Shoot Something Different — Make A GREAT Image
Photo contests get hundreds if not thousands of submissions. Being a judge means sifting through a multitude of different styles, stories, and subject matter. In order to really catch the judges' eye, you'll need to create a mesmerizing photo that stands out against the grain.
This is where it gets fun.
An interesting photo comes from the eye of the beholder. Utilizing unique composition, strong color palettes, an interesting subject matter, and exciting lighting techniques will no doubt throw your image over the edge. Really think about what it’s like to live outside the box — or better yet, throw out the box all together!
Interesting Composition
Composition is one of the important tools to use when perfecting a successful photo. It’s so important, in fact, that when not utilized your image will look off and unbalanced. By using the rule of thirds, symmetry, balance, depth, and leading lines — you’ll be able to make anything look good. Read more on composition here.
Work With Light To Scale An Image
In the attempt to compose photographs with an emphasis on scale, one thing that is often overlooked is lighting—a mistake that must be corrected, for light and scale are inextricably linked to one another. Even on overcast days, whether illuminating an object in the foreground or in the distance, the ways in which light interacts with a scene brings greater depth. See what’s behind Griffin Lamb’s brain as to what makes a great photo when working with dramatic scenes.
Use Color To Create a Distinctive Style
Whether you’re trying to get your tiles dialed on Instagram or are looking to elevate your photography, you've got to have a distinctive style. There are many ways to create a ‘look’ that’s all your own (don’t worry, we’ll explore all of them in the coming months), and color is one of the biggest components. Some photographers build a color palette and stick with it no matter what, while others learn how to apply color in a way that suits the mood of the shoot to create a consistent photo set. Cook up some inspiration while reading John’s piece on color and how it effects your image style.