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Holly Sisson
Even if you take your family photos with a basic point-and-shoot camera, or a Smart Phone camera, there are still some basic tips that can greatly improve your photos, making your camera work better for you.
Point-and-Shoot Cameras
One of the biggest issues with non-SLR (single lens reflex) cameras is that everything in your shot is in focus. This creates clutter in your shot. With professional photography, you will often see an out-of-focus background where only your subject is in focus. (This effect, which is called bokeh, can only be achieved with specific lenses and an SLR camera.)
What can you do if you have a point-and-shoot camera? Shoot wide-angle shots, remembering the points I mentioned previously:
- Position your subject off to one side
- Watch for clutter
- Watch for trees/poles/etc. behind your subject, which can make the shot look awkward
Or use the macro mode for close-up shots (i.e. filling the frame) of your subject.
Smart Phone Cameras
If you have a smart phone, you are ready to go with that camera and a few apps. I use an iPhone because of all the cool photography apps available. Here are a few of my favourites:
- Photoshop.com Mobile: This Photoshop for iPhone app allows you to quickly edit your photo—crop, correct exposure, adjust contrast and even apply some nice effects and borders. (Bonus, it’s a free app!)
- BlurFX: This app allows you to blur the whole image, then remove the blur from the subject, giving you a bokeh-life effect.
- PictureShow: This app is a favourite because it emulates various toy camera styles, including frames, light leaks and noise. The only downfall is there are so many different options that it can take a while to pick your favourite!
- Hipstamatic: Here’s another toy camera app which you can use to take photos. The interface is an old toy camera, and it includes a few lenses, films and a flash that you can mix and match to achieve different effects.
Any questions or apps you recommend? Please post a comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Holly Sisson is generously offering Toronto SavvyMom subscribers a complimentary 8x10 print ($95 value) with a family session booked before October 31, 2010.
Summer Family Photography
The most magical aspect of photography is the ability to be transported back to a moment, celebration, or family event, and summer is the perfect time to capture these special family times.
Here are a few tips to help make those summer family photos more than just a ‘snapshot’:
Composition
We often make the mistake of centering the subject in the photograph, but the human eye prefers images where the subject is off to one side. This creates a more visually interesting composition.
Photographing your subject from their height/point-of-view is another way to improve the art of your photo. Try getting down on the same level as your children (or your pets), and see the difference it makes in your photographs.
De-clutter
Having clutter in the background of a photo is a sure-fire way to make it look like an amateur snapshot. Sometimes, it’s impossible to capture the image without clutter, so there are a few ways to cope with that situation. One way is to fill the frame of your image with your subject, and another alternative is to change the angle that you are shooting from.
Light
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to take a photo in perfect light. Generally speaking, it is best to avoid direct sunlight (especially at midday), because strong light is very harsh and not flattering. Open shade, where your subject is covered by the shade but surrounded by light, is the setting for a beautiful image. For the best light, try shooting during the magic hours—just after sunrise and just before the sunset.
Now that you know these general photography rules, you can have fun breaking them, too. For example, try photographing your child from directly above or from ground level. Centering your subject can also work if the background is symmetrical. Finally, ask yourself what you like or do not like about a particular photo (yours or someone else’s) and you may find a new source of inspiration.
I’m happy to answer any photo questions you have if you post them as comment below. Good luck!
Holly Sisson is generously offering Toronto SavvyMom subscribers a complimentary 8x10 print ($95 value) with a family session booked before October 31, 2010.
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