Summer is just around the corner and this means nicer weather. I know I take a lot more pictures in the summer time. I like taking pictures of my animals, children and just nice views. If your anything like me, you take a lot of pictures and your always looking for ways to improve your picture quality.
Tip #1- Direct Eye Contact
If your taking a picture of a person or an animal then you should try and make direct eye contact. If your taking a picture of a small child, then try getting down on your knees so you will be eye level with them. They don’t have to look at the camera, just as long as your at their view.
Tip #2- The Sun
The best place for the sun is behind you. If you’re shooting a subject and you take a picture in direct sunlight then you will get a nice streak in your picture. That’s if the picture comes out at all. Move your subject so that the sun is directly behind you. This should still give you plenty of light, but not to much to where it will ruin your whole picture.
Tip #3- Background
If you take a picture and there are a lot of things happening in the background, no one will know what your subject is. Try and use as little background as you possibly can. Look through your camera and focus on the background. Make sure there is nothing in the picture that you don’t want. Always remember less is better when taking pictures.
Tip #4- Close
If your shooting a small subject like a child or a small animal then you should get close. The point of pictures is catching all the detail on your subject you can. So if you take a few steps closer you might be able to see what colors make up that bird. If your further back, it will just look like a plain bird and you wont see all the detail.
Tip #5- Focus
Many people don’t even know how they can lock their focus. Most cameras will auto focus for you. The problem with this is that they will focus on the subject in the middle. If you would like your whole picture to stay in focus then you will need to set the focus your self. This is very easy. Center the subject your wanting and press your shutter butter half way down. Sometimes you will see an extra light or a blink. My camera blinks a red light letting me know its in focus. Next move your camera position to where you want it while still holding that shutter button half way down. Once you are all set finish pushing the shutter button and this should give you a focused picture.
Tip #6- Position
Some pictures just look better when your camera is positioned different. If you never turn your camera sideways give it a try. Some pictures will turn out better if the are done vertical. If I am not sure which one I will like more, then I will take a picture both ways. I can then look and decide which one looks better. Kids always seem to turn out better in vertical pictures.
Tip #7- Control
Don’t forget you’re the one holding the camera. That means you are the one who is in control. You can tell everyone where you want them to go and even where you would like them to stand. Have your subjects move and stand just the way you want them to.
