Normal rules for a good snap?

[Rick58]

Guys...Guys!!! no need to get into fisty cuffs. The reason I use the term Snap or snapshots are because that's what my photos are!!! I am not up to any kind of standard as people on here, also they are just quickly taken...normally while out walking the dogs or looking after my 4 year old. I can however see how the use of the term may offend photographers, I do not class myself as that yet x

No worries Jonesy. Charlies an ok guy. Ask him, he'll tell ya
BTW, My definition of a "photographer" is anyone who enjoys making photograph's. It sounds like you're one .

 

[pgriz]

Ah, no fisticuffs here - these *****cats like to air-box. And make lots of theatening noises. But we're onto them.

Now, Jonesey, here's what you gotta remember. Snaps are the most honest, non-pretentious, "real" shots you can make with the camera. Unencumbered by thinking and scheming, they are an honest record. So no need for any apologies from any quarter. Even from Charlie, who's a really fine photographer... and who likes an occasional stir of the honey pot for giggles.

That said, getting the exposure right is probably a good idea, as is getting the focus. But, if you're going to break rules, break them with panache - nothing as pathetic as a weak attempt at rule-breaking. Break them like you mean it! If you're going to cut off a face, don't stop with the ear - go for the whole half head! And no wimpy tilting of horizons either - make the tilt part of your composition! Ok, you get it. Part of the fun of photography is to have fun and not get too serious about it.

 

[Rick58]

I'm a snapshooter, record shot maker. Whatever you want to call me is fine. Like I said earlier in this thread I like to record things and places I've been, but you can do that without looking like grandma's vacation shots. Here's my list:

Exposure and focus. Always most important

Try to show depth in your photo by not shooting your subject straighten on. Nothing screams "amateur snapshot" more then a building or other subject shot straight-on and centered.

Rule of thirds: Envision a tic-tac-toe board in your viewfinder. Use the 4 intersecting lines as your pionts of interest. Your point of interest can either be at those intersections or use the lines themselves for vertical or horizonal lines such as landscape horizons or vertical objects such as buildings

Depth of Field: For close single subjects, try to throw your background out of focus to draw attention to the purpose of the shot.

Try to find something, a tree branch, path, road or other object to lead your eyes to the subject.