Five Tips for Great Photos

These days we all carry a camera around in our pocket in the form of our smart phone. A few of us may also own a dedicated camera for special occasions such as weddings or holidays. Even fewer may have a modern DSLR or Mirrorless digital camera, which of course, when used with skill and a little knowledge, produce professional quality photographs.

But in 2025, modern smart-phone cameras have exceptionally good quality lenses and a pixel count (that is, the level of detail the camera can achieve) that can get close to the quality of professional cameras.

So here are a few tips that will help anyone take good looking photos, regardless of whether you have a £3000 digital camera or a budget smart-phone.

The Rule of Thirds is a simple and effective guideline for composing visually interesting images. Imagine your photo divided into nine equal segments by two vertical and two horizontal lines. The rule states that the most important elements in your image should be placed along these lines or at the points where they intersect. This creates a sense of balance and harmony that is pleasing to the eye.

This is a fundamental composition technique used by experienced photographers to create balanced and visually appealing photos. Placing the main subject on one of the intersections of these imaginary lines naturally draws the viewer's eye to the most important parts of the photo, making the composition feel more dynamic and less centered. By applying this technique, you can create a sense of movement and balance, leading to more engaging and professional-looking images.

So remember, when framing your photo, try to position the main subject off-center, rather than in the center of the frame to create a more visually appealing composition.

Using leading lines is a powerful compositional tool that can be used to draw the viewer's eye into the image and create a sense of depth and movement. These lines can be anything from roads and rivers to fences and tree branches - anything that leads the viewer's eye from one part of the image to another, and encourages them to explore the image further.

Leading lines can be natural elements or they can be man-made, such as architectural structures or pathways. By incorporating leading lines into a composition, your photos will have added depth and perspective, making the photo feel more immersive and intentional.

Framing is a technique where photographers use an element in the scene to create a natural border around the subject. This could be anything from an archway, doorway or a window, to foliage or other objects that enclose the subject within the frame. Framing draws attention directly to the subject while adding context and depth to the image. It also helps isolate the subject from the background, making the composition feel more focused. When used creatively, framing can add a storytelling element to a photograph, giving viewers a glimpse into a larger scene.

Lighting is one of the most important elements of photography, as it can dramatically affect the mood, tone, and overall quality of an image. Understanding how to work with different types of light, such as natural light, artificial light, and ambient light, can help photographers create visually stunning and impactful photos. By paying attention to the direction, intensity, and color of light, photographers can manipulate the atmosphere and visual impact of their images, enhancing the subject and creating a more dynamic and engaging composition.

The period shortly after sunrise (and to a lesser extent, before sunset) is known by professional photographers as the Golden Hour, as it offers a soft, warm, and diffused light that enhances the quality of photographs. During this time, the sun’s position creates longer shadows and a gentle glow, reducing harsh contrasts and giving the image a natural warmth. Photographers often prefer golden hour because it adds a magical atmosphere and flattering skin tones, making portraits and landscapes look vibrant and rich. Mastering the use of golden hour light can dramatically elevate the visual appeal of photographs, bringing out textures and details that are harder to capture in harsh midday light. However, it does mean getting out of bed early most of the year!

Photography is an art form that allows for endless creativity and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, angles, and perspectives to see what works best for your subject. Play with different settings on your camera or smartphone, such as exposure, focus, and white balance, to achieve different effects and moods. Remember that photography is a journey of discovery, and the more you practice and explore, the more you will learn and grow as a photographer. So grab your camera, head outside, and have fun capturing the beauty of the world around you! Some simple ideas include laying on the ground to take a photo of a flower, or a pet (this is very effective!) or climbing up a hill to take a photo of a sunset.

These are just a few tips to help you take better photos. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of capturing moments and memories.