Purple Prose + photography tips

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to move it

Last month I was in my favorite photography store and overheard a customer talking to a sales clerk. Okay, I was eavesdropping, but at least I had the decency to stifle the laugh that hovered on my lips. She lamented that the store only sold vertical picture frames, which she felt was ridiculous because cameras only produce horizontal photos. What she didn’t realize was a) she could turn the picture frame 90 degrees for her photos, and b) she could flip her camera 90 degrees to take vertical shots. But don’t laugh…she isn’t the only one who’s made this mistake.

What does this all mean to your photos? Well, it opens up your creative options:

  • The vertical shot is perfect when you want to cut out as much background as possible, such as in a portrait or in macro shots. This helps move the focus on the subject.

  • The horizontal view is great for groups and landscapes.
Let the rules of composition guide you when deciding whether to use the vertical or horizontal frame, but experiment with both and you may discover a view you hadn’t even considered. Also, try turning the camera at a slight angle for an interesting picture. Just be careful that you don’t cause your BFF to look like she tripped over something just as you snapped the shot.

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Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to move it + photography tips