Take your photos from good to great

[BrandPoint]

(BPT) - Whether you’ve been taking pictures for years or just bought your first camera, photography is an art enjoyed by people around the globe. And while people have captured the beauty around them for generations, today it’s easier than ever to share those photos with friends and family, or even strangers, anywhere in the world.

These days, there are even opportunities to see the photos you take on a worldwide stage. For example, photographers who want some extra exposure can use the new Bing Homepage photo app on Facebook, to submit their own photos for consideration for the Bing homepage image. With a potential audience of millions of people, it’s more important than ever to make sure your photos are beautiful.

Korske Ara, founder of World Photography Day, knows what it takes to make photographs truly memorable. Make sure your photos are ready for family, friends, and the world by following these easy steps.

*Lighting is the secret sauce of a great picture. Whether you're using natural or artificial light, the appropriate lighting makes the difference between a good picture and a great one. Next time you're taking pictures outdoors, wait for a cloud to move across the sun to make a potentially flat image look vibrant instead. If you’re taking pictures indoors, Ara recommends moving lamps or adding candles to change the atmosphere and mood of a photo.

*Make your photograph unique with a perspective that’s all your own. Don’t know where to start? Check out the Bing homepage for inspiration, as it features unique images from around the world each day, often from unique vantage points. Ara also says, “When you see something worth photographing, chances are most people have seen it from the same perspective that you're initially seeing.” Instead, ask yourself, how can I bring this to life in a new way? You'll be surprised at the results you get just by re-thinking where you stand, kneel or lay as you take your photos.

*Don’t forget your equipment. Tripods are often disregarded because of their size but they are fantastic tools for photographers. Especially when taking shots of landscapes or wildlife the tripod makes a big difference in the quality of photographs, as it helps stabilize your camera, resulting in a clearer and sharper photograph, particularly in lower light situations. Most cameras these days have a tripod mount, including many point and shoots, and for those on the go, compact tripods are easier than ever to find.

*Grab your camera and get out there. Ara tells new photographers not to be afraid to put their skills to the test and start taking a camera with you everywhere you go. With the introduction of digital photography, there is incredible freedom to capture memories like never before. Practice, experiment, and keep trying. Learning to capture beautiful photographs is a life-long journey and there's always something new to learn, see and capture. A beautiful photograph isn't captured by theory, it's captured by emotion.

[BrandPoint]