Photography Tips

It’s not often that I include a photo of myself, is it? I took it on a whim today with the baby camera (that’s what it’s been christened), and as it’s actually not a bad photo I thought I’d share. I may take it down later, but for now there it is.

Over the past few weeks I’ve gotten several e-mails from readers (I still can’t believe that I have readers. I mean, wow! Readers!) asking for me to share some photography tips on the blog. I’m slightly reluctant to do so, because hey, I’m no expert. But I’m going to do it anyway, based on the theory that I can just tell you what works for me and if it doesn’t work for you the most you’re out is a few minutes of your time. But first, you should go and check out some of the blogs of some of the people on my sidebar. There are some really talented photographers over there, and some of them post photography tips now and then. For starters, look at Picture This, The Land of K.A., The Farmer’s Wife, Behind the Lens, and I Wish….

Ok, now, for my basic tips on how to take better photographs, no matter what type of camera you have:

1. Get close to your subject. Are you close? Alright…get closer. Fill the frame with whatever it is that you’re photographing. Get as close as your camera will focus. Obviously there are times when this is not the best move, but more often than not the less amount of negative space in the photo the more interesting it will be to look at. What would you rather see–a photo of a cute baby in a swing, or a photo of a cluttered room containing, somewhere, a swing and a baby?
2. Turn off the flash. In my humble opinion, if it’s to dark to take a photograph and the only option is the on-camera flash, the photo isn’t worth taking. Flash just adds such a harsh, unnatural light and color to photographs. Probably not the best option for most people, right? OK, then, if at all possible don’t use the flash. Find a bright window or an overhead light, or if your camera has the capability, up the iso so you can shoot in dimmer light. Which brings me to my next tip…
3. Read your camera manual. Really. You’d be surprised at what even your $100 point and shoot digital camera can do if you just fool with a few settings. Don’t believe me? Go to Flickr Camera Finder and look up your camera. Scroll down and view some of the photos taken with your camera. I guarantee you will be surprised.
4. Take LOTS of photos. They’re digital–it’s not costing you a dime! Take the shot, and then take 5 more just to make sure you’ve got it. See something that might be interesting in a photo? Take it. What could it hurt?
5. Learn to look at the light. See the shadows. Realize that if the sun is directly behind your child, when you take a photo their face will likely be mostly in shadow. Know that the light is most flattering before 10 AM and after 6 PM, that it is crisp in the morning and warm and flattering in the evenings.
6. Don’t pay attention to the photographs you see in magazines, or on the internet, or in studios, unless you love them. And even then, unless it’s your “style”, you don’t have to photograph like that. Take images your way. Do you like them off center? Do it. Overexposed? Alright. Way bright, or always black and white? Go for it.

Photography is art, and art is an extremely personal thing. What one person loves another might dislike intensely. All you can do is your best, and if your best makes you happy then your world is a better place.