The ability to edit comments would be cool.

...calling them "rules" can stifle beginners. They are guidelines, not hard-and-fast your-picture-will-suck-if-you-don't rules.

Practice with the "rules" and they will become second nature eventually, but when in doubt; click the shutter release and see what comes out. Some of my best shots were "accidents".

four12

Remember the sixth rule that was not stated in the article; all rules are flexible and can be safely ignored when the time is right.

four12

@four12: If you watch the complete video, it concludes with precisely that point.

Uri Bushey

Overall this is pretty well done. But there's one thing that bothers me.

How can tilting the camera not be an option? And if you can't tilt the camera, how would you be able to reposition yourself?

waffles

Tilting the camera is not recommended because it can distort your subject. Sometimes this can work to your advantage, but in many cases it looks rather unpleasant.

bagofpork

There are some (humorous) mistakes in photo composition here if anyone is interested - www.blownpixel.co.uk/inspiration/photographic-composition/

I waste so much time with photos supplied by clients that they swear are "just perfect for the brochure", but on inspection need hours of photoshop work to get rid of all the rubbish in the background - god bless the clone tool ;)

blownpixel

I think the producers of this need to look up a video on 'how to make instructional videos that don't use annoying visual effects'. I felt seasick watching that.

amysansom

The tips are OK... nothing that can't be explained with a few sentences. The sample images do not really demonstrate the rules well. Actually most of the pictures sucked. And maybe its just me, but who in the hell holds their camera like that guy. I can't stand it.

kh0annguyen

These and other "rules" are also covered with examples at my Wedding Photography Blog. Look in the composition category. There's plenty more advice for beginners in the other blog entries there as well.

sepial

-1 for using crappy kit lens. But overall a worthy tutorial for anyone who has a camera.

inajeep

On the subject of photography and in time for the dreaded holiday photos here's a few tips to looking thinner in photos:

Tilt your head down slightly with a tad cocked to the side *but not overtly obvious.* Look up and smile. Then...bye-bye double chin, thick neck, or thyroid throat. ;o) Now at first it sounds like it would exaggerate a double chin. Quite the contrary if done properly. Practice in the mirror, if you must.

The other method is to have the photographer take the photo on ONE step, whereby the photo is taken downward and the people looking up a tad (though natural and subtle). Again, subtle and not too obvious. It becomes natural quite quickly. Its a must for double chins.
Somehow it creates an image of a thinner you in general.

Avoid horizontal lined shirts or you will look heavier.

If you look directly above the camera lens (such as the top of the hood or to the side of the lens) vs directly into the camera lens (which is directly into the flash [pupils]), the red eye is greatly diminished or not even an issue.

And of course proper lighting or added lighting behind the photographer will draw out excellent colours and contrast. If added lights are used for this purpose, angle the lights to avoid shadows. OR use a dark back drop to avoid shadows.

In any case, work the camera and it won't work you! Cheeeeze! ;o)
Toodle-do and Happy-happy Christmas!

Dr.Bohemian

@blownpixel: Oh, c'mon. Those pics HAD to have been staged!

Pixelologist