Travel Out & About A Photographer’s Guide to Greece
A Photographer’s Guide to Greece
Greece is every photographer’s paradise. Everywhere you turn there are subjects worthy of a great shot. From landscapes, to people, to historical sites and sunsets, Greece is certain to keep you constantly on your toes in search of incredibly beautiful pictures. Below are some basic photography tips to help you take stunning shots during your stay in Greece.
Before taking your shot, ensure that both your feet are planted firmly on the ground. Establish a natural and comfortable photography stance which involves having your elbows firmly tucked against your body and the camera firmly pressed against your face.
Just before you snap the picture, take a breath and hold it as you squeeze the shutter gently. Don’t jerk the shutter down too fast in your excitement of taking a great shot as it could end up blurred. If your hand is shaking – even slightly – use a tripod to steady the camera while shooting. If there is no tripod available, brace yourself against a solid object such as a tree, a wall or even a person.
Get as close as possible to your subject such that they fill up at least 85% of your frame. Leave no more than 15% of the frame for background. This will of course depend on how close you are able to zoom your camera lens. However, this rule only applies in a scene in which the background is not relevant.
To compose the shot, apply the rule of thirds by dividing your picture frame into an imaginary horizontal and vertical grid of thirds. The rule requires placing the subject in the middle of the frame and positioning them at one of the 4 intersection points on your imaginary grid. What this does is that it allows for the production of an image that is much more appealing in terms of composition.
However, you shouldn’t limit yourself to doing this in each and every photograph you take.
It is also important to learn the basic of the type and intensity of available light while taking your shot. Lighting is very important in photography as it can make a huge difference to the outcome of your image.
Avoid using the flash, which could create an unnatural and bright appearance. Instead, move your subject next to a window which lets in sufficient amounts of external light. Be sure to take your shot at an angle in order to avoid the glare of the window glass.
In order to capture great outdoor portraits, you need to take control of your camera flash such that it goes on only when you want it to. Learning how to control the flash will enable you to sufficiently illuminate your subject and end up with a professional looking shot and great composition.
Once you have gotten the hang of using your flash outdoors, you may have some fun experimenting. Try positioning your subject such that the sun illuminates their hair from the back or the side in what is referred to as rim lighting. Avoid standing too far away when using the fill flash while shooting outdoors. This is because most built-in camera flashes only have a maximum range of ten feet.