Use these 2 major photo tips to take better, more interesting photos.

This will also help you receive higher scores in photo contests.

First Photo Tip

Compose photos so that the image meets and then holds the viewer’s eye.

We read from left to right. So our view enters on the left and then travels about in the frame.

For example, consider how your eye reacts to these two photos.

Photo #1 (Looking to the Left)

Chipping Sparrow Looking to the Left

Here, the bird looks toward the left.

In doing so, the bird meets the viewer’s eye as it enters the frame. Then the body of the bird holds the viewer’s eye.

Photo #2 (Looking to the Right)

Chipping Sparrow Looking to the Right

Here the bird is looking to the right.

In doing so, the bird sends the viewer’s eye out of the frame.

How to Do This

Ideally, design photos so that they hold the viewer’s eye.

When that’s impossible (for example, the bird refuses to turn around), just flip the photo in post processing.

Of course, be realistic. Flipping people’s faces, landmarks, signs, logos, and such will result in logical errors.

See samples here:

Birds Up Close (Close up photos of birds)