Tips When Dealing With Direct Sunlight

Simple stuff to start with...

1. Move to the shade.

 

1. Move to the shade.
2. Use your flash. On a hot sunny day, you can avoid the shadows around the eyes by forcing your flash up and using it.
3. Don't use a flash. Once you start feeling more comfortable with your manual settings, especially as it starts to get dark
 try keeping your aperture wide open (lowest f stop) and  slowly increase your ISO as you need more light.
This works with indoor photography as well.
4.Use a reflector to reflect sunlight and diminish shadows- especially on the face. Reflectors that are used for shading a windshield of a car work nicely.

5. Change your subjects position. Dont' be afraid to move your subject around until the shadows are diminished.

Tips on Group Photos

Always be prepared when doing group shots.
a. Look around for the right spot. (Perspective!)
b. Have your camera in working order- battery ready, even a back up if neccessary.
c. Use a tripod if possible.
d.Think about the amount of people in your group and how you would like for them to be position. What is your goal?
e. Be aware of lighting. Position them so that they are not facing direct sunlight.

  

2. Add depth to your group shot by positioning them uneven but proportioned. Triangular shapes work great.

3. Take multiple shots and don't be afraid to use your continuous shooting mode.

4. People, even a group by nature usually pose themselves without realizing it, so first give them a minute. and see what happens.

                                                      

 

5. Again- Get closer! 

Don't Forget! 

50 poised photographs of 50 strangers!

Due in January.

Happy Snapping!

 

Here are some tips to help you along:

 

1. Always introduce yourself and explain what you are doing.

2.Always have your camera handy and battery charged. You never know whats around the next corner!

3.Think ahead of what you would like to get, then ask.People who are poising do better when they know what you are looking for.

4. Be smart with whom you pick.

5. Get some up close shots.

6. Because you are taking up their time, work quickly and then thank them!

Reflections

Tips For Natural Lighting

Photography to me, is an art form. It should tell a story. It should display a mood, expression or atmosphere. It should lead the viewer's mind's eye into a thoughtful direction.  It puts everything in perspective.

The use of natural light is a means to this type of communication and lighting is your most important asset to accomplish such a task. Here are ways to use natural lighting.

 

1. Reflective Light

 

 

2. Wait , wait, and then wait some more

 

3 Difuse Light

 

 

 

4. Direct Light

   

 

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Framing

 

 

 

Dynamic Compositions

 

There are different ways to add dynamics to your photo. Some of which are leading lines, S curves, Diagonal  lines, and symmetry. Here are some examples of each.

 

Leading Lines

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        Diagonal lines

 

 

 

 

 

 

S Curves

 

 

 

Symmetrical

 

 

 

 

                                                                               

 

Assymetrical

 

 

 

 

*The key to having good composition in a picure is balance.  If the composition does not have elements which balance each other out (either the same on one side, or different but complimentary on each side) then the image looks unbalanced and less pleasing to the eye.

Know Your Subject

                                                        

1. Consider subjects place in the shot and where you think it most belongs. Plan your subject position rather than just accepting it wherever it happens to land in the photo.

A picture should always lead the eye to the main subject.

3. Remember- snapshots capture events while photographs capture feelings. Be thoughtful, help your photo tell a story.