Tips for taking better photographs
December 31, 2009 by Robyn · Leave a Comment
It’s New Year’s Eve and you want to capture all the action as we head into 2010. If you’re heading to a party or spending the evening at home, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you point your camera and make some memories:
1. Your best shots will usually happen if people aren’t so aware that you’re taking photos, so consider shooting a bit from a distance (zoom in with your lens to capture close-ups).
2. Whenever possible try to shoot at eye level or slightly above eye level. If someone is sitting down, for example, get down to his or her eye level for best results.
3. When photographing a wide shot to show activity in an entire room, consider having a stepstool or sturdy chair nearby for you to stand upon in order to see all of the activity (be careful!).
4. Try to position your subject where he or she has plenty of light falling on them, but avoid shooting anyone against a bright window, as the resulting photo will be a silhouette.
5. When taking photos outdoors, try to have the sun behind you (make certain your shadow does not fall on the subject, though). Use a flash outdoors to fill in shadows.
6. Don’t hesitate to take multiple shots. The difference between a so-so picture and a stunning picture can be a fraction of a second so shoot, shoot, and shoot! Unlike shooting with film, digital cameras allow you to shoot lots, so if you think it might be good, go ahead and press the button!
7. Try to photograph people in the center area of the room, not flat against a wall (or the photo will look like it was taken at the DMV!)
8. If you set up some posed shots, play with eye contact. Perhaps have your subject look away from the camera. Or with two people, have them look at each other or off to the side of the camera lens.
9. Most importantly, have fun and don’t worry about taking the perfect photograph. If your subjects are smiling and enjoying themselves, your photos — and the memories they’ll capture — will most certainly be perfect!
Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve. All of us at Folklore Media wish you a wonderful and magical 2010!
