Have you ever wondered how do I take better photographs? How do I get shots that I see on photographers websites. Well here are a few tips that will get you on the right track.
- Get down on their level
Hold your camera at the subject’s eye level to capture the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles. For kids and pets that means getting down on their level to take the picture. They don’t have to look directly into the camera; the eye level angle by itself will create a personal and inviting feeling. - Use a plain background
Before taking a picture, check the area behind your subject. Lookout for trees or poles sprouting from your subject’s head. A cluttered background will be distraction while a plain background will emphasize your subject - Use flash outdoors
Even outdoors, use the fill flash setting on the camera to improve your pictures. Use it in bright sunlight to lighten dark shadows under the eyes and nose, especially when the sun is directly overhead or behind your subject. Use It on cloudy days, to brighten up face and make them stand out from the background. - Move in close
To create impactful pictures, move in close and fill your picture with the subject. Move a few steps closer or use the zoom until the subjects fills the viewfinder. You will eliminate background distractions and show off details in your subject. For small objects, use the camera’s macro ‘flower’ mode to get sharp close-ups. - Take some vertical pictures
Many subjects look better in a vertical picture – from the Eiffel Tower to portraits of your friends . Make a conscious effort to turn your camera sideways and take some vertical pictures. - Lock the focus
Lock the focus to create a sharp picture of off-center subjects. To lock the focus follow these simple steps. 1. Center the subject 2. Press the shutter button half way down. 3. Re-frame your picture (while still holding the shutter button) 4. Finish by pressing the shutter button all the way. - Move it from the middle
Bring your picture to life simply by placing your subject off-center. Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid in your viewfinder. Now place your subject at one of the intersections of lines. Since most cameras focus on whatever is in the middle, remember to lock the focus on your subject before re-framing the shot. - Know your flash’s range
Pictures taken beyond the maximum flash range will be too dark. For many cameras that’s only ten feet – about four steps away. Check your manual to be sure. If the subject is further than ten feet – the picture may be too dark. - Watch the light
Great light makes great pictures. Study the effects of light in your pictures. For people pictures, choose the soft lighting of cloudy days. Avoid overhead sunlight that casts harsh shadows across faces. For scenic pictures, use the long shadows and color of early and late daylight. - Be a picture director
Take an extra minute and become a picture director, not just a passive picture-taker. Add some props, rearrange your subjects, or try a different viewpoint. Bring your subjects together and let their personalities shine. Then watch your pictures dramatically improve.