How to Capture More Interesting Photos

Photography is a powerful tool, and each photographer should aim to capture images uniquely that are in alignment with her style and voice. The mom photographer in me wants to capture images in which I preserve childhood moments of my rapidly growing children frame by frame. At the same time, the artist part of me wishes to capture dynamically creative images filled with visual interest. More simply put, I want the combination of why I capture images and how I photograph the moments I choose to preserve to be interesting.

There are many different ways in which a photographer can interestingly capture everyday moments. Today, I am sharing a few tried and true methods for infusing more interest in photographs.

1. Infuse a story 

Humans relate to stories. Life is a beautiful story of ups and downs and joys and pains, and visual stories displaying these moments can be captivating. The better you get at telling a story within your images, the more interesting they will be. When telling a story, think about elements you can include within the composition of the image to help strengthen the message. Stories can be simple or complex, and it's up to you as the photographer to make decisions about what to and not to include in the visual frame of your story. Consider all aspects of your frame and retain what you think is necessary to tell your story. 

 ^{ISO 100, 16mm, f8, 1/800SS}

2. Layer your frame

Intentionally layering your photograph with a foreground, middle ground, and background can help add context and infuses depth into an image. Layering a frame creates a more true to life feeling and can result in a more relatable and, ultimately, more interesting scene. Try using a larger aperture while focusing on your subject. The shallower depth of field that accompanies a larger aperture will nicely blur foreground and background details drawing attention to your subject with a thin line of focus. You can also try and use a smaller aperture for grande scenes in which all elements in their natural layers help contribute visual interest to the photograph and story you're telling.

^{ISO 400, 200mm, f3.2, 1/800SS}

3. Crop creatively

Unconventional cropping can catch a viewer's attention because it's different. Creative cropping done with intention can make an image more interesting and draw attention to details and specific aspects within a frame.

^{ISO 400, 105mm, f2.8, 1/640SS}

4. Capture movement 

Movement is an easy and attractive way in which to create a more interesting image. Photographs with movement suggest vitality, and this type of energy can draw a viewer into a frame holding attention and interest. 

^{ISO 200, 35mm, f2.8, 1/3200SS}

5. Simplify

Purposely excluding extraneous elements within a frame can be a very effective way in which to create a more interesting image. You can infuse simplicity into an image by focusing on your subject which will create a more austere environment. By avoiding a lot of detail, your viewer will be forced to focus on your subject. It's a great idea to use a shallow depth of field in these types of images, as your focal point will help draw attention to your intended subject matter, allowing the rest of the frame to fade away. Simplicity can be incredibly eye-catching and interesting.  

^{ISO 100, 50mm, f2.8, 1/1600SS}

Taking the time to capture your images with intention using different approaches will help you capture more interesting photos that will go beyond the simple snapshot. Keep in mind that you should always infuse your reasons for picking up your camera into all of your images. Allowing your pictures to be a reflection of you will be the one ingredient that should never be forgotten when you are trying to capture more interesting images.