Expert tips & tricks

We caught up with top photographer Charlie Waite, and asked him to share his secrets for taking winning shots.

• Try to think of ‘making’ an image and not casually 'taking' one.
• Remember what it was that first attracted you to the scene and try to ensure that your photograph will convey something of your delight at its discovery. If you and any viewer of your image receive a high percentage of the experience that you enjoyed at the making of it, then your photograph will have been successful.
• Omit elements that conflict, unless you want to emphasise contrasting features.
• Observe lighting and notice how different surfaces absorb and reflect light. With the aid of compliant clouds, use light to pronounce the elements that you wish to emphasise and subdue those that you don’t.
• Consider conveying depth to mitigate the two dimensional nature of photography.
• Try not to be preoccupied only with the centre of the image. Look around, through and beyond.
• Take your eye around the perimeter of the viewfinder, as the edges matter.
• When photographing people, be prepared to look out for a surprise image. Anticipate and keep your visual antennae alert, remain astute and visually agile.
• With candid portraiture, think about whether you want people to know that you are photographing them. If you do, then introduce yourself and gain their trust. If not, then place your subjects at a distance to make them unrecognisable.
• Look for an activity that your subjects are engaging in and perhaps try to inject some humour into the image.
• If time allows, try not to rush. Settle into your photograph. Haste and pressure are barriers to creativity.