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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 cameras 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
Dont hold your breath. Im 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 Ill 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 cameras ISO sensitivity upward (check your owners manual on the specifics of how to do that). If your cameras ISO isnt 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 cameras self-timer and youll end up with much steadier photos than youve ever had.
- Basic Posing Guide Instantly narrower waistline
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:36:16 PDT
Heres a way tip to make any waistline appear a little narrower than it really is (and Ive yet to meet anyone who doesn’t want that). Rotate your upper body slightly at the waist. Thats 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, youll 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 Lets say youre on vacation with your family and you take your kids to the zoo. DONT 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 childrens faces is what you really want to capture and keep forever. And thats exactly the kind of photograph that only YOU can take (its not exactly practical to hire a professional to tag along on a visit to the zoo). Oh, and the elephant? Itll 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? Heres a simple, basic tip you can try to get a photograph of your eyes. Keep your eyes closed and have whoevers behind the camera give you a countdown. When the countdown reaches zero and the photographer presses the shutter release, open your eyes. You shouldnt have time to blink. Of course, this also works if youre the one behind the camera and someone youre 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, its 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 theyre 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
Theres 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 youre getting an I.D. photo taken. Or maybe if youre 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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