Have you had problems making your photos have that magical feeling that arouse interest in the users?  This is a common problem for anyone who has started out as a photographer. Worry not, here are a few simple techniques that you can use to give your photos that definition it previously lacked.

Tilt-Shift Effect: This is an illusion that you can create when you edit, post-process, your photos on the computer to make it look like a miniature. This is also called the miniature effect or miniature faking. All you have to do is blur the top and bottom of the pic drawing the users attention to the center which makes the picture look like it has been taken from a very close distance and hence a miniature effect. Bump up the saturation to make the subject look more toy like.

Bokeh: Bokeh is the technical term for the blurring caused by a shallow depth of field when you photograph a subject. In simpler terms the background that is out of focus forms interesting patterns that could draw eyes to the photograph. Alternatively you can choose to take a photograph with the subject out of focus to get the bokeh. Use it creatively and you shall be rewarded. Make sure that the bokeh will not disturb the image but rather add a pleasing effect.

Monochrome and Selective coloring: You may know the former as Black and White photography. Historic places, portraits and candid photography look best with the old touch of B&W. A small variation of the same is selective coloring which you can add via photoshop or other picture editing softwares. This will force the audience to see what you see. When you choose the right subject, the drama in the picture is taken to a whole new level

Panning: Taking pictures of cars or moving subjects in general is tough. The picture ends up being blurred. Make use of this opportunity to move your camera along with the subject predicting the direction of movement and you have a beautiful image with your subject in relatively sharp focus than the background. Panning + Selective coloring could be the best combination since your viewers know what to look at without the slightest doubt

Long Exposure:  With advanced cameras like high end point and shoots and DSLRs you can manipulate the shutter speed to capture images with the shutter letting in light for as long as 30 minutes or even indefinitely with the bulb mode. With your camera mounted on a tripod or a stable place without any disturbance, you can even capture the movement of stars as star trails. With shorter times under 30 seconds you can capture the trails of moving vehicles.

Creative mind and imagination are the limit to your photography skills. Keep clicking and you will keep learning.

(AW- Anil)