Four Quick Photography Tips
Mobile photos are changing the society we live in: they call people to justice, connect families living at a distance in real time, and can catalyze vulnerable conversations. Since the advent of the mobile phone, not only have we begun to carry computers more powerful than the ones that sent the first humans to the moon, but also we have a high-tech camera in our pockets at all times, a camera that the average American uses six times a day, whether for selfies, food snaps, or to tell a story. This is the strength of photovoice: utilizing photos to connect people through everyday lived experiences.
While you don’t need to be a professional photographer to participate or even thrive in photovoice projects, there’s always a benefit to growing your photography skills even for sharing photos with your family! Here are four quick tips to take better photos.
(Also, check out our second set of four tips here!)
1) The best camera is the one you have.
Your smartphone is a convenient tool that allows you to capture moments, emotions, and memories at any given moment. That's why we encourage participants to use cellphone photos while engaging in photovoice. You'll never take a meaningful photograph if you don't have a camera with you!
Creativity, good lighting, and a keen eye are more important than expensive equipment in photography. Look at these two photos: one was taken with an iPhone 13 Pro, and the other with a Sony A7Riii. Can you tell which is which?
Whether you want to showcase a stunning landscape, capture a religious ceremony, or share a meaningful moment, you can take excellent photos on any camera.
(The image on the left was taken with the iPhone; the image on the right was taken with the Sony.)
2) Share life from a new perspective.
You can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary! By exploring the world from a fresh viewpoint, you can open your eyes to see life in a new way, share your point of view, and empower others to enter into empathetic relationships.
Try experimenting with unusual angles and viewpoints. Look at these photos of the same flower, for example.
We are accustomed to seeing the beauty of a flower from above, but what if by flipping the narrative and shooting from the ground, you can highlight the mystery of growth?
3) Explore the “Rule of Thirds."
Learn how to compose compelling photos using the Rule of Thirds while slowing down to savor the moment. The rule of thirds is a very simple technique. Begin by dividing your frame into thirds, horizontally and vertically, to create balance and visual interest in your photos. Place your main subject along the vertical or horizontal lines, or at their intersections to maximize impact.
By following the rule of thirds, your photographs will feel more harmonious, resulting in more engaging images. Put theory into practice by taking multiple shots using the technique and experimenting with different subjects and locations. Of course, the “rule” is flexible and sometimes it should be broken; but, generally speaking, being aware of the rule of thirds will help create more interesting compositions.
Your phone will help you with this tip by turning on the grid feature. To display a grid on your camera screen:
iPhone: Go to Settings > Camera, then turn on Grid and Level.
Android: Lunch the camera app and tap settings. Turn on the “gridlines” option.
The above photo from the Wahiba Sands Desert in Oman illustrates the rule of thirds with a grid overlaid to help you understand what it looks like as you compose your photograph.
4. Rules are meant to be broken.
If this information is overwhelming, remember these are simply ‘rules’ of thumb. Some of the most meaningful or creative photos challenge convention. Maybe they’re a little out of focus, or the framing isn’t perfect. It’s important to remember that being aware of the “rules” will help you know it’s okay to break them, which can help you create unique photos!
For example, check out this photo from Varosha, Cyprus. There’s not much to it, but if you’ve ever experienced the bufferzone, you know that dividing walls are everywhere, even in the unexpected places like the sea!
So, don’t worry if your favorite photo doesn’t follow one (or all!) of these tips. Embrace the freedom to break the rules, and may your images tell stories without words.
Speaking of Oman, we're excited to share photos, conversations, and transformative experiences with you from our annual Interfaith Photovoice workshop in Muscat from November 9 to 16. Stay tuned!