How to properly take a photo?
Please follow my instructions step-by-step:
- I take it you have a camera. If not then borrow one, by one, whatever - but don't bother me.
- Choose the object. You think this is easy? Wrong. It's the hardest of it all, but unfortunately one thing where I cannot really help (except - hopefully - by setting an example with my own photos).
- Choose the light. If it isn't good come again later, or earlier.
- Well, obviously if the object you've chosen is unlikely to still be there later (or earlier) - or you are unlikely to be there at another time - then you may as well continue with the next point.
- If you are free to do so choose the point from where to take the photo (you aren't if the object is moving, especially if fast, or if the object isn't exactly an object but resembles more your beloved relatives who are unwilling to wait until you've found the perfect angle).
- Spread your legs in order to be more stable - the plane between your feet should be as big as possible without destabilising your position; ideally you angle one foot so that it forms a triangle (if possible you may also lean on a wall or a window) - thus you kind of give your body something of a tripod stability, like shown here in this picture:
- Turn on your camera and hold it in a comfortable position; triangle-style again would be preferable.
- Look out at the horizon. Now this really is important: try to keep the horizon approximately straight. Or if this is too much to ask then at least give the horizon a huge tilt so that everyone knows you wanted to take the photo like this!
- And now: click!
