Challenge 2 - fill the frame & don't center your subject

Okay, as part of our Challenge 2 for Team Tech this year, we are taking tips from Josh Cripps and trying to become better photographers. All Team Techs need to take photos keeping Josh's tips in mind and blog about them. You can see the complete challenge on our website HERE.

Two tips that Josh Cripps gives is to fill the frame and to NOT center your subject. I've been at the beach with my family this week and they are all my unwitting subjects for this challenge. :) First, I'm trying to fill the frame with what I love. This is harder than it sounds because you have to find that shot that is interesting to you first. Josh is an expert, so please be kind to my rookie attempts. First, I thought I'd show what NOT to do.

Don't do this - what may as well be random people at the pool:

Do this - my baby :):

Filling the frame with what you love is a reminder to really focus on what's fantastic in a shot. That varies, doesn't it? Remember what drew you to the shot in the first place and fill the shot up with it.

The third tip that Josh gives is to remember the rule of thirds - otherwise known as don't center your subject. I remember this rule from my high school art classes at North Hall - thanks, Mrs. Jackson! Images are more interesting if you keep a tic-tac-toe grid in your mind as you take your photos.
Keep your subject in the left or right and try to keep your horizon in the top or bottom third.

Don't do this:

Do this:


While I'm no expert, keeping these tips in mind have definitely led to better vacation photos than the ones I usually take. :) I'll work on a couple more tips in my next post.