Here’s a post that anyone can find useful. Use these tips to take your own better pictures.
I went on KSL’s daytime program Studio5 to talk about the tips:
1- Turn off your flash!!!
a. Flash kills the mood of any scene. It makes everything flat, one dimensional and boring. I only use a flash when absolutely necessary, such as at night or in a very dark room.
b. Natural light enhances people, surroundings, objects, etc. It is part of the story. Whenever possible, leave it alone!
2- Look for good light first, then background
a. A common mistake people make it that they will see a background that they like, and then struggle with making the people look good in the existing light.
b. A better approach is to find good light (which is easy to do) and then find a background within that light.
c. Backlight! Place your subject so the sun is behind them. Just remember not to let the sunlight hit your camera lens.
d. The background is not nearly as important as your subject.
3- Careful composition
a. Subject placement can make a huge difference in the look of a photograph. I very seldom center a full body shot of anyone. There are two ways to compose for the most impact… using the rule of thirds or placing your subject in one of four quadrants of the frame.
b. Whatever the most important part of the image is should be placed in one of these locations. (Eyes, face, feet, hands, etc…)
c. Don’t be afraid to turn your camera sideways. Too many times, people hold the camera horizontally because it is more comfortable. Try shooting on a diagonal
4- Get closer to your subject
a. Extreme close-ups of babies and kids are great. Fill the frame with whatever the subject is. If it is a flower, fill the frame with the flower.
b. Some cameras have limitations on how close they can get, so be aware of these and get as close as you can.
5- Change your perspective
a. Don’t always stand and look at your subjects from your normal vantage point. It is so much more interesting to stand above something or below something or someone, or even behind!
b. Place your subject where you think you want them, shoot a few pictures, and then walk around them to see if there is anything interesting from a different perspective.
6- Let Kids be Kids!
a. Sometimes we get so caught up in getting that perfect posed image. The best images are usually the ones of the kids just being themselves. Let them have fun and be crazy, and the pictures will show that.
Feel free to post any questions, or ask me any questions that you might have!
Kelly – you’re an inspiration! Your photography classes are exceptional. Can’t wait to see the advanced schedule.
Wow… look at you being a superstar! Great tips… they’re like Cliff’s notes for the photography class!
Great tips Kelley. I can’t wait till we have the money for your classes. You did great on TV by the way, such a natural.
Hi there! I was referred to your website through a friend of a friend and loved seeing your work and reading through your tips. So I have a question for you! I would love to turn off my flash when I am on manual, but for some reason when I dont have my flash on, my pictures don’t look focused. It drives me nuts. I have a Canon Rebel Xsi, do you have any ideas on why that may be happening? Thanks for your time!!