Here’s a few super simple ideas that will help shape up any picture. They seem too easy to be significant. They’re not. Use them and your pictures will look better instantly.
Tip 1: Move your subject up in the frame.
Here’s the situation… you and your peeps are out on the town. Someone says ‘hey, let’s get a picture.’ The camera somehow falls into your hands. Eveyone huddles up and smiles. You hold up the camera, peer into the magic viewfinder, center all the faces in the middle of the screen and…
…and then you remember reading this post.
Slide those heads just a little higher up. Put them about 3/4 of the way up the screen. Super easy… helps a ton.
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See? Her eyes are towards the top she looks great!
Tip 2: Change your perspective.
The temptation is to shoot every picture you take without bending your knees – making all your pictures from shot the same vantage point, the same perspective. This is boring, people. We can do better.
For starters, get on eye level with whatever you’re shooting. Snapping a shot of your two year old? Get down on their level. Taking a picture of your sweet ride for CraigsList? Stare it in the headlights.
For extra credit, get lower and shoot up at your subject. We’re all accustomed to seeing life from eye level. Mix it up a bit and your pictures will be way more appealing.
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Had to lay in the grass to get this shot. Her cuteness does the rest!
Tip 3: Avoid harsh, direct sunlight.
Super bright sunlight equals washed out color, weird shadows, squinty eyes, and the list goes on…
If you have to shoot in the middle of the day, find some shade and don’t make people stare into the sun. They won’t like doing it and they’ll look funny!
The best time to shoot would be within 1-1.5 hours of sunrise or sunset. At that time it’s fine to shoot in the light because it’s not nearly as harsh (or as we photographers say, “hot”).
See… told you they were easy.
