Taking Better Pictures

Taking better pictures is a snap with a little thought. However, nothing will help you if you don't have your camera, so be ready to take the shot at all times!

Photography Tips

• You've heard it many times before, but it stands repeating: Use the Rule of Thirds! You don't have to line up your focal point dead center. When looking through your viewfinder, imagine dividing up the view with two lines across and two lines up and down, to divide it into nine equal squares. Line up the subject where two of those lines intersect, and take the shot! This will make for more interesting photos and give your images more context and "life."
• Be sure your're in focus. If you're using the Rule of Thirds, your main subject may not be in focus. Press on your shutter button partway to be sure, then take the picture.
• Turn on your red-eye reduction if your camera has one -- unless you want "devil" eyes in your photo!
• If you're using a flash, know its range. If you're not sure, be certain you're no further than about ten feet away. The right lighting helps in taking better pictures. ;-)
• Indoor shots should be against light colored backgrounds and walls.
• For portraits use soft light, such as from a nearby window or the lighting you get on overcast days.
• Use a neutral background with no clutter for the best indoor photos.
• Group pictures are best taken during the light hours to avoid unnecessary shadows.
• For formal photoes be sure that the clothing choices work well together.
• Avoid colors in clothing that clash with each other.
• Using solid colors of clothing makes for a much nicer picture.
• Avoid logos unless taking pictures of a team.
• Take various single shots as well as grouping shots of people interacting with one another.
• Include candid pictures along with more formal pictures in order to capture more natural shots and the feeling of togetherness.
• Try moving in closer -- about three feet away from your subject unless using a macro lens -- and including close-up shots as well as far-off shots.
• Change the point of view to get great shots at various angles -- front shots, back shots, side shots, from high and low positions, up and down -- to add variety in your scrapbooking photos.
• Visit various locations to find the perfect backdrop for taking better pictures.
• To add some perspective try using foreground objects in the photo.
• Use the natural lines and shapes of objects to draw your eye to your focal subject.
• Use a tripod. It will help to take a great shot with you in the picture, or just when you need to keep your camera steady, especially when zooming in on something.
• Go vertical! Turn your camera on its side for some great shots.
• When in picture-taking mode, have your camera up to your eye at all times. Otherwise, by the time you grab your camera you might have missed the opportunity!
• While waiting at the ready, focus beforehand to be ready to snap the picture to reduce "shutter lag."
• Being psychic helps! Snap your picture right before they get to the perfect position, or you'll miss it.
• Take lots of pictures! Digital cameras makes taking better pictures easy since you don't have to buy film or devlope bad shots. But don't delete any until you can view them on a larger screen, or you just might lose some real gems!

This priceless picture of a curious squirrel, generously shared online by Melissa Brandts, would have been completely lost if she had not been ready to take the shot! Okay, it was by remote, but you get my point! :-)

Photo by Melissa Brandts

Taking better pictures is easy with your digital camera, and allowing your imagination to run free you will make scrapbooks that are inspiring and will create memories that will last a lifetime.

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