Coffee and Cameras: Composition

{Previous posts:  Editing, Selfies}

Composition is what makes your photography interesting.  Everyone has their own style, but in this Coffee and Cameras date, I want give you some ways to step out of the square Instagram box and find a new view on your photography.

{Centering}

I think that centering a shot is the most natural thing for a person to do when starting out in photography.  Centering makes a photo nice and neat.  You can understand what the photo is about and appreciate the details.  The shot on the right was even featured on the Republic of Pie's Instagram!

TIP:  If I am centering something in a photo, I am also trying to do something different as well.  A large blank space, bright colors or the special pose.  Don't be afraid to center your photos, but don't be afraid to step out of the box as well!

{The rule of 1/3s}

The rule of 1/3s is a way to take balanced and interesting shots.  Placing the subject on one of the points of the grid below lets the eye move naturally and comfortably through a shot.

TIP:  Turn on iPhone grid.  Settings | scroll down to Photos & Camera | scroll down to Grid | Slide on.  Using the grid as a guide can help until you obtain the natural ability.

{Look UP}

How often do we look up really?  As a trained photographer even I have a hard time looking up sometimes.  When you do, you can get a look at something we don't see everyday.

TIP:  Look beyond the clouds.  Art, buildings are signs a good start to mixing it up creatively.

{Look DOWN}

The same applies to looking down.  Which I have to say I do more often than not.  I am completely guilty of the shoe shot.  I love shoes!

TIP:  Patterns, colors or something unique all perfect ways to capture what we walk over each day.

{From Above}

This might be the hardest of the shots to conquer.  We as photographers have to step to of our comfort zone of being on solid ground and potentially invade someone's personal space. Two things we as humans have a difficult time doing, especially with a stranger, or sometimes even someone close to us.  

TIP:  Once you begin to get creative with your shots, you will become more and more daring.  You will realize that it really isn't that difficult after all and your shots will begin to show your boldness.  The first time is always the most difficult.

{From Below}

Another hard angle to crack, but if you have time and someone you trust, or even yourself, you can get this!  

TIP:  The camera is your mirror.  Move it until you feel you have your best angle.  Below is not the most flattering shot for anyone, but it is fun to try something new once in a while, especially if there is something above you or your subject that is interesting to look at. Talking to your subject helps as well...get them comfortable and be comfortable together!

{Framing a shot}

Can you literally frame your subject with something?  Doing so can draw the eye into exactly where you intend for it to go.

TIP:  You are always the one in control of your photography.  Tell the story you want to tell.

Did you find this post helpful?  Is there a certain topic you would like me to tackle in the future?!  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to share if this post helped you...but wait there is MORE....

As a photography nerd I cannot help but adore all of the awesome products on Photojojo's site!  They have graciously given The Nerdy Girlie readers a coupon code: NerdyGirlie2015.  Just enter it at checkout to have you can take $5 off any purchase over $10 until 3/20/2015!

NEXT TIME on Coffee and Cameras:  Finding inspiration.

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