Creative photography: tips and ideas for Swansea photographers

I have always been passionate about capturing unique and creative shots. While there are some basic rules of photography that are essential to learn, creative photographers often push the boundaries to capture something truly extraordinary. The 7 rules of photography are a good starting point for anyone looking to develop their skills, but they are not necessarily set in stone. Creative photographers often break these rules to achieve their desired effect, so it's important to understand how to use them to your advantage. For those Swansea photographers who want to get creative here are some tips and ideas :

Rule 1: Rule of thirds.

This is perhaps the most well-known rule of photography, and it involves dividing your image into thirds, both vertically and horizontally. The points where these lines intersect are called "power points," and placing your subject on one of these points can make for a more visually appealing image. However, breaking this rule can also create a striking and unique image, such as by placing your subject in the centre of the frame.

Rule 2: Leading lines.

This rule involves using lines within your image to lead the viewer's eye towards the subject. This can include anything from a winding road to a fence, and it can be used to create a sense of depth and movement. However, breaking this rule can also create an interesting effect, such as by intentionally leading the viewer's eye away from the subject. This is one of the reasons why good artists and painters make good wedding photographers

Rule 3: Framing.

This rule involves using the elements in your image to frame your subject, drawing the viewer's attention to it. This can include anything from a doorway to a tree branch, and it can be used to create a sense of context and depth. However, breaking this rule can also create a unique and unexpected image, such as by deliberately leaving the subject unframed.

Rule 4: Symmetry.

This rule is a favourite of mine and involves creating a sense of balance in your image, This is really important for wedding photographers either through perfect symmetry or through creating a sense of symmetry when photographing couples during weddings. This can be used to create a calming and harmonious image. However, breaking this rule can also create a dynamic and striking image, such as by intentionally creating an asymmetrical composition.

Rule 5: Background.

This rule involves considering the background of your image, and ensuring that it does not distract from the subject. This can be achieved by using a shallow depth of field to blur the background, or by finding a simple and neutral background. However, breaking this rule can also create an interesting and unexpected image, such as by intentionally incorporating a busy or colourful background.

Rule 6: Depth of field.

This rule involves considering the depth of field in your image, and using it to create a sense of depth and focus. This can be achieved by using a shallow depth of field to blur the background, or by using a wide depth of field to keep everything in focus. However, breaking this rule can also create a unique and unusual image, such as by intentionally using a shallow depth of field to blur the subject. When shooting weddings I always shoot at F2.8 and also while using a zoom lens as this allows for a punchier image of the bride and groom or wedding guests.

Rule 7: Exposure.

This rule involves considering the exposure of your image, and ensuring that it is correctly exposed. This can be achieved by adjusting your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to achieve the desired effect. However, breaking this rule can also create an interesting and unusual image, such as by intentionally over- or under-exposing the image.

While these rules are important to consider, creative photographers often push the boundaries and experiment with unique techniques to achieve their desired effect. One such technique is multiple exposure, which involves exposing the same frame multiple times to create a layered and textured effect. This can be achieved in-camera or in post-processing, and it can be used to create a dreamy and ethereal image.

Forced perspective:

This is a technique where you make an object appear larger or smaller than it is. It's achieved by positioning the camera at a certain angle or distance from the object. For instance, a couple standing in front of a famous landmark can be made to appear as though they are holding it in their hands. This is an old fashioned wedding technique of using the wedding rings in the foreground of the photo so that the rings look huge and the bride and groom look small in the background usually kissing in what appears to be "inside" the wedding rings themselves!!