A few tips for that perfect shot

Got Image??? Jerry "AgriHawg" Fendley was a big winner in the 2007 IRWIPI contest. He's put togehter a tip sheet to help others catch that prize-winning photo. So, check out some of his pointers and see if it'll improve your game some!

Here are some photography tips I put together. I collected these from various web sites and my own general knowledge. The most important tips on the list are probably:

• move closer
• rule of thirds
• put space in front of the subject

Move in Closer

Each time you spot a subject, snap a shot and then move in closer for a better shot. FILL THE FRAME WITH THE SUBJECT!

Compose Your Picture with Care

Make every effort to keep it balanced and beautiful.

• Keep the horizon level
• Crop out extra elements that you are not interested in

Rule of Thirds and Photography

Put your subject off-center in the picture. You should balance the frame with elements in each “third” of the picture. Almost never center your subject.

Be Selective

Discern what you are really interested in and center your efforts on getting the best photo of this subject. The easiest way to do this is to watch your borders - the edges of the view you see through the camera's viewfinder. Then recompose if anything - such as an unattractive telephone wire, an old soda can, a distracting sign, your finger, or your camera strap - hangs into your picture.

Focus on Your Subject

The subject/truck should be in perfect focus. Make sure your camera isn't automatically focusing on something else in the picture (tree, limb, yard, etc)

Look at the Light

It's generally best to shoot with the sun behind you. Is the light blazing directly and brightly upon your whole subject? This works well if you are in love with the bold colors of your subject. Side lighting, on the other hand, can add drama but can also cause extreme, hard-to-print contrasts. Lastly, indirect light can be used to make your subject glow soft and pretty.

Watch the Weather

Overcast days are excellent times to take outdoor photos of old trucks. The lighting is softer, so you don’t get glare and bad reflections. The truck will be more evenly lit. However if the shot you are wanting will include the sky, you will want a pretty “blue bird” day.

Get down on the subjects level

Try taking a photo standing up, then kneeling/sitting, then laying down. The picture will look more natural and will be more pleasing to the eye.

Use a plain background

It helps to focus the spotlight on the subject. A "busy" background is distracting to the eye.

Use flash outside

Even in the daylight It can help eliminate shadows caused by the sun.

Try a vertical composition

Although you are turning your camera at a different angle, keep the other rules in mind!

Put extra space in front of the subject

Don't have empty space behind the subject. The truck should look like it is driving INTO the picture.