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Jeff's Photo Tips
There are various ways to handle almost every type of situation, that you may
even modify what others may tell you. All the following ideas have one main
basis in fact. If you spend your time looking at the types of photos that others
have taken of the kind you like to take, it will rub off on you, if you try to
imitate their photos. You will find that you take more photos of the kind that
bring out the true emotion you were trying to evoke. I don’t say this because I
am the best, but I am trying this and it is working for me.
Composition is very basic, but everyone takes longer to remember all the
pointers. I have even seen very competent photographers forget and violate the
“rule of thirds”. I think about that rule all the time and it keeps me from
wasting time on shots that really don’t work out well. There are however some
instances that do work out, despite breaking the rules. “Fill the frame” is the
most famous phrase in composition.
Lighting is also a common type of dilemma that photographers work with. There
are many good tools available from the supply stores to help you. If you are on
a budget as you are just starting to expand your photography, you can use a lot
of items you may already have around. Reflectors can be large white construction
paper, or as simple as those collapsible reflectors you probably have in your
car. One side is very reflective and the other is not as shiny to give you two
strengths of light for different conditions. Many photographers say to use the
palm of your hand to help you get a light reading in difficult situations such
as snow or other bright light situations. In sunset or sunrise photos, I have
gleaned information on different areas to meter off of depending on the result
you want to have.
Don’t forget that you can use your flash to fill in the front lighting needs
of your subject(s) if your background is causing a silhouette when you don’t
want that result. Using the slow flash option on your camera will be a
possibility for eliminating the red eye in photos. Other methods are many and
varied. Opaque white paper, tape on a portion of the flash, having your flash
tall enough on the camera or just having a bounce flash off the wall or ceiling
can solve most red eye situations without having to fix it on the computer. It’s
easier to not have the problem in the first place.
Portraits are difficult for the beginner, but you can still try and learn from
your experience. You may have to beg your family and friends to let you practice
this type of photography. You have seen boring straight lines of people in the
group portraits that seem rather cold. Positioning the group in various lines
standing, sitting or laying down can bring a very friendly feeling for the
group. This is especially important for the family portraits. Think of some
family portraits you have seen that give you the feeling that they are all very
happy to be together and you will remember that the positioning of each of the
family members was the key. One photographer told me regarding portraits that
clients seem to always ask for a certain type of pose that they are sure would
be the best. He complies and then when through, ask for the opportunity to “try”
some he thinks that they will like. Most often, they love what he does and order
those. Consequences of the stiff and robot looking poses can create a great
photo for the morgue, or police blotter. Trying several groupings will sometimes
result in a fabulous look.
Remember that color is important to your photos. With people,
you may have to help them understand what certain colors do to the look of their
skin. You also have the problem of those who still don’t know that polka dots
and stripes don’t go together. Unless you are taking photos of people in
colorful national costumes, etc, you should let your subjects dress in colors
that don’t detract from them. They are the reason the photo is being taken isn’t
it? You will find that your subjects will tend to relax as the session goes on
and they get comfortable in your studio or wherever you are set up at, and will
get some great photos.
Background is important for all types of photographs. We can get caught up in
the moment of a great photo and forget that your camera has faithfully
photographed every single item in it’s range. Great poses for a portrait or
still life or nature photos can be ruined or cause way too much time in the
digital darkroom to fix just because their was something you forgot to take into
consideration when pressing the button. But, don’t be real hard on yourself,
just remember to look at all you can see through your lens, because it will do
so without asking you.
Forgetting some basic rules can damage equipment. Transportation
of your equipment can be crucial from just walking around to going great
distances. Socks can become lens covers and protectors. Good quality plastic
bags can be good protectors especially those that have real zippers. The shower
caps you get from your hotel stays can be an emergency cover for your bigger
lenses. You can make up a “bean bag” tripod of sorts if you find that perfect
sunset and all you have is the roof of your car and you need it to be steady.
Now that bag could also be filled with rice or some other item that allows you
to keep the camera in position. You could then use your timer, or cable release
to not move the camera.
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