Tag Archives: Open air

How to use negative space effectively

• Boats •

• Boats •
Picture by Mike Browne (from the video)

Composition that is not there!

The space that surrounds the subject and fills the gaps between important objects in your picture can be described as negative space. In some ways it defines the objects you see. In another way it is not really there. Instead the background is what you see.

The concept of negative space is important. The shape of your subject is created, at least in part, by the space around it. The space helps to define its character too. How much space surrounds your subject, and the type of space, all pass messages to the viewer about your shot.

Negative Space in Photography

Negative space is a strong artistic element yet it is not always obvious how to use it in your photography. Seeing negative space, and using it, takes a little practice and some ideas on how to place the elements in the shot. In the video Mike Brown shows us, despite the annoying balloon, how to use negative space and how to place your subject. He shows us how to use the balloon too – eventually.

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By Damon Guy (author and Photokonnexion editor)

Damon Guy - Netkonnexion

Damon Guy (Netkonnexion)

Damon is a writer-photog and editor of this site. He has run some major websites, a computing department and a digital image library. He started out as a trained teacher and now runs training for digital photographers.
See also: Editors ‘Bio’.

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Forty six quick street photography tips

street photography tips: Worry · Street photography can be anything you want it to be - just do it!

· Worry ·
Street photography can be anything you want it to be – just do it!

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• Worry • By Netkonnexion on Flickr External link - opens new tab/page
Street photography tips to get you out there…

The best street photography requires rapid thinking.

Here are some really quick street photography tips to make sure that you do better photography on the street. They are aimed at getting out there and doing it. They are all about different situations and ways to approach them. Here are our 46 top street photography tips…

Forty six quick street photography tips
  1. Get out there, you can’t take street shots indoors!
  2. A big camera is daunting for people on the street.
  3. Always shoot in RAW – street shots need proper processing.
  4. Respect the people you shoot, then they will respect you.
  5. Polish your lenses – street dirt ruins shots.
  6. Get in close to the action – you will get better expressions.
  7. The simplest little actions make a great story.
  8. Remember reflections – windows, puddles, glasses, mirrors.
  9. If you feel uncomfortable – get out of there.
  10. Open up a wide aperture, some street shots work with lots of bokeh.
  11. Find ways to isolate the action – less distraction focuses the viewers eye.
  12. You are not a spy. Be there, in the scene. Don’t try to hide.
  13. Go light with your camera equipment.
  14. Set yourself up to take fast pictures.
  15. Try three different positions, stay a while in each.
  16. Beware of traffic headlights, winkers etc, they can overpower a shot.
  17. Use a non-photography bag to draw less attention to yourself.
  18. Be observant, be fast to react. Still you’ll miss more than you shoot.
  19. Working with a friend is good fun and gives you confidence.
  20. Do not use flash when doing street photography.
  21. Talk to people – shoot them posed, also catch them unaware.
  22. The best street shots have a strong story.
  23. Big cities have great street scenes, but so does the local main street.
  24. Brightly coloured cameras and equipment attract undue attention.
  25. Make people laugh and your street will come alive.
  26. You get some great street shots in the rain.
  27. Shoot people not things – there is more interest in humans!
  28. Bump up the ISO to get the right light sensitivity.
  29. Try shots from down low, the perspective works well against buildings.
  30. F11, pure heaven!

More street photography tips after this…

 

Quick street photography tips continued…

  1. Photograph both men and women.
  2. Try some shots in a tourist attraction – people relax there.
  3. Candid captures are way better than posed pictures.
  4. Sometimes shoot the whole person. Sometimes just the face.
  5. Feet can be interesting. Try the different approach.
  6. Think before you shoot – every shot should have a message to offer.
  7. What are people carrying? Get the feeling of the place.
  8. Keep away from anyone or any place you consider ‘worrying’.
  9. Look for tonal, colour, and shape contrasts.
  10. Capture relationships – they make great stories.
  11. Try wide angle shots, capture a wider perspective – the whole scene counts.
  12. Prime lenses help you get into the scene – 50mm is great.
  13. Look for sadness, look for happiness – shoot for emotions.
  14. Digital noise from high ISO is preferable to hand movement blur.
  15. Shoot in colour. Be prepared to go to black and white in processing.
  16. Be confident – it won’t work for you if you don’t work a scene.

Damon Guy - Netkonnexion

Damon Guy (Netkonnexion)

Damon is a writer-photographer and editor of this site. He has run some major websites, a computing department and a digital image library. He started out as a trained teacher and now runs training for digital photogs.
See also: Editors ‘Bio’.
By Damon Guy see his profile on Google+.