1. Use light and shadows to create a more dramatic setting.
The best time of day for photography is often just after sunrise or just before sunset, known as “golden hour.” This is a favorite time of day for photographers because it creates the perfect cast of light onto our subjects to make for the most flattering photographs. Think about positioning your subject as it relates to the sun. Using light in this way can add warmth and glow to your photograph allowing you to create a more emotive image.
feel- joyful, sad, nostalgic? Is the lighting better from a different angle? Use the steps above, set up your shot, and snap the picture. I’d love to see your photos! Feel free to tag me on Instagram at @v.kennedyphotos or submit your photos to vkennedyphotography@gmail.com.
2. Be intentional with composition.
Think about how your subject(s) fill the frame and be sure to switch it up a little bit. The best galleries include images from various angles. If your client is running in a field, think about how their movement can be best captured in a frame. Sometimes it can be from an angle that is not obvious. Slow down and observe the scene for a moment so that you aren’t just snapping a million pictures in the hopes of getting that one “perfect” shot!
3. Pay attention to small details.
The most evocative photographs are impactful because they have captured a focal detail that draws the viewer in. It could be the way a mother runs her fingers through her child’s hair, a groom adjusting his wedding ring just after the wedding ceremony, or how the mother of the bride watches with tears as her husband shares a dance with their newly married daughter. Romanticizing these small moments can make all the difference in your photography style.
4. Step back and let the moment happen.
A story is best told when we let it unfold as it naturally happens. Rather than trying to pose your subjects in unnatural ways, use prompts to allow for more natural interactions and movement. Let’s say you are trying to capture a family member and you want this photograph to perfectly capture their personality. Ask them to tell you a favorite memory they share together. Pay attention to their expressions and movements. Prompts are not always necessary. Sometimes, it’s best if we just sit back and observe. You don’t need to have the most expensive camera or years of experience to create an impactful photograph. All it takes is for you to connect to a moment you are capturing as the photographer which will lead to a photograph that others may connect to as a viewer. I challenge you to take your iPhone or whatever camera you have available to you, head out to your backyard or a favorite spot, to pause and observe. What do you notice first? How does it make you
Tori Kennedy is the owner of V Kennedy Photography, LLC, based in Virginia but serving worldwide. Specializing in wedding and family photography, Tori is passionate about capturing organic and heartfelt moments for her clients. Visit her website https://www. vkennedyphotography.com/. 7
