http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/photography/expert-tips-for-professional-quality-photographs.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/photography/expert-tips-for-professional-quality-photographs.html Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500
It would be safe to guess that almost every home in America has at least one camera. Whether digital, 35mm or video, the vast majority of the population has taken photos or videos on a casual basis. If casual photography isn't your style, here are some expert tips for taking photographs as good as the pros.

Get Creative With Poses

For years we've all heard that posed photos are a bad thing: that we should aim for the spontaneous shots. That's simply not true. What was bad was the type of posing people chose! Think creatively. Photography school instructors encourage students to place people in familiar surroundings doing unusual things. For instance, rather than having your three children sitting at the end of a bed shoulder-to-shoulder, pose them lying on the bed with their chins in their hands.

Rather than an ordinary side-by-side mom-and-daughter shot, pose mom and daughter nose-to-nose. Photography school graduates will tell you that a talent for creative posing is one of the most sought-after attributes any professional can have.

Know Your Equipment

Those who hold a photography degree are quick to point out how vital it is to know your equipment. Whether you choose to take pictures with a video, 35mm or digital camera, you must have a good understanding of the settings, features and abilities of that camera.

While many may cringe at the thought, it's always a great idea to read your user's manual. You may be missing valuable information on how to use special features that could make a big difference in the quality of your pictures.

Use Digital Cameras Only With Still Shots

Most home-use digital cameras have a one- or two-second delay before shooting. That's perfectly fine when taking a picture of your new car or the vineyards in the wine country of California. Photography school instructors warn, however, that digital cameras are not always great for shooting moving objects such as pets, wildlife, children in action or sporting events. If you have to be sure you get the shot at an exact moment, a film camera will work best.

Use Flash Outdoors

While flash is traditionally thought of as an indoor-only feature, it also has many applications outside. The sun can create shadows over faces and images. Pros know that using flash outdoors can counteract the effects of the sun on your photos.

Get Close

It's a common mistake in amateur photography to take pictures of people from a far distance. The normal result is a picture with people so small they aren't identifiable. For better pictures, get up close, so you can see the person's face well. This way you can clearly see the person or people in the picture.

Photography is a combination of creative art and science. The more creative you become, the more interest you'll find in your pictures. The more you know about the science of photography, the more control you'll have over the outcome. Read articles, buy books or even earn your photography degree. Soon, you'll be taking expert-quality photos just like the pros!




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Mike Churchill provides online marketing support for Brooks Institute of Photography, a California photography school for those who aspire to become professional photographers, graphic designers or filmmakers. Courses are taught by dedicated professionals who believe in the philosophy of "learning by doing." Get your photography degree at http://www.brooks.edu.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/photography/preserving-memories-strategies-for-successful-family-portraits.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/photography/preserving-memories-strategies-for-successful-family-portraits.html Tue, 13 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Family portraits are an important part of our heritage. They preserve history. They record family growth. They document changing styles (some good, some not-so-good!). More than that, however, portraits seem to call to us and will garner our attention almost immediately when we enter a room. These, among many other reasons, are why family portraits continue to be so popular. It's also why portraiture is one of the most popular areas of study at photography schools.

While almost all get looked at, only a few spark the phrase, "That's a good picture!" Why is it that since most photographers go through photography school, only some family portraits gain compliments while others seem ordinary? The posing strategies and selections of photographers play a big role. Photographers tend to get into ruts taking the same styles of portraits over and over. When you feel this happening to you, it's time to shake things up with new ideas about posing families.

Natural Sittings (and Settings) Are Popular

First and foremost, keep things light. The days of stiff family portraits where everybody is in exactly the same pose are over! Today, more natural-looking poses (even "formal" portraits) are what give that noteworthy appearance.

Let the family members be themselves. Keep your eye behind the lens, always looking for an opportune shot as family members interact with each other. You'll also want to encourage natural laughter and smiles rather than forced "cheese" smiles.

Creative Family Poses

Get creative! Use your imagination and a host of props or natural settings to capture moments that are truly unique. For young families, consider placing baby in a bassinet with siblings and parents looking at baby, not at the camera. Perhaps toddlers could play at the edges of brooks or streams with mom and dad.

Other memorable (not to mention adorable) shots could include toddlers chasing bubbles or butterflies and toddlers playing with puppies, bunnies or other small (but tame) pets.

For families with older children, head outside! Fabulous portraits can be created with the family standing behind a fence (smaller kids sitting on the fence). Try a portrait of all silhouettes or of the family gathered on the front porch sipping lemonade. Families can even lounge at the edges of ponds or brooks for creative shots.

Move!

While there's a place to use your tripod, it may not be during a family portrait shoot. If you feel your posing is getting stale, toss the tripod and try alternate angles. Shoot from above or to the side or experiment with lighting. If the family isn't sure of exactly what they want, offer to take a variety of portraits and let them choose the style they like best once they see the results.

When you break down the barriers that squelch your creativity, you free yourself to produce your best work yet. You'll enjoy the sessions more, and your clients will be thrilled with the results!



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Carla White manages public relations for Brooks Institute of Photography, a photography school in California for those who aspire to become professional photographers, graphic designers or filmmakers. Courses are taught by dedicated professionals who believe in the philosophy of "learning by doing." Enroll today at http://www.brooks.edu.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>