If you are here, it is because you are passionate about photography and you are keen to explore new techniques to improve your skills and express yourself through your images.
In this guide, I will take you by the hand through the 17 most commonly used photographic techniques, the focus of the camera is on the lighting, high speed and aperture, as well as on editing.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and discovery.
Table of contents
ToggleBefore applying any of these photography techniques, it is crucial to bear in mind three important aspects:
Knowledge of the technique: Before attempting to apply a specific technique, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of how it works and what its purpose is. In addition to knowing the basic techniques.
Choosing the Right Equipment and Configuration: Depending on the technique to be used and the conditions of the scene, it may be necessary to select specific equipment and adjust the camera settings accordingly.
Practice and Experimentation: As with any photographic skill, practice and experimentation are key to mastering these techniques. Taking the time to practice each technique in different situations and scenarios will allow you to become familiar with their peculiarities and hone your ability to apply them effectively.
The rule of thirds is a fundamental technique in photographic composition, which involves divide the frame into nine equal sections by means of two horizontal and two vertical imaginary lines.
By placing the key elements of the image on or near these lines or at the points of intersection, a more balanced and visually interesting composition is achieved.
This technique avoids placing the main subject in the centre of the frame, which often results in more dynamic and attractive images.
Symmetry is a visual quality that is produced when an object or scene is divided into two identical or very similar parts on both sides of a central axis.
By taking advantage of symmetry in photographic composition, powerful and harmonious images can be created.
Look for subjects or scenes that exhibit natural symmetry, such as buildings, human faces or natural elements, and place them in the centre of the frame to emphasise their balance and beauty.
Details can add depth and emotion to your photographs by highlighting specific elements within the scene.
By focusing on a detail in the foreground and blurring the background, you can create a depth effect to guide the viewer's gaze and add visual interest to the image.
Details can also convey emotion and tell stories, whether capturing a facial expression, an intriguing texture or a significant object.
Details can add depth and emotion to your photographs by emphasising specific items within the scene.
By focusing on a detail in the foreground and blurring the background, you can create a depth effect that guides the viewer's eye and adds visual interest to the image.
Details can also convey emotion and tell stories, whether capturing a facial expression, an intriguing texture or a significant object.
Diagonal lines and triangles are compositional elements that are used in the add dynamism and movement to an image.
Diagonal lines can cut diagonally across the image, creating a sense of depth and direction, while triangles can be formed when lines intersect, adding visual tension to the composition.
By using these geometric shapes effectively, you can create images that are visually stimulating and exciting.
Patterns and textures are visual elements that add interest and depth to a photograph.
Patterns are regular repetitions of shapes, lines or colours that can create a sense of order and harmony, while textures are tactile surfaces that add dimension and detail to the image.
By capturing patterns and textures in your photographs, you can create images that are visually intriguing and tactile, inviting the viewer to explore every detail of the scene.
Experiments with compositions that defy conventional expectations, incorporating unexpected and surprising elements in your photographs.
By playing with surprise and intrigue, you can create images that captivate the viewer's attention and leave a lasting impression.
Take advantage of all the space in your frame to highlighting details and textures that might otherwise go unnoticed.
This technique allows you to reveal the beauty in the ordinary and create a significant visual impact, immersing the viewer in the richness of each element captured.
Negative space can be as expressive as the subject of the photograph itself.
Use it creatively to add depth and emphasise the composition of your images.
By playing with emptiness, you can create intriguing contrasts and bring out the beauty of simplicity.
The negative space in photography, it has a lot of visual impact and the way it is applied to your projects is very important.
When capturing portraits and children's portraits, make sure you focus completely on the main subject to create shocking images and memorable.
By bringing out the subject's expression and personality, you can capture authentic and exciting moments that will stand the test of time.
Challenge conventional perspectives by looking for unique angles and alternative viewpoints when capturing your images.
By experimenting with different perspectives, you can discover new ways of seeing the world and create surprising and original images.
Uses the knowledge of colour theory to create visually harmonious compositions and captivating.
By experimenting with different combinations of colours, you can add depth and emotion to your images, creating visual impact and delivering powerful messages.
Apply the direction from left to right to add fluidity and direction to your compositions, guiding the viewer's gaze through the image in a natural and organic way.
By using this rule of composition, you can create images that are easy to read and keep the viewer's attention focused on the focal point of the photograph.
Combine contrasting elements in your photographs to create powerful and evocative visual narratives.
By juxtaposing opposing or complementary elements, you can create images that convey a wide range of emotions and meanings, inviting the viewer to reflect and connect with the story told through the image.
Use the golden ratio to create visually balanced compositions and aesthetically pleasing.
By dividing the frame into golden triangles, you can create a sense of harmony and balance that draws the viewer's eye and creates an emotional connection to the image.
Explore the mystique and beauty of the golden ratio in your compositions, seeking geometric perfection in each image.
By using this rule of composition, you can create images that are visually striking and aesthetically satisfying, conveying a sense of balance and beauty that captures the viewer's attention and invites them to explore every detail of the image.
The sweeping technique is an advanced photographic technique that allows you to capture the movement of a moving subject while keeping it in focus, while blurring the background, creating a sense of speed and dynamism in the image.
To achieve this, the photographer must follow the movement of the subject with the camera as the picture is taken, using a slower shutter speed to capture the movement clearly.
This technique is popular in sports photography, action photography and moving vehicle photography, and can produce impressive and exciting images that convey a sense of energy and movement.