Smile! Shoot Your Way to Great Photos
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take a good photograph. But you do have to know more than just “point and shoot”. Blurry photos, off-centered images or overexposed photos are the result of simple mistakes. Here’s how to ensure your photos are print worthy every time.
Time it right.
Shoot outside photos either in the early morning or evening when the lighting is softer and reflects better. Overcast days also work well.
Know where the sun is.
Always shoot with it behind your back; otherwise the background will be too bright, leaving the photo subject in the dark. This also helps eliminate shadows.
Larger is better.
With digital cameras you can choose the size/quality of the image. Set it on the highest setting to get the highest-quality photograph for printing purposes.
Composition is key.
Before taking a picture, consider the background. You don’t want someone positioned with a tree or pole sprouting from their head. Use the rule of thirds: mentally divide the photo into three horizontal sections and three vertical sections. The four points where the lines intersect are the best places to position key photo elements.
Act like a kid.
When photographing kids, get on their level. Don’t be afraid to lie down in the grass or shoot from above to get a great photo. Use the zoom to focus on their face or zoom out to catch an entire moment in time.
Use your camera’s settings.
For kids, use the sports or action mode, which capture clear photos of objects in motion. Many digital cameras also have modes for taking portraits, close ups and other specific shots.
Get snap happy.
Only professionals get the perfect picture the first time. The more photos you take the better chance you have of snapping that priceless photo.
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2. Smile! Shoot Your Way to Great Photos
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