Whether you’re flipping through your favorite magazine or scrolling through social media, you’re inundated with examples of brilliant photography. Luckily, the only things standing between you and a professional-looking shot are a decent camera and the will to excel. Here are three rules you should internalize if you want to give your photography a professional sheen.

3 Tenets of Great Photography

1. Always Be Prepared

You never know when the sun might hit your subject in just the right way—or when inspiration for your next perfect photo might strike. That’s why, if you have an interest in photography, it’s crucial to view your environment through a photographer’s eyes. It’s also helpful to have the tools you need to pull off the ideal shot. Always bring your camera with you if you can.

2. Try the Rule of Thirds

Many photographers earn their stripes with the “rule of thirds,” a compositional cheat sheet to capturing well-balanced, eye-catching images. Essentially, it splits your field of view into three rows and three columns, producing nine equal rectangles. To take more dynamic photos, place the subject of interest at an intersection of these lines. While it might feel strange to aim for an off-center shot, you’ll be surprised at how this trick will enhance your finished products.

3. Change Your Perspective

Once you’ve filled up a memory card or two, you might notice that you tend to shoot from similar angles. If you’re tired of seeing the same view of the sunset, change your perspective. Lie on the ground and shoot upwards, or hike a mountain to get a towering shot. With these changes in perception comes experimentation with depth—the relationship between close and far-away objects in your photos. Adding more depth will make your photos seem far more dramatic to the viewer.

Whether you’re new to photography or have been honing your craft for years, K & R Photographics is proud to serve all camera enthusiasts in the Greater Cincinnati Area. In addition to cameras, they also sell high-quality printers, software, and accessories—everything you need to excel at taking pictures. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website or call (859) 341-6986.