Scan the edges of your viewfinder – Digital Photography Tip of the Week

Many otherwise excellent photographs have been ruined by distracting elements in the photo.

One easy way around this is to scan all four side of your viewfinder for things that have no business in your photo. The top of someone’s head, a light standard or maybe sign. If you find something that does not belong or add to the image, then recompose your shot. Either move in a little closer (or zoom in with your camera) or possibly switch positions and change your angle relative to the subject. And when you are finished looking at the sides of your frame, look at the background of your image as well to be sure something back there won’t detract from your main subject either.

Compare the two photos below. Notice the elements in the three corners circled in red and how then take away from the image, then look at the same photo on the right, cropped a little bit tighter to eliminate the extra’s. A little makes a big difference.

The digital photography tip of the week is written by the PCIN Assistant Editor, Chris Empey. Chris is a long time photographer and is currently the vice-president of the Niagara Falls Camera Club. You can see more of his photography at his Photo of the Day website.
If you have a tip to send Chris, or a question about digital photography he can address in the newsletter, send it to chris@pcin.net.

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