How a photograph makes you feel is a good measure of its artistic affect. Think of the inspiring landscapes
of Ansel Adams, or the portraits of Annie Leibowitz—two completely different styles—and you get the idea.
You can take your own artistic photos by giving special attention to a few basic elements of composition.
Compose your images using the "rule of thirds." Instead of centering your subject, visually divide your
viewfinder into thirds (vertically and horizontally), like a tic-tac-toe grid, and place your subject at one
of the intersections.
Experiment with different compositions. This will help you grow as a photographer. Try these techniques:
Extreme angle photographs can create dramatic results.
Macro mode lets you get in close to explore details. Even simple objects take on a new look when
shot close up.
Use a larger capacity memory card. That way, you'll be able to take lots of pictures, ask yourself
what works and what doesn't, and never miss another shot.
The interplay of light, color, and shape-plus the extreme angle-make this a compelling photo.
Still life photography allows you to transform any object or group of objects into art. Flowers, fruit, and
vegetables are traditional subjects, but you can create a still life using items that have special meaning to
you—heirloom jewelry, beloved stuffed animals, or your son's collection of action figures (as seen in
this photo). Here are some helpful hints on taking great digital stills:
Photograph your subject(s) on a tabletop draped with fabric or backdrop paper—available in most
camera and art stores—for a clean background.
Position your subjects in different areas of the frame for a new perspective. Also try shooting your subject
at different distances to see which combinations you like best.
There's no need for a massive amount of studio equipment. Still life set-ups can make use of natural light
from a large window and/or your digital camera's flash. Learn
more about lighting.
Don't over-complicate the shot. Begin by positioning a single subject, then photograph it. Next, rearrange
or add other objects one at a time to see if it improves the composition.
Use black-and-white to lend portraits a timeless air.
Portraits can capture the essence of friends and family. However, not everyone is comfortable in front of the
camera, and this can translate into awkward photos. Establish a rapport with your subjects. The more at ease
they feel with you, the more comfortable they will be with the camera. The result? More powerful photos.
Although traditional portraits are usually formal head or head-and-shoulders shots, they don't have to be.
Try shooting a portrait that doesn't show the face at all. For example, frame a ballet dancer's feet or a
horse lover's hands gripping the reins.
Your digital camera's zoom function or built-in portrait mode can help.
Activate portrait mode by turning the dial to your camera's portrait icon or selecting portrait from your
available shooting modes—it immediately draws attention to your subject by blurring the background.
Use zoom to create a portrait effect with a close-up. This makes the background blur, throwing your subject
into even sharper focus.
The light on these cobble stones emphasizes their pattern and texture.
In abstract photography, colors, textures, and lines become the focus. It's a matter of looking at common items
in a different way. Abstract photos can be made from almost anything—flowers, walls, the texture of tree bark,
or the fur of your beloved cat. Use these tips for taking powerful abstract shots:
Sharpen foreground/background focus. Use your zoom lens or the macro shooting mode to blur out
background elements. This lets you capture colors and patterns for an intense visual experience.
Blur the whole thing. To do this, use long exposures (refer to your camera's user manual on how to
change exposure lengths), or a slow pan of your subject while you shoot. Take multiple pictures at
different panning speeds to vary your results. Learn more about
using blur in photos.
Remove color. This lets the eye concentrate on texture and patterns. Use the black-and-white mode
on your camera or experiment with photo software after downloading your images.
Buildings make great subjects for fine art photographs. Visit a city, or just walk downtown, and explore
with your digital camera. Try these tips for taking artistic photos:
Capture "big city" essence: Instead of taking the usual cityscape photos, focus on specific
architectural elements. Explore the industrial, business, or arts district in your community to
find unique, decorative, or historic buildings.
Shoot for the sky: Try an interesting angle when shooting in a big city. Get between several tall
buildings and shoot straight up. Capture the tops of the buildings complemented by part of the sky.
Take time to reflect: Reflections on a modern glass building can make terrific images. Be on the
lookout for skyscrapers with huge glass fronts, or even smaller buildings with large picture
windows—perfect for reflecting other nearby buildings, people, and urban action.
The colors, the contrast between light and dark, and the large sky make this an artistic sunset shot.
Although they happen daily, sunrise and sunset only last only a few fleeting minutes. Follow these tips to
capture the drama of the moment:
Check your local newspaper, television stations, or look online for exact sunrise/sunset times so
you can plan your shoot accordingly.
Be sure to scout the location beforehand, so you're not wasting precious time during the short periods
of dawn or dusk.
Think beyond the horizon. Take some photos where more of the sky is present, and others where more
landscape is visible. Try turning your camera 90 degrees to adjust the balance of land and sky in
your photograph.
Add mood and context to a sunset or sunrise photo by incorporating a silhouette. Look for a sailboat
on the ocean, a mountain range, or even a person.
Many digital cameras offer a sunset shooting mode that makes it easy and fun to experiment.
Friendship is an excellent subject for a photo essay.
The photo essay is an exciting photographic adventure. Frame the results as a series in your home, or collect
your photos into a book as a gift or memento.
To start, choose a theme or "story" for the essay. Then make a list of photographs to take and possible
locations in which to shoot. A good story needs at least ten to twelve photographs. One of those photos should
set up the story by establishing a sense of place or introducing key characters. Take as many photographs as
you can and pick the best ones to complete your chronicle.
Possible photo essay subjects:
A day in the life: Use your digital camera to record the happenings of your day, or the day of a child
or other family member—even your pet.
Happiness, celebration, wonder: What emotions can you capture, and what stories can you tell with your
digital camera?
Special events: Take your camera to an anniversary, reunion, birthday, parade, or on your next vacation.
Firsts: Baby's first steps, your first home, or any other important first that life gives you.
Your pictures should make people say: "I never noticed that before," so don't forget to photograph little
details that will enrich your essay. Add printed captions to help move your story along. If you include text
in the final product, make sure your words and photographs work together.
Showcase your fine art masterpieces by creating an
HP photo book,
or an online photo book. With
Snapfish, HP's easy-to-use
online service, you can create beautiful keepsakes, as well as share individual pictures or entire albums with
friends and family. They can even order their own prints of their favorite photos.
Take a free online class
in digital photography! Explore the many features of your digital camera, find tips for cropping and editing your
images, and discover new ideas for sharing your photos in creative ways.
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