If you’ve mastered your camera and its controls and are able to get results that are technically acceptable, the next step is to make better photographs. You can take pictures, but you have to make photographs. Many consider fine photographs as art – work that is created by the photographer, as opposed to a “snapshot” that almost anyone could take. Some people have an artistic ability, others can learn it.
There are widely accepted “rules” in photography that aren’t really rules – just conventions in composition that can help to make a photo pleasing to the eye. All photos do not have to be taken according to these rules, but they are a good way to learn to see and create a photograph.
(The following is adapted from the Kodak.com website – they can explain their business better than I can):
CHOOSING YOUR MAIN POINT OF INTEREST. Although you know what your subject is, it can be hard for a viewer to determine your intent if too many elements in your picture make it confusing. Eliminate all unimportant elements by moving closer, zooming in, or choosing a different shooting angle.
What is the subject in this photo? There are so many things it isn’t obvious:
The same area, concentrating on the train itself:
ADJUST YOUR ANGLE OF VIEW. Alter your position - Change your position to emphasize or exaggerate how big or small your subject is. You can also move your camera right or left only a few feet to change the composition dramatically.
PLACING THE SUBJECT OFF-CENTER. Putting the subject off-center
As usual, Bob–thanks so much! I really feel with experimenting that I’m starting to get the hang of all of this. One nice thing about digital cameras–for me at least-- is that you’re not wasting ‘film’ in order to get the one shot you think is worthy of preserving. it’s a complex process, and I’m still in the ‘shoot and pray’ stage, but your articles have helped me immensely. Again, thanks.
Tom [bow][bow]
Say, you should have several example photos in your collection … how about posting a few one at a time and describing some of these points you used in each one. Teaching by example is always helpful … I’m a visual learner, so I get the most from a “show-and-tell” teaching style.
Great clinic and great tips! I recently took the plunge and forked up the money for a professional-grade Canon EOS 20D SLR Digital camera (whew, what a mouthful!). The lens I purchased (Canon Ultrasonic EFS 17-85mm) will stop down to f32 and gives great depth of field. I also use a tripod and shutter release cable. I used this camera for all the photos on my layout website. I would be interested in your feedback on my photography if you have the time to take a look - I have over 60 photos posted! Thanks again for the great tips!!!
Bob, I recently used a tripod, as much light as I could plug in to the walls, and stopped down the aperture to get the effect you describe. I think those pix were much better than others I had done. So, thanks for your efforts there.
Prices of digital SLRs are still pretty steep, but there are bargains out there. Maybe e-bay?
Bob,
Excellent clinic! I’ve enjoyed your work in the MRR press for years and each article has always had something in it I could use and this is no exception. As I’ve said in previous posts, this is what model railroading is all about - sharing of ideas and techniques. Keep 'em coming. Thanks for sharing.
Bob… I’m truly thankful for your photo clinic. I’d be interested in more information regarding depth of field. I have a good quality digital camera but am not much with photo skills.
You’re welcome! Note this thread was started back in 2002. Since then I’ve placed the material and more on a separate website that you can visit whenever you want. It’s in my signature below.
I hope I’m wrong, but I think Bob Bordeau (Fundy Northern) left our forum and participates on another. I certainly miss Bob’s talent and hope he returns here.
Hey! It’s BOUDREAU! I never left, just changed my screen name from FundyNothern to Railphotog. I’ve posted semi regularly on this and several other forums.
Thanks Bob for the helpful clinic Some day when my money gets green i’ll invest in a better camera For now my RR gets all my extra funds but atleast with your tips i might start taking better snapshots.
Thanks !
Is there a good small camera that will fit in tight places for some up close shots ?
Now that my RR has lots of buildings and trees most snapshots are done from
This one ignores most rules of composition, subject is centered, the horizon runs through the center, etc:
Here’s the same shot with the camera moved down, to the left and tilted up, like you are standing near the creek:
Framing. Here’s an obvious example of framing. In this case, the “hard” frame of the building lends itself to placing the locomotive nose in center frame:
Different perspective. This is easier with a small point and shoot. For these, I placed the camera in the scene. Both these also exhibit less obvious framing techniques:
