Photography Tips
Spring has sprung
Spring means a new palate of colors to work with and new subjects that have emerged from winter hiding. Get outside and take advantage of the budding trees, busy birds and other natural wonders as they wake up from a long winter.
Clicking outside the box
Searching for a way to make a well-known scene your own? Try a different angle. Whether it’s lying flat on your back and shooting upward or using a lens that captures a wider frame, a slightly different shot can have people looking at an image in an entirely new way.
Be spontaneous
How many times have you said “I wish I had my camera right now!”? New Year’s may have come and gone but make a resolution to keep your camera with you and avoid missing spontaneous shots.
Don’t take a rain check
If you see drizzle or snowflakes outside your window, take advantage of the conditions and start shooting. The light can be tricky but chances are you’ll get a shot that others won’t and it will have new and interesting elements to it.
Golden girls… and boys
The lighting available for outdoor photography is often unreliable. The best times to shoot, known as the ‘golden hours,’ are early morning and late evening because the sun is closer to the horizon. This type of light complements skin tones and creates fewer opportunities for glares and squinting in your photos.
Fore!
Cropping and zooming often eliminate foreground in the quest for the perfect close-up but don’t discount the foreground just yet. It can serve to frame subjects within your shot or make an impact by showing distance between the photographer and the subject.
Variety is the spice of life
A photo collection that contains a variety of images is pleasing to the eye and will provoke thought from viewers. It’s great to have a favorite subject whether it be people or landscapes but don’t be afraid to branch out and tackle new subjects.
It’s in the details
Macro shots of flowers and plants are lovely but take a few extra moments to zoom in and see what else your lens can find. Whether it’s the intricate detail of a petal or a tiny bug looking for a home, unexpected details can produce dramatic results.
Action! Cut!
Don’t be afraid to act as the director when on a hike or ski trip with friends. Direct them into position on occasion to compose a great shot. There may be some resistance at first from your subjects but your careful composition will pay off when they see themselves in the finished product.
Are you ready for your close-up?
Filling the lens frame makes for a better picture. A closer shot eliminates distractions in the background. A close-up shot takes advantage of your camera’s pixels, shows detail and improves the overall quality of the finished product.