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50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life

Juan Rulfo

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Published in Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

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The world is full of beauty, even in the most ordinary of moments. With a camera in hand, you can capture the extraordinary in the everyday and tell a story that is both unique and universal. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these 50 tips will help you take better shots of ordinary life.

Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life

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1. Find the beauty in the mundane

The first step to taking better shots of ordinary life is to learn to see the beauty in the mundane. This could be anything from the way the light hits a window to the patterns in a sidewalk. Once you start to see the beauty in the everyday, you'll be able to capture it in your photographs.

A Photo Of A Window With The Light Streaming In. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

2. Capture candid moments

Candid moments are often the most telling. They capture the real emotions and interactions of people as they go about their day. To capture candid moments, be observant and patient. Wait for the right moment and then snap the shutter. Don't be afraid to get close to your subjects, but be respectful of their privacy.

A Photo Of A Woman Laughing With Her Friends. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

3. Tell a story

Every photograph tells a story. What's the story behind your photos? When you're taking a picture, think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Your photos will be more powerful if they have a clear narrative.

A Photo Of A Man Walking Down A Street With A Suitcase. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

4. Use natural light

Natural light is always the best light for photography. It's soft, flattering, and free. If you can, shoot your photos outdoors in the shade or on a cloudy day. If you're shooting indoors, try to position your subjects near a window.

A Photo Of A Woman Sitting In A Window With The Light Streaming In. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

5. Use a wide-angle lens

A wide-angle lens can help you capture more of the scene in a single shot. This can be helpful for capturing candid moments or telling a story. Be careful not to use a wide-angle lens too close to your subjects, as it can distort their features.

A Photo Of A Group Of People Walking Down A Street. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

6. Use a zoom lens

A zoom lens can help you get closer to your subjects without having to move. This can be helpful for capturing portraits or details. Be careful not to zoom in too close, as it can make your photos look grainy.

A Photo Of A Woman's Face. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

7. Use a tripod

A tripod can help you keep your camera steady, which is essential for taking sharp photos. This is especially important if you're using a long lens or shooting in low light. A tripod can also help you compose your shots more carefully.

A Photo Of A Camera On A Tripod. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

8. Experiment with different angles

Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles when you're taking photos. Shooting from a high angle can make your subjects look more powerful, while shooting from a low angle can make them look more vulnerable. Shooting from a side angle can create a sense of mystery.

A Photo Of A Woman Looking Up At A Building. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

9. Use leading lines

Leading lines can help draw the viewer's eye into your photo and create a sense of depth. Leading lines can be anything from a path to a fence to a river.

A Photo Of A Path Leading To A Forest. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

10. Use negative space

Negative space is the empty space in a photograph. It can be used to create a sense of balance and emphasize your subject. Don't be afraid to leave some negative space in your photos.

A Photo Of A Woman Sitting In A Room With A Lot Of Negative Space. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

11. Pay attention to composition

Composition is the arrangement of elements in a photograph. It's important to pay attention to composition when you're taking photos, as it can affect the overall look and feel of your image. There are many different rules of composition, but some of the most common include the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, and the Fibonacci spiral.

A Photo Of A Landscape With The Horizon In The Middle. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life

12. Edit your photos

Once you've taken your photos, you can edit them to improve their look and feel. There are many different photo editing software programs available, both free and paid. Some of the most popular photo editing programs include Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Picasa. You can use photo editing software to crop your photos, adjust the colors and contrast, and add filters and effects.

A Photo Of A Woman Who Has Been Edited To Have A Brighter Smile. Street Photography: 50 Ways To Capture Better Shots Of Ordinary Life