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TIPS: PHOTOS
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TIPS: SUBMITTING A PHOTO FOR THE QUARTERLY
We encourage members to send in photos to share different milestones and events from your branch. Sometimes, unfortunately, photos received are low quality and unable to be used. Here are some tips to ensure you take a great shot every time!
Use gridlines to balance your shot
One of the easiest and best ways to improve your mobile photos is to turn on the camera’s gridlines. This superimposes a grid on the screen of your smartphone that are based on the ‘rule of thirds’. According to this theory, if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines, your photo will be more balanced, level and allow viewers to interact with it more naturally.
To switch the grid on:
iPhone: Go to ‘settings’, choose ‘photos and camera’ and switch ‘grid’ on. Samsung Galaxy: Open camera app, go to ‘settings’, scroll down and switch the ‘grid lines’ option to ‘on’.
Avoid zooming in
When you take a photo from a distance, it’s tempting to zoom in on something specific you’re trying to capture. It’s actually better not to zoom in, as doing so can make the photo appear grainy, blurry or pixelated. Instead, try to get closer to your subject or take the photo from a default distance and crop it later. That way, you won’t compromise the quality and it’s easier to play around with (or edit) a larger image.
Keep bright lights behind you
When taking photos, ensure the sun or any bright lights are behind you, the photographer and not the subject. This will avoid any unwanted haze taking over the photo.
Clean your phone’s lens
Your phone is usually in your pocket or your bag when you’re out of the house and sure enough, the device’s lens is collecting all kinds of dust and lint. Be sure to clean the lens with a soft handkerchief before taking a photo.
Consider buying a mobile tripod
There’s never been an easier way to ensure your shot stays level and balanced, especially if you want to be in the photo as well! Mobile tripods give you the freedom to mount your smartphone for quick hands-free shots without having to lug any heavy equipment with you. Most mobile tripods are hardly bigger than your mobile device and can bend to any angle.
If you use a flash, only do so during the day
Sometimes, using your camera’s flash can improve a photo – but rarely does it do so at night. Because dark shots reveal a much sharper contrast against your phone’s flash, it can make any flash look invasive and uneven.
In already well-lit spaces, however, a flash can help to soften some dark shadows behind or beneath your main subject.
We welcome contributions to the QJA Quarterly
email to: editor@qja.com.au
Clean up your background
The background is as much a part of your photo as the subject so make sure it’s not cluttered or messy. Moving your camera just few degrees to the side may make all the difference when it comes to cleaning up your shot. Branches, sky and other people are just a few things to look out for.
Taking larger group photos
Unfortunately, when taking a large group photo attention spans dwindle if you are not prepared with a quick pose in mind.
These tips will ensure success:
• Put taller people towards the back and in the centre, shorter people in front and on the sides if you are doing a standing pose. • Try not to make the group photo too deep.
This will keep all faces in focus. • Chins up slightly for no double chins. • If you can, shoot from above your group (i.e. with a ladder or chair) to make all faces more visible.
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