Just in time for this weekend, Holiday photo tips to save the day 🙂
PHOTO TIPS:
1. Flash: Not the easiest thing to work with – but sometimes just necessary! If you’re at a gathering during the day…try to turn your flash off. Set the ISO, which is basically the camera “film” speed, at least at 400. Take a look around the room, and try to find natural light by the windows. You’ll get beautiful soft filtered light, that makes for gorgeous photos! At night, or in dark spaces, you will have to use a flash. Keep in mind that your camera’s flash only really works up to about 6 ft. away. So stay close! Also, if you have an attached flash system – see if you have the capability to adjust the position. On “shoe flashes” you should have a release button to adjust the angle and direction the flash is set up in. If possible, extend the flash straight up, then slightly tip it to point behind you! Ideal position would be if the flash is firing where the wall and ceiling meet directly behind you. If you can’t tip it back, then position it straight up and down, bouncing off the ceiling!
2. Composition:
A. The biggest mistake that people make taking photographs is being too far away! Often I tell clients that the background isn’t all that important – especially when you’re in a house!  What you’re photographing are the people, not the bookshelf! LOL  When you look through your viewfinder – take specific notice of how much background is in your frame. Before you click your shutter – take a step, or a few steps closer to your subjects! Don’t be worried about if the top of someone’s head is slightly cropped, you’ll be focusing on their faces and expressions!
B. Probably the second No-No people don’t realize is NOT TO CENTER THEIR PHOTOS!   Think of your viewfinder as a Tic-Tac-Toe grid. You do not want the focal point of your photo to land in the center. It’s visually boring! Where you do want to focus the attention is the corner points of that center square. Those land 1/3 of the way into the frame. So maybe start by centering the photo – then shift yourself so the person’s eyes are landing at either the top Left or top Right point of that center square. Basically just shift a bit left, right, up or down…you’ll be much happier with the results!
3. Candid Shots:
Looking for real smiles, and emotions? Resist the urge to say “Say Cheese and Look at the Camera!” When you see family or friends laughing and enjoying each others company – sneak over and fire off a few frames! If they are looking at you, try to crack a joke, or remind them of a funny story that gets the giggles going again!
Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season – and Happy Photo taking!