Shape and Form
Everything has a shape, and everything has form – and both can be used to produce interesting images. Shape refers to the two-dimensional outline of your subject, while form is the term to used to describe the three dimensional nature of it. In photography you can emphasize either.
you shoot subjects with a clear and recognisable outline against the light, you’ll get great silhouetted shapes. And if you get in close and shoot with an extreme wide-angle lens, you’ll really bring out the form of your subject.
Dynamic shapes
Clean, graphic shapes can always be relied upon to produce dynamic images - as here, where a wide-angle lens was used to produce a dynamic composition.
Irregular shapesThe shapes of pieces are instantly recognizable - and the curves of the each piece and top provide visual ‘echoes’ of one another.
Circular sequence Form is emphasized here, as the eye is led into the picture by the spiral staircase. Look out for subject matter that dramatically recedes into the distance - it will help you guide the viewer’s eye through the picture
Stunning silhouettes
Shooting into the light is a great way of revealing shape - but it only works if you first have a subject with a graphic outline. To achieve a silhouette effect such as this one, you need to take your exposure from the bright background rather than the subject.
Points of view
The position and angle from which you take any picture is crucial to its success, and whenever possible you should spend some time checking out the best vantage points before you start to fire away.
Many pictures are taken with the camera about 2 m (6 ft) off the ground – simply because that’s how tall people are. But a good way to add variety to your photography is to use vantage points that are higher or lower. At its simplest, this can mean crouching down or clambering up a convenient wall. For the more adventurous, it can involve making your way to the top of a tall building or going potholing.
Find the best viewpoint
Oman has popular tourist sites clearly offered plenty of potential. Before taking any pictures, look around to find the best vantage points. By varying the lens used and the vantage point from which the shot was taken, it was possible to produce a wide variety of images with little wastage.
Tipping back Simply tipping your head back to point the camera up allows you to capture a different perspective
Looking up Crouching down (or even lying flat on your back) enables you to point the camera straight up ideal for architectural interiors, such as this shot taken with a wide-angle lens. A small aperture helps to keep everything in sharp focus.
Gaining height You don’t need to get far off the ground to see things differently. Just climbing a wall or chair is a good way to start.
Bird’s-eye view
High vantage points give you, quite literally, a whole new perspective on your subject. These wadi would not have been half as photogenic if shot from ground level. By getting a bird’s-eye view, you can create a stunning, almost abstract image, full of interesting textures and shapes
People in Focus
We all take pictures of people – family, work colleagues, friends, people we see in the street. Sometimes we even turn the camera on ourselves! And every occasion provides the opportunity to produce something more than a mere ‘snapshot’, something that seems to capture the essence of your subject’s character.
One of the key things to consider is whether you want the person to pose for the shot, or whether a ‘candid’ would be better so that your subjects are unaware of you and your camera.
Posed shots have the advantage of giving you more control over the
Look of the picture, but with the disadvantage that some people ‘freeze’, resulting in fixed expressions or cheesy grins. Candid may not be as good technically, but generally the expressions are more natural. The approach you use will depend upon the subject and situation.
Candid cameraAllowing people to get lost in what they’re doing results in more natural photographs.
Character study
Some people have a wonderfully characterful face, and a simple approach is the best.
