Photography masterclass

November 10 2010 17:28
Category: Masterclass

Giles Penfound shares his wisdom

Always hungry for knowledge and keen to learn new skills, the PinkGreen designers: Ben, Amy and Guy decided to take on a new challenge, a masterclass in photography with Giles Penfound. The PinkGreen team are always keen to learn from the best and who better than Giles to teach a thing or two about crafting beautiful images. Stepping away from their Macs and looking down the barrel of a Canon; Ben, Amy and Guy set off (with Giles’ words still ringing in their ears) to photograph the idyllic charm of the Kennet & Avon canal. Below is a selection of some the photos taken by the studious candidates on the day…watch out Martin Parr!

PinkGreen’s top photography tips:

1. Fill the frame: make sure your subject fills the whole picture.
2. Change your viewpoint: take your pictures from an unusual angles and vantage points to create new and interesting perspectives.
3. The rule of thirds: imagine your frame is divided into horizontal and vertical thirds creating a grid of 9 equal sections, add interest and tension to your composition by positioning key elements along the dividing lines or at the points where the lines intersect.
4. Leading lines: use natural or man made lines within the scene to draw your eye towards areas of interest. 
5. Diagonals: tilting and turning your camera can often bring something new to the form of your picture.
6. Triangles: connect points of interest into a triangular form to create a more interesting flow to your composition.
7. Obvious feature: capturing something that sticks out like a sore thumb in your surroundings, be it a physical entity or a particular element of lighting.
8. Framing: find an element within your composition to frame another, giving the subject a real sense of depth and perspective.  

It’s important to note that not all these elements together are necessary to produce great pictures, taking just a few of these points on board will help you to discover new beauty in even the mundane.

Now get happy snapping!

Bens photos

Guys photos

Amys phots