Some photographs are genuinely striking, but the good news is that with a few straightforward techniques, you can start producing better images yourself. Here are some practical tips to get you started.
# Mind your background. The background plays a bigger role in image quality than many people realise. Choose one that absorbs rather than reflects light, and opt for plain, uncluttered backdrops wherever possible to get cleaner, more professional results.
# Use your flash outdoors. It might seem counterintuitive, but flash isn’t just for dark interiors. Even in bright conditions, firing your flash can lift the quality of your shots considerably — and crucially, it helps eliminate the harsh shadow effects that strong sunlight tends to cast across your subject.
# Think about subject placement. Centring your subject is a safe default, but for a more considered, professional feel, try positioning them slightly to the left or right of the frame instead. That said, if you’re shooting in autofocus mode, keep the subject central so the camera locks focus correctly — most cameras default to focusing on whatever sits in the middle of the screen.
# Vary your angles. Shooting from the same position every time produces predictable results. Experimenting with different angles and perspectives gives your images a fresh quality and can make even familiar subjects feel more dynamic.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your eye, keeping these basics in mind will make a noticeable difference. The rest comes down to practice and a willingness to experiment.