There are six essential steps in taking a striking picture, whether using traditional film or a digital camera, these steps remain the same.

1~Line.

Line may be the most important element to remember, if you can use strong lines in your pictures either

from verticals to converging or horizontals to diagonal you can create strong images.

2~Shape.

Shape is crucial to a striking picture. Shape allows the viewer to identify the subject first and then understand the other elements in the picture.

3~Form.

Whereas Shape is two dimensional Form is the third dimension, depth. Depending on light and how it hits the form reveals the feeling of depth. Depth is fundamental in a good image. The form of circles, rectangles and triangles are revealed when light strikes them and the contrast of light and shadow turns from shape into form.

4~Color.

Color is the most important element to a striking picture when you use it correctly. Complementary and contrasting colors make a stunning image but when they aren't used right can ruin a picture that otherwise could be great. Color provokes strong emotions, when we relate what we're feeling or remembering we use color to describe those feelings.

Red is passionate

Orange is warm

Green represents peace

Blue is restful

Black evokes anger and fear

Adding color to a picture that has elements that already summon emotion your final image will be extraordinary.

5~Patterns.

Patterns in a photo make it more exciting. Broken patterns and repeating patterns both display something interesting in a picture. You can use patterns as a background in a picture or as the subject of the picture, the best thing about patterns is that they can be found anywhere and identifying them will add excitement to your images.

6~Texture.

Next to color, texture evokes the strongest emotions in a picture. Side-lighting lifts the texture out of an image so that the texture itself creates a feeling. Textures are wonderful in up close pictures of stones, trees, sidewalks, sand...it is important to get in there where the contrasts are clearly visible.

Remember that any subject can be interesting. See the picture before you take it, lift the camera to your eye and see how the print would look, if you don't like it, if it's uninspiring move around, get on the ground, lay flat on your back if you want to. Look for different angles and always keep your camera with you, ready to shoot.