So I decided to start writing monthly about how everyone can improve their photography. Whether it's everyday moments with the kids or a nature walk or going out for ice cream, these moments are precious and part of the fabric of our being!
1. The "Rule of Thirds": It creates a better picture when your main
subject is not right in the center. In your minds eye, divide your photo into
thirds (either horizontally or vertically), and place your main subject on one
of the third lines dividing your picture. You'll be amazed at the different
feel you'll capture by not having your subject exactly in the middle!
2. Draw Attention to Subject: Try to draw the viewer’s eye to the subject
of the picture by using other objects, such as a fence row or a road. If you
use other objects properly, the viewers eye will unconsciously follow those
objects, and be drawn to your subject.
3. Watch Your Lighting:
Avoid using flash, as it creates harsh shadows and “red eyes” in people
and animals. Also, try to shoot with the
light behind you. If the light is behind
the subject, you will get a shadowy “backlit” effect that often throws off the
whole picture.
4. Pay Attention to the Background: We've all seen pictures with an ugly dump
truck in the background, or a pole sticking out of your subjects head! Glance
at the background before taking a picture, and either move subjects or move in
closer to eliminate things in the background that may be unsightly or
distracting!
5. Get in Close: Too
many snapshots are filled with the background and the subject is lost. While the scenery is beautiful, the most
important thing you’ll want to see a few years from now are those missing teeth
and crazy freckles. Don’t be afraid to
get up close and personal, that’s where all the important stuff is!
6. Keep Shooting: The
best way to improve your photography is to keep shooting! Especially with the
cost-effectiveness of digital cameras, play with different lighting and poses
until you figure it all out... your family historian will thank you for it!
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Family Craft: Clothesline Photo Gallery
Is your fridge lost under a mound of photographs and
artwork? Kitchen drawers stuffed with
envelopes from the photo lab waiting to be sorted and displayed? This clothesline
gallery is a simple concept that can make the art displays easier and fun!
Choose an area of the wall about 4 feet long to hang your
gallery. Hammer two nails, one on each
end of the space, about 5 feet above ground, with about half of the nail still
visible. Tie a cute ribbon or thin rope
to each end, fairly tight but not completely stiff. Use clothespins to hang photographs and
children’s artwork on your clothesline, making it a weekly ritual to clear the
line and refresh the gallery... keeping you free of clutter and your walls an
active work of art!
Find me on Pinterest to see an example of the Clothesline Photo Gallery
