. Melting snow against a warm sun captures the spirit of life, the oncoming spring, and another year’s worth of memories.

Serious About Snow Photography? Shoot in the RAW

Shooting in RAW format, a technique available for some modern cameras, allows for the greatest amount of photo editing. If you’re content with your shot placement, but actively struggle to achieve optimal white balance, you can still save the photo for later processing if you shoot in the RAW. 

A quick note of caution: RAW photo file sizes are significantly larger than the typical JPEG. If you’re planning to chase a full photo session, you may want to invest in an additional memory card to swap out on the go. Memory cards are compact and easy to carry. You’ll have more opportunities to use these snow photography tips and explore your options.

Make Sure Your Camera Stays Safe

Your camera doesn’t enjoy the icy weather as much as you do. Follow these tips to make sure your camera stays safe during your photo shoot.

Keep Your Batteries Warm

In low temperatures, camera battery life can be halved almost immediately. Not only does the chilly weather affect your batteries, but it can also create excess levels of moisture that risk harm to internal components. The moisture comes from condensation created by changes in temperature when bringing it out of its warm housing into the open air.  Treat your camera the same as yourself – keep it as warm as possible. 

Invest in a Camera Bag 

Unfortunately, the arctic temperature is not the only part of winter that poses a threat to your camera. Walking through snow and ice presents the risk of falling or dropping your valuable camera. If you’re selective with our outdoor photography tips, be sure to follow this one. A waterproof bag not only offers padding to prevent damage from impact, but actively combats moisture and condensation while inside.

For an added layer of protection, place your camera and lenses in a zip bag. This will protect your device by giving the condensation a surface to form on that’s not the camera.

Your Favorite Moments, Frozen in Time

These snow photography tips are the building blocks to creating cherished memories. Keep in mind that photography is a combination of opportunity and skill. As you gain experience, your photo quality will grow, and so will you. 

Try preserving your memories and progress by creating a photo book with the Motif Photos app on iOS or macOS that illustrates your progress. Motif’s editing software is intuitive and easy to use. You can sharpen blurry images, adjust brightness, and polish and rotate to your heart’s content. 

Don’t be afraid of the snowy weather. Wondrous moments are waiting along the wintery horizon. Get outside and start capturing the beauty that hides where you’d least expect it.

The post Snow Photography Tips to Capture the Beauty of Winter appeared first on The Motif Blog.