Here are a few simple tips to improve your photos
Have you ever wondered why you just can’t seem to get that awesome shot that you love? I have been doing photography professionally for about 8 years now but have always had a passion for taking photos even before that and have learned what works and what doesn’t work for getting a good photo over the years. Whether you are using a smart phone or a DSLR here are some simple things you can do to get an image that you love!
Avoid taking outdoor photos at high noon
Taking photos in the middle of a sunny day is going to make for some really harsh lighting and some terrible shadowing. You might find if you are shooting out in the full sun in the middle of the day your subject will have weird shadow casts on their face, might be way over exposed and/or everyone is squinting . If you need to be out snapping photos at this time of the day, make sure you are finding a nicely shaded area to avoid that intense sunlight!
Shoot During the Golden Hour
What is the golden hour you ask? It is the magically hour either before the sun rises or the sun sets. When you shoot during the golden hour you can get that beautiful warm glow to your photos. Who doesn’t want an image of themself bathed in a wonderful glow from the sun? I try shoot during the golden hour whenever I can–However, It can get a little tricky when it’s Summer in Minnesota and the sun isn’t setting until 9pm and rising at 5am. If I ever want “golden hour” shots of my own kids I need to be doing those in the Fall when the sun rises and sets at more reasonable times!
Find the light!
Lighting is everything when it comes to photography! Trying to take photos indoors can be the biggest challenge since lighting can be minimal. When I am taking indoor photos, I try and open all the blinds to get whatever light in that I can. Once I let in all the natural light that I can, I make sure to have that light on the face or have it come at them from the side and not have the light coming from the window be behind them when possible. If you can catch the the light in someone eyes, you will get some really great photos! Having a backlit photo is going to cause your subject to be in the shadows. If you are going for an artsy shot and want just a silhouette, that’s when you will want all the light behind them.
Don’t always place your subject in the center of the frame
Sure, a nicely centered photo is still great but to give your image some interest try placing your subject off center of your frame! Some of my favorite images are when I followed the idea of “rule of thirds” for placing the subject in my images. “Rule of thirds” is when you mentally divide up your photo with 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines and try placing your subject on those intersecting lines or along those lines. When you apply the “Rule of Thirds” to your photos you have the opportunity to include more of the environment that is surrounding your subject which then gives your photo more depth.
If you are aware of your surroundings and pay attention to lighting and the placement of your subject you are going to naturally just get better photos! What other things have you done that have improved the quality of your images?