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

Taking Pictures...all the time!!!

I remember a time when I wondered if I could get enough work for me to stay home with my daughter. Not only am I able to stay home, the business is thriving! I have 11 weddings in the next 12 weekends! Aughhh! It's a little scary but, mostly it's a dream come true! I will be one busy lady; thankfully I'm busy doing what I love! I was taking family portraits this morning and the mom gave me the ultimate compliment she said she chose me because she could tell by my pictures that I care about people. Wow! That's what I want and was so great to hear. I want my clients to have fun and remember the laughs when they see their pictures.

I'm learning every shoot because every client is so unique. Needless to say, shooting newborns is a little different then shooting a wedding or a family reunion! I love the variety this job brings and I love the constant interaction with people.

Please hang with me over the 3 months. I'll do my best to keep the blogging up (mostly cause it's a highlight of every day) but, busyness may effect my daily routine!

www.noemiphotography.com

Blog Comments...

I love reading what you have to say about the blogs I write. Seriously, it's so fun! It could be total strangers or close friends and still I'm amazed at your comments...mostly cause I'm always shocked that people are actually reading my blog! Someone said to me this week, "I can't believe how personal and intimate your blog is!" I never set out to have a personal blog. Actually, the personal side came by accident. I was supposed to focus on clients and business stuff but, that's not me. I love people! And telling their story through photographs is what I do so, that's what I blog and why I love it soooo much!

All that to say, keep commenting! It's encouraging. Especially on days like today when I spent most of my time at a computer editing photos. (Not that I don't like that too! But I'm a people person!) The personal touch means everything!

Have a good night. Keep writing. It makes me smile.

www.noemiphotography.com

Technical Problems...

Working with computers all the time is a blessing and a curse. If you work with them; you know exactly what I mean. The last couple of days have not been good for me. I have a personality that LOVES to do things quickly and be ahead of schedule. WELL...my computer doesn't have the same personality! Who knew? I'm fixing the problem today by buying a desktop with AMAZING amounts of memory and a huge screen! It's time to step up and love my computer again! To anyone who's waiting on pictures...they are on the way! Give me a couple days grace and you will have them in hand!

I know fighting with a computer is normal, but I don't like interruptions. :) We'll work it out and be back on track!

How's that for the most boring blog ever!? I guess it means you'll really appreciate the next one! Thanks for reading.

www.noemiphotography.com

The Photos of VEGAS!

I'm back from the WPPI conference in Las Vegas! I thought I'd document the last day for the blog...not a lot of words! Let's let the pictures do the talking!

Did you know there are escalators outside in Vegas? I didn't. It was great to glide everywhere...especially in 2 inch heels! :)

It wasn't all work we had some play! This is Alexander and Tiffany by the pool!

We stayed at the Flamingo but, conferenced at Bally's...It was gorgeous at night!

One of my FAV. mentors was Mike Colon! He's a big wig from California and all around "nice guy." Live models and untouched photos are the best way to do it.

So, they mispelled Prairie...WPPI's expertise is in Photography, not spelling!

After a week of being saturated with knowledge and inspiration...I had lots to be happy about!

And that's everything! Noemi Hedrick, reporting live from Las Vegas, Nevada!