Scan your photo albums or the frames decorating your home and you will get a general idea of your picture taking habits. For example, the other day I was sorting photos and I noticed that I have an inordinate amount of vertical shots of my 3-year-old daughter. When she was a baby most, if not all, of the images I took of her were horizontal tummy shots. Now that she is a walking, talking… well, now, she’s more like a running blur, I tend to shoot vertically.
Which is not to say that I don’t think about picture composition prior to snapping a shot. I do. Though, looking at my most recent images I notice that I have been getting a bit lazy when it comes to creativity. With that said, I thought it was a good idea for us to review some basic shooting tips.
COMPOSITION
Be Creative. Try not to place your subject smack in the middle of the frame. If your camera has the option, divide your viewfinder or LCD screen into a tic-tac-toe board and place something of interest at one of the intersecting lines. When your subject is slightly off center, the image often becomes much more interesting.
Be Aware of Your Background. I can’t tell you how many shots I’ve taken where a tree is protruding out of my subject’s head. Remember to scrutinize your entire shot, not just the person you are photographing.
Think Solids. Solid colors look the best in pictures. If you taking a portrait shot of your child don’t dress him or her in stripes, checks or other wild patterns, which are distracting and take attention away from facial expressions.
OTHER TIPS:
Candid Shots. If you aren’t schooled in the art of stealth photography there is no time like the present to learn. People don’t always have to be aware of the camera in order for the photo to be a keeper. For example, when your child is opening a present don’t have him stop ripping the paper and smile for the camera; instead shoot while your subject is in action—-that’s often when the best images are captured.
Take Charge. You don’t have to be a pushy photographer, but if you are taking a group shot it’s a good idea to take charge and direct people where to go. For instance, if you want taller people on the sides and shorter people in the middle you need to communicate this. Also, a good photographer knows the importance of encouraging his or her subjects to smile and be expressive.
Mix It Up. Take some wide shots, medium shots and close-ups. Then, take shots with different angles; shoot from below or shoot from above. You’ll see the benefit of doing so when you get your shots developed and are placing them in a montage for a slideshow or as a page in your scrapbook.
Include Yourself. This is a something most mom/photographers forget to do. Over the years I have mastered my camera’s self-timer and even invested in a tripod.
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Monday Photo Challenge – Up Close and Personal
Monday Photo Challenge – View From the Top