Simple Techniques for Better Photos!

I get asked all the time for advice on shooting better pictures...today I taught a class at a local college and I thought I'd put the basics for the hand out on the blog for you!

Now, I don't know where you are at with picture taking but I want to encourage you to shoot more!

I’m going to introduce topics and hope to get you excited about photography!

Techniques that have shaped who I am as a photographer:

1. 1. Decide what you are taking a picture of and shoot it, then see what else there is to shoot.

· Are you taking a portrait? Then focus on their eyes.

· Are you taking a landscape? Then focus on the most important feature.

· Look for shots before and after the one you set up! These are often the most natural poses and full of different emotions!

2. Rule of thirds, hot spots, angles etc.

· Don’t center all your pictures.

· Look up the rule of thirds on the Internet, practice it, memorize it and then you won’t have to think…it’ll just come naturally. AND IMPROVE ALL YOUR PICTURES!

· Turn your camera. There are more pictures then just horizontal and vertical!

3. Get close, Move back, Scan 180 etc.

· Don’t waste your space. Use up the frame with the subject you want to capture!

· For effect and context back up and get a great wide angle…on purpose!

· Put the camera to your eye and scan 180 degrees. Look for the best shot!

4. Traditional, Details, Photo-journalistic, Candids

· Check out my website for samples. Push yourself and do different styles!

5. Learn to not use your flash

· Don’t try this when your taking pictures you need only when you can shoot for fun.

· Set your camera to the “creative settings” instead of the "basic settings" (P, Av, Tv and M) and adjust the ISO too.

How to become a better photographer overnight?

1. Buy a digital SLR – allows you to take picture without the annoying “point-n-shoot” delay.

2. Subscribe to a entry level photography magazine. Learn the latest and the greatest from the best.

3. Take pictures all the time! Start shooting what you’re passionate about, then branch out!

Want to grow more? Go to Photography websites, read photography books from the library or take classes, go to a photography conference, set up a website, and ohh…did I mention shoot all the time?

www.noemiphotography.com