Tip Tuesday - 5 secret (not so secret) pointers for taking better pictures!

Photography may not seem complicated to the mobile phone clicker but there are a lot of 'rules' that can help you take better and look better in pictures.  I've compiled a few relaxed ways of making your pictures look terrific. (Of course there's always the option to hire a professional photographer but that's a topic for another blog!)

Light is everything.
    • Arrange for the light to be on either shoulder to a 90 degree angle
    • No light in back or in front (make squinty eyes)
    • Use light/bright surfaces to reflect light
      • What you use to reflect will change the color of what you’re shooting
    • Use your automatic settings based on what your light is…sun, shade, clouds – it changes the color of the final photo.
Your camera!  Get familiar with it. 
  • Unless you are comfortable using all manual setting to manage ISOs, aperture and shutter speed use the automatic settings for sun, shade, clouds, action etc.

Shooting better selfies

  • Please, no cutesy pouting (besides you'll get wrinkles in your lips later in life)
  • Shoot from straight on or above (avoid above so high you fall backwards)
  • Sun to your side, not your back. Front is OK if it's filtered
It’s OK
  • Not to smile
  • Not to look at the camera
  • Not to stand in a soldier line
It’s great to
  • Be natural
  • Shoot in the shade without bright sun behind
  • Pose in comfortable, angled positions (see photo above - shoulder to shoulder looks cliche, standing back to front is one good option)
  • Offset your subject (generally no need to always center)
  • Put the cocktail glass down and take off the name tag


Definitions:
ISO Measures the sensitivity of the image sensor to light. Higher ISO settings are generally used in darker situations.
Shutter speed (click time) The camera's shutter speed determine the amount of light that reaches the sensor.
Aperture (opening) Aperture known as f/stops refers to the opening of a lens's diaphragm through which light passes. The lower f/stops (1.8mm) give more exposure because they represent the larger apertures, while the higher f/stops (32MM) give less exposure because they represent smaller apertures. 


Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Everyone Else Is Posting A New Headshot. Are You?

Image
  How did you feel that last time you posted a new professional headshot? I'm guessing pretty good. What I've noticed on social media is when a client posts a new headshot the comments like these start to explode.                                                        Love it Gorgeous Wow You're so pretty Very professional... You look younger than ever Fabulous as always only more so... Awesome So handsome. Keep up the good work. You're looking good... Who took that photo? I want to look like you. When I read the comments and see clients' social media likes it's an endorphin rush. There are so many reasons why you'll want to update your headshot.  It will attract new viewers. Have you ever bought a book twice because the cover was changed? You get the idea. An updated headshot will keep you in front of clients and prospects so you're top of mind when they need you, your services or products. A current headshot contributes to your authenticity. When I mee
Read more

How many faces can you make? A headshot story!

Image
I think a lot about headshots. I think about what's best in a headshot and can come up with a dozen ideas that suit me but maybe not you. What it boils down to is that your headshots reflect your personality, supports your story ~ all while it projects your brand. We live in a visual world. Professional photography has never been as important as it is right now when communicating with prospects and influencing your market. You are the literal face of your business and you want your prospects and clients to know who you are. Building a robust library of photos is key to maintaining a fresh portfolio of flexible visual assets. It is useful to have more than one headshot taken during a session. That provides flexibility for when and where to post your photo. It's an opportunity to always have something new to post and update your followers and clients on social media, place on  business cards, press releases, brochures, announcements and more. Decide what works best f
Read more

3 Bright Ideas For Better Visual Branding During Virtual Meetings

Image
  In the past, I've written a lot about virtual meetings and the visual impact on your brand.  As a  virtual photographer , my eye starts to recognize opportunities for improving how you appear at a virtual meeting.  The tweaks are subtle.   Following are the three next level suggestions for improving your image during a virtual meeting.  💡Color of light. The most common color on an attendee's face on a virtual meeting is yellow, followed by orange. That often means the lights used are incandescent. Solution: Soft white lights are a good solution. A techie option is to go for a light rated close to 5500k (kelvins), a neutral. Many ring lights have options that include Warm White, Cool White, and Daylight. 2. 👀 Glasses. I wear them. Half of my clients do as well. They are a challenge. Solution:  Look straight at the screen. Do not have the screen positioned so that you have to look up. Have lights slightly above your screen and to either side if you have multiple light options
Read more