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- Basic Photography Guide — Composition
Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:24:08 PDT
Rather than putting the subject of your photograph dead center, try applying one of the oldest rules in photography — the Rule of Thirds.
To use, the Rule of Thirds, as you look through your camera’s viewfinder, imagine the field of view divided into nine sections (like a tic-tac-toe board). Then frame your photograph so that your subject coincides with the “lines” of the tic-tac-toe board or where the lines of the tic-tac-toe board intersect. This should make for more dynamic photographs than simply putting everything dead center.
- Basic Posing Guide — Breathe!
Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:11:17 PDT
Don’t hold your breath. I’m not sure why people do this but I see it more often that you might imagine. As soon as I bring the camera up to my eye and my subject takes a big gulp of air… and holds it as though they were about to get dunked underwater. The key to a good, comfortable photograph is to relax. I realize telling somebody to relax rarely has the desired effect. But a good starting point is to take a deep breath… and then let it out. And I’ll promise not to try and drown you.
- Basic Photography Guide — Keep it steady
Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:24:08 PDT
If your camera seems to get soft or blurry photographs on a regular basis, try adjusting your camera’s ISO sensitivity upward (check your owner’s manual on the specifics of how to do that). If your camera’s ISO isn’t adjustable OR if you try it and end up with grainy, distorted images, use a tripod. Use the heaviest, and therefore steadiest, tripod you can use. Couple that with a cable release, remote control or the camera’s self-timer and you’ll end up with much steadier photos than you’ve ever had.
- Basic Posing Guide — Instantly narrower waistline
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:36:16 PDT
Here’s a way tip to make any waistline appear a little narrower than it really is (and I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t want that). Rotate your upper body slightly at the waist. That’s it — nothing fancier than that. Alternatively, keep your shoulders / upper body in place and turn one hip towards the camera (effectively doing the same “twist”). Next time you watch an awards show where celebrities are walking the red carpet, you’ll notice how many of them are doing it for the throngs of paparazzi.
- Basic Photography Guide — A different point of view
Friday 05 Sep 2008 23:26:52 GMT
Let’s say you’re on vacation with your family and you take your kids to the zoo. DON’T immediately take a photograph of the elephants (or whatever other animals you find there). But focus on your kids and capture the look on your kids’ faces when they get their first glimpse of that animal. Talk about priceless. That look of amazement and wonder on your children’s faces is what you really want to capture and keep forever. And that’s exactly the kind of photograph that only YOU can take (it’s not exactly practical to hire a professional to tag along on a visit to the zoo). Oh, and the elephant? It’ll still be there.
- Basic Posing Guide — Close your eyes
Thursday 24 Aug 2006 02:21:23 GMT
Are you a blinker? Is every photograph of you with your eyes closed? Here’s a simple, basic tip you can try to get a photograph of your eyes. Keep your eyes closed and have whoever’s behind the camera give you a countdown. When the countdown reaches zero and the photographer presses the shutter release, open your eyes. You shouldn’t have time to blink. Of course, this also works if you’re the one behind the camera and someone you’re trying to photograph is a blinker.
- Basic Posing Guide — A picture is worth…
Monday 24 Apr 2006 09:10:11 GMT
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” While it may be a cliche, it’s a cliche because it#146;s true. When trying to describe to a photographer the kind of photograph you want, it makes it a lot easier for everyone involved if you can show him or her another photograph (or drawing or painting or whatever kind of visual image you may have) that captures what you want. Towards that end, I tell all my prospective clients to start putting together they’re own “idea file” — a collection of images from a range of sources. These ideas will become a starting point for your collaboration with your photographer.
- Basic Photography Guide — High Noon
Monday 16 Apr 2006
Unless you absolutely have to, avoid making photographs outside during the middle of the day. Overhead sunlight is about the least flattering light there is. Photographs will be much more appealing either at sunrise or sunset. However, if you absolutely have no choice, make sure that there is some kind of artificial light (either strobes / flash or reflectors) to fill in the unflattering shadows created by overhead sunlight. This will help any photography you do on your own as well as guide you in setting an appointment with me.
- Basic Guide to Posing — A third person
Thursday 13 Apr 2006
Having a “chaperone” can be a double edged sword. Some clients have felt more comfortable having somebody from “their team” at a photo session. Having a friend along strictly their for you can be a source of great moral support. Other clients, unfortunately, found the extra person to be a distraction and made for a very inhibited photo session. Ultimately, as the client, the choice is yours. But when deciding whether to bring along a chaperone, consider all the possibilities.
- Basic Guide to Posing — If it bends…
Friday 07 Apr 2006
There’s a general rule of thumb that says, “If it bends, bend it.” No one looks their best when all their joints are locked stiff, standing at attention. Maybe if you’re getting an I.D. photo taken. Or maybe if you’re getting a mugshot. But for real photographs about you that catch a moment in time, relax everything and let all your joints have a nice natural flex to them.
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