Looking to enter our Photography Competition? Here are 10 photography tips from a professional photographer
Are you looking to enter our amateur photography competition? If you're eager to capture the stunning scenery of the South West Western Australia, especially along the Preston Valley Artisan Trail, you're in the right place. Whether you're a budding photographer or someone looking to potentially kick off a career in photography, our professional tips will guide you to success. Here are ten expert tips to take a winning tree photograph:
Understand the Lighting: Natural light plays a crucial role in photography. For tree photography, the golden hours—just after sunrise and before sunset—provide soft, warm lighting that enhances the texture of the bark and the leaves.
Composition Is Key: Use the rule of thirds to position your tree interestingly within the frame. This can help create a balanced and engaging photo.
Explore Different Angles: Instead of just taking photos from eye level, experiment with various angles. Lie on the ground to capture the towering height of the tree, or climb a ladder to get a unique overhead shot.
The Rule of Thirds: This fundamental principle of photography is especially useful for tree photography. Position the tree along one of the lines or at the intersections on a nine-part grid to make your photo more dynamic.
Look for Unique Features: Each tree has its character—be it twisted branches, unusual bark textures, or a canopy bursting with colours. Focus on what makes your tree stand out.
Depth and Background: Consider what’s behind your tree. A cluttered background can distract from your subject, so aim for a background that complements the tree’s shape and colour. By using a shallower depth of field eg: “F-stop 1.4 - 5.6” you can create a bokeh effect which is the blur that you see in the background of professional photographs.
Experiment with Perspectives: Don’t hesitate to try different perspectives. Sometimes, the best photograph comes from the least expected angle.
Get Creative with Exposure: Play around with light and shadow to create mood and contrast in your photographs. This can turn an ordinary scene into a dramatic one.
Capture the Details: Close-up shots of leaves, bark, or even the ecosystem around the tree can add depth to your story about the tree.
Tell a Story: Think about what the tree signifies. Is it ancient, or perhaps part of local folklore? Photos that tell a story connect better with viewers.
By following these tips, you're well on your way to capturing breathtaking photographs that could not only win you our competition but also start your journey in photography.
Written By:
Written by Ellie Clare, a local marketing and stock photographer from CLP Advertising & Photography Services.
Stay tuned for more blogs, learn the technical “jargon” of photography, or perhaps you want to make money from stock photography!
