Photographs help us capture memories and see through the eyes of others. Professional photographers may have advanced equipment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take great pictures with your own camera at home and on the road. With the right techniques, you’ll be a pro in no time.
The experts at Kodak (http://exchange.kodak.com/?mcid=KCHnav) offer plenty of advice for novice and skilled photographers alike:
Hold your camera at the subject’s eye level, especially when photographing kids and pets. Even if they’re not looking directly at the camera, the eye-level angle will create a personal and inviting feeling.
- Use your camera’s flash setting, even outdoors. You may think a flash isn’t necessary in bright sunshine, but it will help lighten dark shadows under your subject’s eyes and nose, particularly when the sun is directly overhead. On cloudy days, the flash will help brighten up faces and make them stand out.
- Your instinct may be to put your subject in the center of your photo, but Kodak pros recommend placing your subject off-center to really bring your picture to life. Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid and place your subject at one of the intersecting lines.
AdvancedPhotography.net is also a great source for photography tips, and here is some of their best advice:
- Unless intentional for artistic purposes, a blurry photograph is undesirable. When taking a picture, “Hold the camera still, frame the shot, hold the breath, press the shutter all the way down and hold it for a second before you release it.” Many pictures come out blurry due to awkward pressing of the shutter-release button. You can also help keep your camera still by using a tripod.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different camera settings and angles. Try shooting in black and white or at night. Try capturing insects or things with intricate textures – the tiny details will fascinate those viewing your finished photograph.
- Sometimes excess clutter makes for a powerful photograph, but for every day purposes, it often ruins pictures. Pay attention to the entire frame and eliminate anything that distracts from your subject.
The more you try new things with your camera, the more you’ll learn which techniques work best for you. Photographs are personal keepsakes that last a lifetime, so get out there and perfect your skills behind the lens.
