You carefully track your kids around the playroom, armed with your point-and-shoot camera, waiting for that magic moment when they'll hold still for one second. Just. One. Second. Pleeeease? Hold it, and snap!
You got the shot, only to review it a few seconds later and find that's it's a whirl of blur. Artistic, maybe. But not exactly something you can send to Grandma and Grandpa. It happens to the best of us, doesn't it?
Whether you're an amateur or a professional, mastering a few photography basics can make more of your snapshots worthy of framing and displaying. The following pro tips from Toronto-based photographer, Jennifer Pearson, will help you to take better photos starting...now.
1. Motion
It may seem counter-intuitive, but holding your camera as still as possible, while tracking your moving subject, can keep your subject in focus. That's what I didn't do right in this shot:
Moving traffic on Toronto's Gardiner Expressway blurs while the sunset remains clear with a steady hand. Photo by Jen Melo
Had I tracked the traffic with my camera as it zoomed by, I could've gotten a clearer shot of the cars, but that probably would've blurred the lovely sunset. And so, I learned, every shot is a photography lesson.
According to Pearson, manually adjusting camera settings in favour of a quick shutter speed (choose a higher number) can help you to capture your action shots at their best. And that's probably what I should've done to get a clearer shot of the zooming cars. Noted for next time.
But video just might be the best way to capture the action, so consider shooting video clips too. Had I spent more time with my new Panasonic Lumix GF3X's instruction manual, I'd have known that it has an auto-focus function that can lock its focus on a subject while in video mode, and gradually shift its focus to another moving subject at my fingertip's command.
2. Lighting
Light and shadows add dimension to my treasured hibiscus bloom, non? Photo by Jen Melo
Whether you're shooting with a flash indoors or outside in natural lighting, know where your light is and pay attention to those shadows.
When photographing outdoors seek "open shade," a photographer's trick for ensuring a flattering photo. Position your subject under an awning for example, with the sun behind you, and over your shoulder. This magical lighting can help make your subject's eyes look bright and vivid while eliminating squinting and distracting shadows.
When shooting indoors and flash is too harsh, consider manually adjusting your camera's exposure setting or directing the flash upwards, "bouncing" it off a low, light-coloured ceiling.
3. Framing
"Pay attention to your background," says Pearson. "It can make or break your shot."
Look for simple and/or interesting backgrounds like a brick wall, for example, to make your subject stand out. For picture-perfect results, look for natural or architectural borders and frames such as archways and door frames.
You can find plenty of framing options at playgrounds too, but if you want to avoid having a bunch of strangers' kids in your shot, follow Pearson's advice: "Get there early."
4. Composition
Experiment with the rule of thirds. Break up your frame into thirds vertically and horizontally. As you look through the viewfinder or at your camera's LCD screen, align your subject with the lines or place a focal point such as a person's eyes where the lines intersect. "It can make for a more interesting shot," Pearson explains.
5. Creativity
With digital photography enabling you to photograph and delete without incurring film and photo processing costs (remember those days?), dare to try various approaches and unleash your creativity. Alternate close-up shots with wide shots, people and objects, to help tell a story. Use photo filter options (if available on your camera) and see your photos in new and different ways.
More expert photography tips:
- Play with angles. Shoot from above, below and on the same level as your subject.
- Forget the fake smiles and try some candid shots. Avoid instructing, "smile!" before every shot. Some of Pearson's most "soulful" portraits come from natural facial expressions, free from coaching.
- Use the grid feature on your camera's view, not only to work with the rule of thirds, but also to use the straight lines as guides. Say goodbye to crooked shots of horizons or tall buildings.
- I've said it before but it's worth repeating. Read your camera's instruction manual and take time to get to know your camera's settings. There could be plenty of unexplored features just waiting to turn your photos into wonderful works of art. Or at least some answers on how to find that shutter speed setting that'll help you to get that perfect portrait of your active child.
Motion shots are my biggest challenges so some of my favourite subjects -- kids and pets -- are commonly the sources of my photo woes but I'm learning more with every shot I take.
And now, I'd love to hear your thoughts on your most common photography challenges so please post a comment below. Would you rather photograph a squirmy two-year old or a hyperactive dog? How about shooting both the dog and the kid together? I welcome -- and look forward to -- your photography tips.
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