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The Importance of Camera Position

When was the last time you shot the same image vertically and horizontally? Most hobby photographers shoot in the moment. They point, shoot and let the image develop as it may not thinking about how a photo could look if the camera was held a different way. Most beginner photographers don’t realize that the way the camera is positioned can make a huge impact on the tone of the shot. The way you hold the camera, vertically (up and down) or horizontally (left to right) helps determine the way your subject is framed. Camera position also helps you get as … Continue reading →

Tips for Snapping Super Summer Photos at the Beach

Summer is here (unofficially) and that means many snap happy parents will be toting their cameras to the beach to snap frame worthy shots of their kids frolicking in the sand and surf. If you plan to document your kids surfing and sculpting sand, then consider the following tips: Bye-Bye Boring Shots: Liven up your scrapbook by taking action shots of your friends and family members. Bring a ball or a Frisbee to the beach, get a game going, and then snap away. Drop to your knees to get interesting angles of your loved ones in action. You can also … Continue reading →

Simple Tips for Taking Super Summer Shots

Summer is a busy time of the year for shutterbugs. Between graduations, Father’s Day, weddings and vacations, snap happy photographers give their cameras quite a workout. If you are planning to document your family’s adventures in the sun with a digital or traditional film camera, consider the following tips to ensure that your shots are frame worthy: BACKDROP The beach makes for a dramatic backdrop, especially when it’s filled with people. However, all that activity can also be distracting. If you are taking a photo of your son digging in the sand, be sure you keep your focus on him … Continue reading →

More Basic Photo Tips for Digital Camera Owners

Now that you know a bit more on how to focus your shots correctly and you know how to add some action to your photos, it’s time to discuss other ways to spice up your pictures. CURVES S-curves (or any type of curve) can make a photo much more appealing. Just remember that a curve should start at the photo’s edge and lead to your subject. That way when a person is viewing your shot his or her eyes will be naturally drawn to the focal point of your image. FLASH Be careful when using your flash. While the added … Continue reading →

Getting Rid of Clutter in Your Shots

When you view a prize-winning snap shot you are very unlikely to see a lot of needless clutter in the background. Unfortunately, dead space or undesirable objects often end up in many pictures taken by hobby photographers. The key to eliminating this unwanted space is to move in closer and position the camera in a way that cuts out the clutter or excess headroom. The challenge comes in deciding when to come in closer and when to step back. To find the answer first ask yourself whether the background is interesting enough to warrant being in the shot. Does the … Continue reading →

Basic Photo Tips for Digital Camera Owners

These days digital cameras are the standard when it comes to taking amateur photos. The popular cameras have virtually eliminated the need for film, which means digital photographers can snap to their heart’s content without worrying about wasting film. The number of images you can take at a single event can easily number into the hundreds. But despite the advancement in technology many amateur photographers find they are getting quantity but not quality—-in which case you might want to consider the following tips: FRAMING Good composition goes a long way when it comes to snapping a decent photograph. Try to … Continue reading →

Summer Vacation Photo Tips

Summer is here, time to pack up the clan and head to the mountains, beach, amusement park or zoo. But before you hit the highway or take to the skies don’t forget to pack your camera bag. The thought of missing out on all of the incredible photo opportunities your travels will provide is enough to take make any snap happy parent ill. In addition to your camera, make sure you have spare batteries, lenses, a cleaning kit, extra media cards and a mini tripod. Once you arrive at your destination be sure to remember the following tips: Don’t let … Continue reading →

Photographing Your Family at a Theme Park

Think of the photo opportunities just waiting to be snapped at your favorite amusement park: your son’s first ride on the merry-go-round, your daughter posing with her favorite characters, your spouse dancing with a clown and your entire clan on a speeding roller coaster. If you are planning a family trip to an amusement park this summer, don’t forget your camera and once you are there consider the following tips to ensure you capture all the Kodak moments: Use your camera’s self-timer. I mentioned several photos ops in my opening paragraph, but don’t forget to get into some of the … Continue reading →

Photographing a Trip to the Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. They are just a few of the hairy creatures waiting to be photographed on your next trip to the zoo. Here are some tips to follow to ensure you are making the most of your photo ops: Get Close. Get in as close as possible to your subjects. If your zoo has a petting area for kids be sure to focus on your child’s face and the reactions he or she is displaying while making friends with the zoo’s four-legged residents. Getting up close also allows you to capture a goat’s shaggy coat … Continue reading →

Pictures and Color Temperature

When avid photographers hear the term “color temperature” most think of White Balance. When I was working in TV, white balance was a critical factor in daily shooting and is the reason you see some interview subjects holding up a white piece of paper in front of TV cameras prior to the start of a press conference or other major media event. White Balance essentially measures the color temperature of a photo and on most digital cameras there is some function that allows you to control the White Balance in your shot. While most people simply employ the Auto White … Continue reading →