While observing the judging of the entries in the Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers (www.sanp.net) annual competition, I noticed many of the photographs that did not receive high judging points could have been improved in simple ways.
A number of properties combine to make a photo a winner. Be aware that a picture that wins a contest can be different than a technically perfect image of a good subject. The main difference is the subjective "impact" of an image. For example, a technically perfect image of a brown bear sleeping does not have the impact that an image of the same bear growling would have.
Another subjective value is the "difficulty" of the photo. A beautiful image of a trillium cluster in a garden is not as difficult to obtain as an image of a wild rattlesnake photographed in the middle of its strike with mouth open and fangs extended.
Judges also make assumptions about the choices the photographer makes and the artistic skill needed to make an image.
Even if you don't plan to enter a photography contest, anyone who views your pictures is in effect "judging" them. Therefore, following the simple suggestions below can help you improve your pictures overall. Your viewing public, be they family, friends, co-workers or contest judges, will notice the difference!
Show your best images
The first simple way to improve your "score" is to show only quality photographic images. Poorly processed, cheap, old and faded slides or prints will never get high marks. Take the time and effort to ensure the photo you show is the best you can afford.
High-quality duplicate slides usually don''t cause problems, and using "dupes" saves your valuable originals from possible damage. Prior to showing your photos, remove dust and fingerprints. Replace any prints, mats or frames that are scratched or damaged.
Choose mat colors that enhance the image and have mats cut by a professional. Shrink wrapping protects prints, but the plastic distorts the image and reflects ambient light, making your image hard to see.
Learn the "Rule of Thirds"
I watched really nice pictures receive average scores because the subject was in the middle of the frame. Some images display well centered, but these are exceptions to the "Rule of Thirds."
The rule of thirds that most photographers use works like this. Imagine that the viewfinder is divided into nine sections like a tic-tac-toe grid. The subject should be placed at one of the four intersection points. If your subject is looking right or left, leave space in front of the eyes, that is, give the subject room to look into the picture.
Likewise, a subject in motion should be moving into the frame rather than out of it. For example, a dog running from right to left should have room to run before reaching the left edge of the picture.
A subject centered in the frame is balanced and therefore static rather than dynamic, but a subject positioned at one of the "Rule of Thirds" intersection points is more visually exciting. Do an internet search for "Rule of Thirds" to learn more.
Most cameras have the auto focus and auto exposure sensor located behind a circle or square in the center of the camera's viewfinder. We all sometimes unconsciously meter the subject and then leave it in the center of the frame. Read your camera's instruction manual to learn how to meter and hold that reading while you recompose the image before pressing the shutter release. Practice until you know how to meter and recompose without having to think about it, and your pictures will improve.
Simplify your compositions
When someone looks at one of our photos, we hope that the subject we chose is immediately and instinctively obvious. When you compose an image, ask yourself what in the image is competing with your subject and then try to eliminate those elements. Here are some things that work for us.
Do an internet search for "photograph composition" to learn more.
By focusing on showing your best work, using the "Rule of Thirds" and simplifying your compositions, you are sure to receive higher marks from your viewing public. Happy shooting!