We hire the best talent with the best equipment for the publications we produce for our clients, but whether you're on vacation on the beach or just in the backyard with the dog and your point-and-shoot camera in hand, there are tips you can steal from the pros to make your pictures the best they can be.
I personally like to think of myself as an Annie Liebovitz in the making, but truth be told, I'm a hobby photographer and I take pictures of dogs and food. I have a "big" camera that I take on vacation and to family events, and I have a "little" point-and-shoot camera that I keep in my purse. Always. But I want to learn more about taking great pictures, and I like learning more. So I asked a few professionals what tips they would share with amateur photographers who simply want to take the best pictures they can.
Here's what they had to say:
- "Many of the most appealing shots have the subjects not even looking at the camera," says Rebekah Littlejohn of Littlejohn Photography. "A family shot with Mom and Dad tickling the kids can be much more appealing than forced smiles and uncomfortable positions."
- "Shoot away. Don't stop, don't hesitate, don't self-edit in the moment," says Mark Velasquez of Mark Velasquez Photography. "The more you shoot, the more likely you will get a good shot. Make mistakes, relish in them. Mistakes are what you learn from. Never stop experimenting. When you stop taking risks, you stop learning."
- Scott Ingram of Scott Ingram Photography encourages amateurs to be around like-minded folks: "Join a social photo-sharing site like Flickr or Picasa. Share your creations with the world, join groups that interest you and suit your style, participate in discussions, and learn from others. Or just kick back and view the stunning art available on these sites and get inspired!"
- "Don't be afraid to experiment," Scott says. "Many users leave their camera set in auto mode for the duration of its life. And although that can still provide fantastic shots, it limits your creativity. Sit down, invest a half hour reading the manual, and then go play and see what new avenues open up to you." Mark agrees: "Never put any camera on a program mode. Keep it always on manual, because if you are not the one setting the speed and f-stop and metering the light and adjusting accordingly, you are not taking the photo, the camera is… and no one ever learned from having someone, or something, else do it for them."
- "Use natural light when possible," Rebekah adds. Get close to a window, open the shades or go outside. And always check your background; move close to your subject if you need to clear out the clutter.
- "Lastly," Scott adds, "ask questions! Photographers are a friendly bunch and are generally more than willing to lend a hand if you are running into issues. Don't be afraid to ask, that's how you will get better."
See that strawberries photo up there? I took using some of the tips above: I used the natural light coming in the backdoor, and I took about 25 shots knowing that would give me plenty to choose from when I was looking for the best one. And there are a few other quick tips I've learned along the way that I always try to keep in mind:
- Don't back your subject up against the wall. The resulting shadow is not pretty. Instead, let the background behind them blur, leaving the focus on your subject.
- Change your angle. Don't shoot your subject straight on. Get higher or lower to add interest to the composition.
- Use the "rule of thirds." The rule can help force the viewer's eye to the most interesting part of the photograph, without making them search for it.
For more tips on making the most of lighting, composition and drooling four-legged subjects, visit the following websites:
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