As a beginning photographer, you may be overwhelmed with the number of photography techniques. Professional photographers like Ashwin Khubchandani and others say that there are nine techniques all photographers should master. Here’s the list of techniques to always remember while taking a picture.

1. Be Patient

Remember, the best shots are often when you least expect them. So be patient and wait for that perfect shot. If you’re rushing, then your pictures will come out blurred and unfocused. By taking your time and not rushing, you’ll capture the perfect shot.

2. Watch your lighting

Natural light is always best for taking photos because it shows the subject’s natural beauty. Avoid direct sunlight when taking a photo, as this can create harsh shadows and highlight imperfections. Rather than using direct sunlight, use the sun behind you as a directional light for your subject.

3. Know your camera

Always take time to know your camera and how it works. This will help you understand what settings are most appropriate for each shot. In addition, it makes taking pictures much easier when you already know what to do.

4. Pay attention to the background

It’s not just the subject that matters, but the background too. Make sure you look around, so you avoid clutter or messy backgrounds distracting from your photo’s main subject. A clean and uncluttered picture shows a good composition and makes for an impressive shot.

5. Use leading lines in your photos

Leading lines can make a picture much more compelling and interesting. These come from many sources, such as roads and fences. Leading lines lead the viewer through your image and direct their attention toward the subject in focus. The viewer should be naturally led to the important part of the photo by these precise lines.

6. Have a clear focal point

A picture is not just about taking an image for its own sake, it’s also about providing information. So there should always be one major focal point that readers’ eyes are drawn towards – this could be engaging, or perhaps something that tells a story or evokes a feeling in the viewer. In addition, it should often evoke a sense of movement, either leading you to see a moving subject or creating a sense of flow across the image.

7. Use Rule of Thirds

When you place your subject in the right position, it makes for a more interesting shot. Imagine dividing your viewfinder into thirds, both horizontally and vertically – this will give you four intersecting points within the frame. Position your subject on one of those intersections to give it focus and create an artistic shot.

8. Watch out for distracting background elements

Not only are messy backgrounds ugly – they detract from what should have been the main focus of the photograph, which is often the subject itself. By keeping an eye on background distractions, you can make sure that nothing is pulling away from your photo’s main point. This way, people will appreciate seeing a clean and focused image instead of a distracting background.

9. Be spontaneous

You may know what your subject will be, but sometimes the most interesting photos come from being spontaneously creative with your shot. Take a step back from your composition for a minute and consider whether it needs anything else that could make it more attractive or eye-catching. For example, you can incorporate flowers, people, or even animals into the photo for more interest and atmosphere.