Sometimes a photograph needs a small nudge to make it exciting. For example, if the composition and angles are great but the photo is boring, it may just need a more vibrant colour to lift it.
This isn’t a quick fix but it will help you develop as a photographer.
Composition
If you’re shooting the same location all the time, it can become a bit of a rut. You start to lose your phojo (photography mojo) and end up taking photos that are just boring. The solution to this is to try different compositions and angles. The best way to do this is by going out and exploring.
Composition can seem like a mysterious art, something that is hard to master and even harder to explain. Luckily, we have Clare Gelderd Photographer to help. But if you’re looking for ways to make your photos more interesting, the first thing to look at is the composition.
One of the biggest causes of boring photos is lack of a clear point of interest. A good photo will have a main motif that draws the viewer’s eye and makes it clear what the photograph is about. This can be achieved by focusing on an object, a group of objects or even a single element in the foreground.
Other important compositional elements include lines and shapes. Straight lines and angular lines create tension and dynamically lead the eye around the image. They can also help to break up an otherwise dull scene. Curves on the other hand, have a soft organic quality that can add calm and beauty to an image. They’re great for landscape, drone and architecture photography as well as for creating a sense of wanderlust or desire in the viewer.
Lighting is also a crucial factor in the success of a photograph. Too much light can be flat and boring, while too little can leave your subject in a shadow. If your photo is boring, try experimenting with the light to see if you can find an inspirational combination.
While it may be tempting to use filters and effects to add interest to a boring photo, this can often be counter-productive. The more you can learn about photography composition and the rules that govern it, the easier it will be to compose an interesting image.
Angles
Angles are a great way to add more dynamic movement to a photo and can change the composition of a subject. If you take the same photo from different angles, the viewer will understand the main idea of your photo differently.
For example, taking a picture of your subject from up above gives them power because it makes them look bigger than life, while shooting down on your subject squats them and makes them appear smaller. The up and down motion of an angled shot also creates more diagonal lines that guide the eye through the photo and give it more energy. Using these techniques can make even the most boring photos interesting and compelling to look at. dPS Reader Jaymes Dempsey (aka: Family Photographer) is a professional photographer, family travel blogger and a photography educator. He teaches parents and families how to capture meaningful photos of their kids, family and adventures.
Colour
Even the most dull subject can become fascinating if you look for it in the right way. Colour can add drama, emotion, contrast and excitement to a photo but only if you understand how to use it. You’ll need to pay attention to the colours of your foreground, background and subject as well as how they work together. Colour can also wield a powerful psychological influence over us which is why it’s so important to be aware of what effect you are trying to create with your choice of colour. While you can use presets and filters to make boring photos interesting it’s much better to find a composition or scene that makes your heart sing and then add the finishing touches in post production.
