Capture the Moment - We love those bright, shiny faces, but sometimes those pics captured on the sly can be the best ones of all. I have this picture of my daughter when she was about 2 sitting on my back stairs wet from the sprinkler and looking down at the ground. I switched the picture to sepia and she looks like a little tramp. It's the sweetest picture. Now-a-days we are lucky to have digital cameras. Use them! No more conserving photos due to the high cost of developing film. If you are running out of room on your computer, then copy the pictures to disc and don't forget to lock away a copy in case something happens to the original. I archive pictures mid-year. My computer thanks me for it too!
Get Closer - Don't always rely on your telephoto lens to get up and personal. Sometimes you have to get in there yourself. Shadows and angles can change dramatically when you physically get up and move.
Find Shade When Outdoors - Sun can be your worst enemy when you are playing photographer. Pictures on a bright sunny look a lot better if you can find some shade. If shade is no where to be found, then try to take your pictures with the sun behind your back.
Frame Your Subject - This is a great tip for vacations. Try to take pictures with your destination in it. For example, if you go to a theme park, take a photo at the entrance gate before you go in. If you forget, try to get a shot before you leave. My family goes to a lot of NASCAR races. I always make a habit of taking a picture of the track name on the racetrack. It's great to begin the pages of our trips. Other great frames are things like a trellis or bridges. Look around your subject when taking pictures and see the finished shot in your head. Look for those perfect places that scream "Find someone to take a picture of!". My family really does not like my camera, but I tell them I get Mommie Camera Time (MCT) on every vacation. When we go camping I look for perfect places to squat my family for pictures then, during my time, I shuttle everyone to this sites and take my pictures. Since I know where I want to take a few posed pictures, it takes a short time and, usually, everyone is agreeable. A little note - these pictures are also great for holiday photos to relatives, keep that in mind.
Shoot From Below - My daugher has her own Fisher Price camera and I love to look at her pictures because everything looks so different from her perspective. It's all about perspective. Try changing yours. Get down on the ground or stand on a chair. You'd be amazed at the view!
Turn The Camera - Take a cue from your subject. If you are taking pictures of people or of buildings, try turning your camera. You'll be able to fit everyone/everything in the frame better and the perspective will fit as well.
Go With The Flow - Let kids be kids and let life roll by...as you click away. Even accidents like spilled milk or the dog eating something off of the counter can be funny pictures...later.
Lastly...
Alway Be Prepared - Cameras are getting smaller. I've been known to have taken a few pictures in stores. My husband and kids haven't appreciated it much, but who cares. Every mom that passed me smiled and wished that they had theirs too! |
