When photo opportunities arise, we often have camera phones and point and shoot cameras to capture the moment. These small cameras provide much better resolution and features than they did just a few years ago, but many people are still frustrated by the standard of the pictures they take.
Arrangement
The first element of good photo arrangement is knowing the rule of thirds. Quite simply, photography should not be like target practice, where Cast phone to Mac you place the subject in the center of the view person and fire away. Rather, try to successfully partition the image into thirds, both vertically and width wise. The primary subject should be at one of the four intersecting points. This provides a more pleasing image and it serves to draw the viewer’s eyes directly to the subject. In the example below, the eyes of the subject are near the second right intersecting lines.
Another rule of arrangement is with horizontally elements to lead the viewer’s eyes to the principal subject. Stairs and handrails, roadways and sidewalks, and other similar elements can help with this goal.
Point of view
Most casual photos are taken with the shooter standing and pointing at the subject. For more interesting shots, try taking the photo from a different point of view. Take a nap on the floor or climb up at the top of a rock or stairs. When taking photos children, you often get a lot more personal perspective when you are down closer to their level, not shooting down at them. Children are likely to interact with you and show more personality when the camera and the shooter have reached their level. A new perspective can be perfect for your images.
Flash
When the setting is dark or there is a strong back light, the use of flash is very important to properly illumine the subject. Don’t put the flash on auto. Learn how to change the setting to fill flash. When it is inviting outside, many professional photographers do not think to use flash, but the strong rays of the sun often cast harsh shadows or create a strong back light that will leave the subject badly exposed.
At the same time, it is good to avoid using flash if possible. Natural light is nearly always more inviting. If inside your home, move the subject close to a large window or other light source. Consider using a tripod or live the camera against a good object to reduce camera shake.
When taking photos outside, consider turning some of the subject’s face towards the brightest light source. If the sun is too bright, look for a bright wall to use as a light source so that is gives a softer light than direct light.
Zoom
Most cameras have optical and digital zoom features. An optical zoom uses the lens optics to get closer to the subject. It is a great way to truly zoom in. Digital zoom has little practical purpose. It is essentially popping the digital image to manufacture a “fake” zoom. It might help to briefly check an interest, but don’t use digital zoom for the actual shot.
Pre-focus
Most family and vacation photos involve more than one people standing in front of an important background. If the camera is centered, sharp between two people, it will likely focus on the backdrop scene and the people in the foreground will be blurry. Most cameras will pre-focus when the shutter button is pushed halfway down. Point the camera at a subject in the foreground, press the button halfway, and then recompose the shot the way you are interested before taking the picture. If you work with the rule of thirds for arrangement, it is critical to pre-focus the camera to get the shot properly focused.
A few more Thoughts
The best way to improve your shots is to practice. Take your camera with you all the time and try to practice some of these tips when the levels are not so high. You will be glad you did with the next big family event or vacation comes around and you are going to take great photos.