4 Tips for Quality Photos
I’m going to let you in on a little secret that many photographers don’t want to admit: the quality of the camera you use has little to do with making a beautiful image. Don’t get me wrong—a quality camera will serve you well. But, there are so many more factors involved in the production of a stunning photo. Don’t worry! It’s easier than you think to take quality photos with whatever device you already have.
Here are three tips to help you capture gorgeous photos of the people you love:
1. Find the Right Light
Photography is all about light. Yes, you read that correctly. Quality photography is not about how much you paid for your camera or how beautiful your model is (although, let’s be real, your family is probably pretty stinking cute).
A stunning photograph is always taken in beautiful light. Now, how do you find that gorgeous light? Head outside during the hour after sunrise or before sunset. These two times of day are called the Golden Hours because the light is so warm and transfused and dreamy and soft and… you get the point. I like to pose my models with their backs to the sun to occasionally catch some sun-flare. If shooting within the golden hour is not an option, find some shade or overcast in order to avoid harsh shadows on your models’ faces.
2. Read Up On Image Composition
In non-nerdy photographer terms, composition translates to where you place your subject in the frame. You’d be surprised how much information you can find online about how to compose a visually appealing image.
One of my favorite resources for learning about image composition: Pinterest! If you’re anything like me, Pinterest can be a dangerous trap that sucks you in and doesn’t spit you back out for at least six hours, so user beware. Start by researching the Rule of Thirds and continue your quest from there.
3. Let Your Models Do What Feels Natural
Some will naturally smile, but some won’t. Your elementary-aged children might want to be silly, and I suggest that you let them. Your 8-month-old baby boy might want to do a little exploring in the dirt, and I say, “Go for it!”
Who would deny that candid photos are absolutely precious?
If you absolutely need that family photo with everyone looking at the camera, please, for the love of your husband’s sanity, do not insist that your whole family shout a unified, “Cheese!” Fake smiles are never the answer to taking a gorgeous photo. Your best bet is to let everyone wear their natural expressions.
Or, you know, start a tickle fight. That works, too.
4. Print Your Photos
Hang them in your house where you can admire them daily. Don’t let your precious memories sit on USB drives on in computer files, never to be viewed again. Print them!
Friends, you and I both know that quality time spent together is a precious commodity military families. I know I don’t have to tell you to savor every moment with your loved ones because you already know.
You know that sudden 24-hour shifts pop up without warning, tiring training cycles lead your service member shuffling to bed like a zombie at 11 p.m., deployments happen, and TDY assignments are always around the corner.
You know that your time together is worth savoring. I urge you to capture that time together in photos. Give yourself the gift of looking back on memories of time spent together.
Are you ready to bust out the ol’ camera and get to snapping? Share your favorite photo-taking advice with me in the comments below!
