Our first tip out of the gate comes as one that is almost more of a pet peeve to me than anything. It’s not that I mean to be negative or pic apart other peoples work but this seems to be the most abused form of creativity. Yes, some people think it’s being “creative” when you add that extreme tilt to your camera so you have to look at the photo sideways when you finally see it. Don’t get me wrong, I have abused this tilt more than once in my time. I would say most people starting off in photography do. But so do some seasoned, well respected photographers as well. All the way up to some very big time, highly paid wedding photogs that get paid to speak and teach.
Here’s some basic guidelines I try to follow. First, try to shoot it straight. Try to make your composition (i.e. lines, subjects, etc) work without tilting the camera. Your attention should be on your subject not the crazy angle.
If you tilt: It should flow. It should be with a purpose. It should not distract from what you were trying to achieve in the first place. A person looking at the photo should almost not even notice that you tilted the camera in the first place. Usually, it will frame up your subject or cause lines to lead your eye to them. You might try pushing your subject to a corner. DON’T JUST DO IT TO “BE CREATIVE”. But don’t be afraid to try.
Here’s a wrong and a right. Yes, they are my images. I’m not to proud to show you my mistakes. We can all learn from them. You know I did.
Enjoy, Baker
Ohhhh, creative. Not bad but does nothing for the photo.
Ahhhh, better. Subject is the focus and where the eye is drawn to first. Notice the line the surf makes leads out the far corner. It’s only then you might notice the tilt due to the horizon line. I think of the 120+ images I gave this couple only 3 were tilted.
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