Questions to Ask When Taking a Photo
Question 1:
Are you answering the who, what, where, when and why of the photo?
This is
the first and most crucial question to ponder. The composition is everything,
as it is your point of view. First, take your time to look around the edges of
your frame, not just in its center.
Then, carefully think if your composition is according to the rule of thirds.
If you are centering your subject, you are only answering the who question. When moving the subject away from the center, you
will reveal the background and suddenly add more story to the image. Moving the subject away from the center can
also add visual depth, and therefore, make the image more dynamic.
In essence, you are asking yourself where you want the viewer’s eyes to gravitate
when looking at the picture. In composition, the rule of thirds means dividing the frame in thirds both horizontally
and vertically and then placing the subject at one of the four intersecting
points. So, it is vital to
place the focal point at a prominent position. Decide how much of the
composition you want your subject to occupy.
 |
A grandmother cools off in a wading pool beneath the Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn, 1993
(Eugene Richards/TIME) |
Question 2:
What are the competing focal points? And are they creating image clutter?
If you have a lot of visual information in the image, it can prove to be
distracting for the viewers and mar the appeal of the image.
A simple way to get rid of clutter is to find a definitive visual focal point
and then scan the background and foreground for any competing aspects that will
take away from the prominence of the visual focal point. There are several ways in which you can enhance the
focal point of an image. These include:
· The
focus: You will need to use
the depth of field so that the other
aspects in front or behind the visual focal point can be blurred.
· Positioning: The focal point should be placed at a prominent
position and should take up more than 1/3rd of the image
· Blur: Try experimenting with a slow shutter for added focal pull.
· Size: Perhaps make the focal point a large part of your
composition.
· Shape & Color: Finally, understanding and
composing for contrasting shapes and value/color can make the subject stand
out.
Question 3:
What do you intend to do with the background and the foreground?
One of the primary distractions in any type of photography is the background. When used correctly, the background can work to
your benefit and enhance the aesthetic appeal of an image.
You have
two choices when thinking about what to do with the background or the
foreground around the subject; blur/unfocus it, or leave it crisp/in focus.
Question 4:
What is the primary light source and how will it impact the quality of the
image?
This is another vital consideration that will not only have a bearing on the
type of equipment that you need but will also greatly influence the camera settings.
Light is the most important element of photography; Without light, you lose the
clarity of image.
If light
is dwindling/low, compensate by the use of artificial lighting or specific
camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
Identify the specific location of your light source(s).
Mull over
the extent of available light.
You might
need to stabilize the camera (tripod, beanbag, surface, etc.) when shooting in
low/dim light. If your shutter speed is slower than 1/60th of a
second, you cannot hold the camera without recording your own body shake in the
resulting image.
Question 5:
What are you waiting for?
If you see an opportunity for a photograph, shoot it now. If the situation looks
better later, shoot it again. It is simply best to shoot early, and shoot
often. While you are wondering the previous four questions, the moment may
disappear, so decide quickly. This is particularly true when taking a photo of
children or wild life. Anticipate the moment. Be ready. It is always better to
have a photo made rather than having the perfect composition and right
settings, but the subject has disappeared.
