October 2009 Archive

Take your shot from the top of a teeter-totter, off the side of the boat, or standing on your head. Thinking outside the box can really pay off in unexpected ways. You will truly get once in a lifetime shots by adding a bit of creativity to your thinking.

Digital cameras are prone to blurry photographs if your hands shake even a little bit. Several companies manufacture light, portable, inexpensive versions. Digital photography tips like this can save you hours of frustration and preserve otherwise perfect shots.

Your digital camera has a “macro mode” – think of it as a super magnifying glass. An extreme close up of something like flower petals can bring out textures that you never knew existed, and will add excitement to your photos. Play with this feature, you will find dozens of ways to use it to enhance your pictures.

One of the most basic digital photography tips is to pay attention to what’s in the frame of the viewfinder. Fill the frame. Nothing but blue sky, for instance, behind a single subject throws off the proportions of the photo and decreases interest. You can also turn the camera sideways to see if a vertical photo might have more impact than a horizontal shot of the same subject.

You can also try positioning your subject off to the side, rather than in the center of the photograph.

by Brian

When you are composing your shot (where you want your subject to stand, what angle you choose….), frame the scene so that your main object is to one side. This will draw the eye towards one edge, especially if your subject is pointing or if by its very nature, say a tree, is growing or created in a manner that angles, points, or reaches.

Imagine you take a picture of a large pine tree.  In itself, nice but maybe a bit dull.  Now, picture the tree on one side of the photo frame with a large branch or two reaching out across the center and far side of the image.  The shape and lines will draw the viewer’s eye across the photo from edge to tree and back.

By Brian

When you are composing your shot (where you want your subject to stand, what angle you choose….), keep an eye on the background.  A cluttered or over “busy” background can really detract from your photo.

For example, if you are taking a picture of a friend or family member, do not have them stand in front of blinds or a large crowd or some other “activity-filled” scene.  If you are taking a picture of your children, try to minimize the toys and clutter in the background.

Have your viewer focus on the subject, not the distractions.

Of course, there are times when you need or want a busy shot; chaos and action has a place in photography. However, when you want a straight-forward, complementing shot of someone, try to reduce the business and clutter in the background.