Friday Photo Tips

Let’s start going over some photography tips that you can employ to improve your shots right away. I think one of the biggest challenges to great pictures is figuring out how to compose a shot.

While composing a shot consists of several parts, let’s start with one of the basic principles.

This technique pertains to taking shots of people. Or animals. It can apply to landscapes, but we’ll look at that later.

The common mistake most people make is looking into the camera, finding their subjects, and then taking a shot with the faces in the center of the photo. What does this mean in the shot?  Usually, a lot of extra space above their heads and no feet on their friends.

Here’s an example.

This isn't a terrible shot. But it needs some help. So, how do we improve on this?

Look at the “bigger” picture. Pun intended. Think about what you’re trying to capture. The bride and groom look happy, but the saying is cut off and there's extra space above their heads.  So, here's a much improved shot. You get the entire bride and groom, the entire saying on the wall, and a nice mood.

Is it a group shot where you’re focusing lots of people?

Here’s an example of a group shot that’s done well. Notice there isn’t a lot of extra space overhead. And you can see everyone’s feet. And their faces aren't smack in the middle of the shot!

Can you see the difference? 

Now it's time to grab a friend or family member and give it a try. Both ways. With the faces in the dead center, or pulled back to get the entire person in the shot.

Let me know if it helps! I’ll be happy to talk to you more about it if you need.

Until next week, keep learning and practicing!