Photographic Techniques

There are some photographic techniques which are essential to consider when composing a shot.

First, the shot distance is key and each different type of shot can portray different ideas about the image.

Big Close-Up                         Extreme Close-Up

These shot types are good for showing the significance of a character, or for showing them as powerful. Both BCU and ECU's are also extremely useful in drawing attention to characters emotions.

Medium Close-Up                                Close-Up             

MCU and CU shots are effective for portraiture of a single person or for moving image interviews.

                Medium Shot                           Medium Long Shot      

For a an image which is showing movement or for a balanced tracking of characters featured and their environments, both MS and MLS's are good shot types to use.

Long Shot                          Extreme Long Shot       

These shot types are good for showing the insignificance of a character, or for connoting a character as powerless within an empowering environment. LS and ELS's are also good for establishing location.







I would like to use a variety of these images in my own work for a number of different effects. For my front cover I plan to use a medium close-up as this is conventional of a front cover image and draws emphasis on my models facial features and expressions, and as I said this is an effective shot for portraiture. For my double page spread image I am considering using either a medium long shot, or a long shot to show my models whole body and therefore her clothing, stance and props however unlike these examples do not plan to have a detailed background so rather than looking powerless in an empowering environment, my model will look dominating. For my other images on the contents page I will use a number of these shot types to make the page look more varying and interesting to look at, but mainly medium long shots I think as this allows some more details of the mise-en-scene to be established than close ups. 



Colour and tone are also important aspects of a photograph and taking control of the way these are used is a key way of improving images. Tone control can be used to emphasise the shapes of the most important elements in the image, and also to emphasise important parts of the image and colour, helping to set the mood of the photograph. This includes variations of light and dark.

Vivid and vibrant coloured subjects are effective, as well as delicate coloured subjects and ones with muted tones.







Bright and bold colours such as primary colours are used on magazine covers, so these are important to consider when taking the image for the magazine front cover as colour sells.






Within a picture the use of just one or two colours can work well as this gives the shot intensity and a sense of harmony. The only thing to be careful of when using monochromatic colours is that when writing over the image, the typography often doesn't stand out very well.





I think that combining these colours and tones in my images will be very effective, as for example using monochromatic colours on my models with bright, bold primary coloured text overlaying it will make my magazine very eye-catching and will stand out on the shelf, ensuring more sales. I may also experiment with the lighting on my photos to try and incorporate some different tones rather than basic bright lighting as this will make my images more diverse and unique.




Shot composition is something that need to be thought about carefully, as a dull image is often caused by the subject being placed in the middle of the photograph, something many photographs seem to do. An effective focal point can be created by the use of off centre composition. Another important consideration is to keep in mind both the action in the foreground, and in the background, when composing a shot. 

I am going to try and experiment with this in my own photography as before this research I would immediately have just placed my model in the centre of the image however now I may try and use a prop or unusual pose as the focal point of the image to make it look more dynamic and less dull or boring.




Lines and framing are useful for emphasising and leading the viewer towards the main area of the subject. The picture space may also be divided into segments which can vary in size and shape, these shapes of the lines and their general patterns can strongly influence the mood of the photograph. The appearance of lines in a picture can be easily controlled by camera viewpoint. The rule of thirds is important to keep in mind when designing a show as the viewer's eye is drawn to the cross-sections of a frame; the action should be taking place here.

I will take notice of the direction of lines in my images where possible however if it is just a straight forward image of my model I will try to ensure this line of focus is her eyes by using a pose with a direct gaze and very bold eye make up so the attention is drawn straight here, I think this will make my image and model seem more relatable and appealing to the audience.



Texture and hints on creating texture are another way of approaching picture-taking as most of the time we think about the subject, this involves thinking beyond the subject and looking at it in terms of textures and patterns. Photography is especially effective at conveying the impression of texture, through its quality which can be extremely close up. Aspects which make a big difference to the appearance of textures are the direction, height and the quality of lighting.


Texture is definitely something I will try to focus on with my images particularly through the models clothing, perhaps leather or fur would be effective in making the image more aesthetically appealing and by using an extremely good camera and studio lighting, this high quality will make the textures even more effective and highlighted.



Use of tilt can be used to effectively manipulate the connotations of the subject of the image.






A tilt up shot, is from a low angle and is used to convey power or dominance.








A tilt down shot, is from a high angle and is used to convey vulnerability or weakness of the person in shot, to demonstrate the dominance of point of view.







Although I am not sure using tilt will fit in with my fairly simplistic and professional looking plan for my magazine, I may experiment with this when taking my photos as I would like my main model to look dominating and important so could use a slight tilt up shot, however nothing as dramatic as the example I have used here. I may also use a tilt down shot to make my model look more innocent rather than the weakness this type of shot tends to connote.