Northern Image Photographers Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

-Simplification: Pay close attention to all areas of the image to prevent stray straps, thumbs, branches, etc. from appearing in your photos. Sometimes we concentrate solely on the main subject, which keeps us from noticing unwanted clutter in the foreground or background. Learn to check the edges of the frame with your eyes before squeezing the shutter.
“GET WHAT YOU WANT IN THE PHOTO - LEAVE OUT WHAT YOU DON’T WANT”

-Decide what the main subject of the photograph is; eliminate everything that does not contribute to emphasizing it. Fewer distractions in a photo will help it have more visual impact. A strong “centre of interest” will make a stronger image. The viewer's eye should be drawn to the subject. The use of foreground can add visual “depth” and lead the viewer's eye into the image, as long as it does not distract from the subject.
“TAKE LESS, GET MORE”

-Filling the Frame: Get as close to the subject as you can - if you’re using a Point&shoot, check your camera manual to find out what the “minimum focus distance” is. Some cameras have a “macro” setting that allows you to get very close and still focus. This helps eliminate distractions around the subject. Not recommended for photographs of bears!

-Horizontal/vertical: Determine if the subject itself dictates the format of the photo. Instead of backing up to get everything in, switching the camera to a vertical position for people shots will help fill the frame AND crop out distractions on the sides.

-Different angles can also add interest to your images. People tend to shoot everything from eye-level; try from a kneeling position, which will also increase the foreground in the image. Walk around, climb up, lay down…
“TAKE THE USUAL IN AN UNUSUAL WAY”

-The background is one of the key elements in any photograph, and is often overlooked when shooting - but the background often distracts from the main subject. It takes a conscious effort to check the background behind the subject - and consider how to change it. Often the simplest method of controlling the background is to change the angle of the shot - by moving to one side or the other; kneeling down and shooting up at the subject; or gaining elevation to shoot down on the subject.