Let’s face it.

Photography in manual mode is HARD. 

Photography can feel overwhelming if you are just getting started. 

It’s such a learning process and requires absolute dedication and constant practice.

It takes time and a lot of patience, but the results are so worth it! 

It took me hours of making mistakes, re-watching YouTube videos, and enrolling in courses.

But I can honestly say it wasn’t for nothing, and I am proud of where I am today as a photographer.

Am I the best?

Absolutely not.

But I sure am a heck of a lot better than where I was, and now I actually feel comfortable and confident with a camera in my hand. 

Let me help you and give you some free advice I wish someone had told me when I was first starting.

Here are three tips to create stunning photos for beginners. 

The Elements of Composition

Learning the different aspects of composition is essential to capturing a picturesque, aesthetic photo.

The key elements are: 

Leading lines 

These are “lines” within a picture that lead to the main focus.

What is the subject of the photo?

Use your surroundings to accentuate what you are trying to capture.

Rule of thirds 

These composition components that I listed are essential, but using the rule of thirds is what really grabs your audience’s attention. 

Have you ever seen a picture that doesn’t look quite right, the subject is off, or you can’t see what the photographer is trying to portray?

By using the rule of thirds, which places the main focus on one-third of the image.

For example, imagine a sheet of paper horizontally, and fold it equally into thirds.

Now picture the subject of your photo, like a tree, in the middle of one of the thirds. 

It doesn’t matter which one, but it grabs the viewer’s attention and lets them know what you are trying to capture.

People’s brains like this.

Typically, positioning your subject in the middle is the most difficult, but if you have an excellent surrounding environment or none for a more dramatic effect, go for it! 

The more pictures you take, your “eye” develops, and you’ll notice things you didn’t before.

Symmetry and patterns

If the situation presents itself, symmetry and patterns make for a fantastic photo.

A great example of this is reflection shots. 

Like a mountain reflected in perfectly still water. 

Patterns are often seen in cityscape photography.

I don’t know much about cityscape and angles but hats off to you if that’s your thing!

Negative space 

I think negative space is so underrated. 

This goes back to what I mentioned in the rule of thirds section when you don’t have much of anything surrounding your subject. 

The lack of anything, or the expanse of nothing, is negative space and can evoke strong emotion and be the most powerful element in your photograph. 

A lot of minimalist photographers use this technique.

Horizon

This element might be a little confusing.

In your picture, the horizon line is where the sky meets the earth or water. 

However, place the horizon line appropriately! 

Using the rule of thirds, imagine that horizontal piece of paper we had, but the folds are horizontal now instead of vertical.

Position the horizon line on one of the thirds, probably the bottom or middle. 

Use your good photographer’s eye and judgment for suitable placement. 

While positioning your camera for the shot, look at the entire photo you’re looking at and ask yourself, “is this something that would catch my attention?”

Having too much foreground is unappealing to your viewers!

Perspective

The second tip to create stunning photos for beginners is to understand perspective. 

While implementing all these aspects in creating a good photo, don’t lose focus on your goal.

Why do you like photography? 

Because you want to take photos capturing the image you want the world to see.

You are an artist.

Take pictures that show others the beauty in what your eye sees.

What makes this image beautiful to you, the details? The subject and details accentuating it? 

Capture everything. 

Showcase what your mind finds beautiful. 

Lighting

I think this is one of my favorite topics in photography. 

Lighting sets the mood of your photo.

Low lighting can create a dark and dramatic effect.

It can also be used to enhance the minute lights. 

A good example is taking photos of the night sky. 

The black sky without a moon highlights the stars.

Golden hour

Golden hour is the hour before and after sunrise and sunset. 

It’s technically more than an hour, but that’s the term used in photography. 

I am unfortunately not a morning person, but alas, my passion for good quality photos has me getting up at four in the morning on vacation for “THE SHOT” I can’t live without. 

I have found that sunrise photos are equally as important and beautiful, if not more, than sunset photos. 

There are also a lot fewer people.

Sometimes, the fog settles in at night, and there is no sun to chase away the clouds, so when the sun rises, and the first light appears, the messy sky can create an outstanding picture.

Also, when the light shines through the trees and into the fog in a dense forest, it gives off an ethereal appeal. 

**Pro-tip** There is nothing wrong with taking pictures in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Don’t let people tell you otherwise. It might have less red and orange coloring in the sky; however, have you ever seen what pictures people have in their houses or their offices? Often, it’s a photo taken mid-day. People buy photos for themselves that are taken during peak sun times. 

There are so many aspects that go into photography and creating the image you want to present. Learning how to implement the composition components and understanding when to recognize when to use one or a combination of them takes practice. Even when thinking of all the things that make up a great photograph, don’t lose focus on what YOU are taking a picture of and wanting to show to the world. This is your work, your art, so let your audience see what you see through your eyes. Use the golden hours of the day to your advantage, but it is perfectly ok to take pictures when the sun is at its highest, and heaven forbid, it is also ok to take a picture facing the sun. *gasp*

Keep practicing every chance you get, and I hope you enjoyed these three tips to create stunning photos for beginners. 

Check out one of my previous posts here to learn how to take waterfall pics like a pro!