Ten Tips for Better Pics

By Debby Stubing, FL Alpha Sigma and Bob O’Lary, professional photographer

Want to be a better photographer? Here are ten tips to improve your pictures.

Often, an experienced photographer is asked by a novice, “What kind of camera do you use?” The question is not the device used, but the techniques used to capture that event. When well-known photographers were asked, “What makes a good picture?” their answers were usually the same – “The picture should evoke emotion and tell a story.”

Taking a good picture may seem simple, but attention to the mechanics is a must. Engage yourself with the activity…use both your eyes and your ears to anticipate what is happening and what will happen next. Consider the lighting, composition and inspiration. Mastering the fundamentals of composition takes time and experience. So shoot, shoot, shoot a lot of pictures. The more you shoot, the better you will get.

These fundamentals will improve your photos: 1.FOCAL POINT: That is, what do you want the viewers to focus on? Follow the rule of thirds. Imagine that there are grid lines in your viewfinder. Place the subject at one of the four points where the lines intersect. If more than one subject is to be photographed, be sure that the subjects are centered with equal distance on all sides. 2.PERSPECTIVE: Vary the angle or distance you shoot from. Shooting from a distance makes the person seem small and insignificant while getting up close and having them fill the frame can convey a sense of power. Use a telephoto lens if you need to stand back a distance and zoom in to the subject. 3.FRAMING: Find something that can act as a natural frame and shoot your subject inside the frame. Try using a head table, banners and flags, floral arrangements or any prop that will add interest or color to your picture. 4.LIGHTING: Good lighting is essential. Without it, your picture may be grainy or blurry. For group photos, move people about two feet away from the wall to avoid harsh, distracting shadows. Using your flash, even outside, may eliminate shadows on faces and illuminate the subject(s) smiles. 5.PRESSING THE SHUTTER BUTTON: Right before you shoot your picture, take a large single step forward to tighten up your framing and eliminate space on the sides of your framed photo. The closer you are to subjects, the larger they are in the frame, and the more efficiently your flash will illuminate them. 6.SHOOTING: Shoot several shots of ANY group picture to assure that ALL eyes are open. Thank people for posing after you have captured the perfect image. 7.EDITING: Improve your images through the editing process. Several companies offer free or inexpensive tools which are compatible with both the MAC and PC platforms. Check these out on the internet. 8.BE A PICTURE DIRECTOR: When photographing a group, have an image in your mind’s eye of the final picture. Then take charge. Establish eye contact, and make your subjects feel comfortable. Tell them where to stand, which way to face, and when to smile. 9.HOLD YOUR CAMERA PROPERLY: There is a right way and a wrong way to hold a DSLR (Digital Single Lens

Reflex) camera. Support the lens by cupping your hand underneath it, usually with the left hand, and grip the body of the camera with your right hand. This prevents camera shake. To get an even stabler stance, hold your elbows into the sides of your body. 10. EQUIPMENT: Know your camera settings. Even smartphones and “point and shoot” cameras provide settings to help you capture the perfect picture. Spend time bonding with your camera and reading the owner’s manual so that when the time comes, you will feel comfortable capturing the moment. Check your batteries; keep them charged and ready to go to work for you.

There is so much more to photography than what is mentioned above. However, if you follow these tips, your pictures will not only look better but will also be more informational and communicative for your viewers.