Here are some tips so that you can get some great photographs.







Lighting

Lighting is always and important factor to think about when you take pictures. If it is possible outside lighting is the best. When outside make sure you have the sun behind you when you are shooting your subject. The rose was actually taken outside but near a window where the sun was shining in. Notice the shadows in the photo of the deer. The chick was taken inside but with fluorescent lighting. If inside make sure you use a flash if ample light is not available. Try and remember to think about your lighting conditions. It plays a key role in getting a quality shot.

Background

  Thinking about your background is very important component in getting a good photo. Many people don't think about this when they take their pictures. If you want to focus on  a particular object or objects, don't have a cluttered background. Sometimes it is as easy as turning your subject 90 degrees and you will then have an excellent shot due the the newer background at that location. Notice the similar graduation pictures below. The images were taken only a few feet from each other. The tree background was the better option for the photo.

Close ups

Don't be afraid to get close up shots. You can then zero in on the person or object you want to capture. It will often help focus the eye on what you want to show. Background becomes less a problem but always a concern. When buying a camera one of the first things I always look for is a zoom lens. Notice in the picture of the apple the background is a car door. This was taken inside a moving car. You don't focus as much on the background since the shot is a close up. Same holds true with the hamster. There is a bed in the background but you don't see much of it nor do you focus on it. 

Sontaneous

Keep your camera close by whenever possible. You will often be in a situation where you find the perfect shot but you don't have your camera handy. Many shots are spontaneous and if you keep your camera with you, you will be able to get shots that wouldn't be possible otherwise. For example I hadn't planned this shot. As I was getting into my car a bird flew into the birdbath in the front yard and decided to take a bath. Of course I had to be extra quiet so as not to scare it away but I had my camera near me so I was able to capture the shot.  

Off center

Typically we find ourselves centering all of our subjects in the viewfinder when we snap our shots. Those type of shots are fine but once in awhile try to place your subject off center. This can add an interesting effects to the photo. Notice all three of these shots the main subject is not centered in the picture. Each shot is visually appealing to the eye. Give it a try on your next photo shoot.

Steady hand

Holding your camera steady is an important part of getting a quality shot. If you are taking your photo outside sometimes the weather conditions make it touch to keep steady. A tripod comes in handy to help this but if you don't have it handy just try to use something to prop your elbows on to help steady the camera. The first two pictures of the flower show shots taken with a steady hand. The third shot of the bird however was not as steady. Notice you lose the definition of the bird. It tends to look a little blurry. 

Angles

If you experiment with holding your camera at a different angle you might be surprised with your results. Where you hold you camera can also create unique effects. I will never forget a camera crew that took a video of kids getting off the bus. The put the camera near the ground and just got the students feet as they were exiting the bus. It was a very clever and interesting shot. Try standing on something and looking down on your subject or angle your camera up. These different methods can result in eye catching photos.

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