I really appreciate all your support, so I wanted to send you a little something to say thank you. I love taking your photographs whenever I have the opportunity, but for all the other times when it's your job to take the photographs that capture the days that we all want to remember for forever, I want to help you make them as beautiful as you can. None of these ideas are rocket science, neither are they difficult to come by. But I wanted to remind you of them, and of this most important tip: take photographs. Actually take photographs. Capture that face they pull, and that thing they do, and that way they are, because you never know when they're going to stop doing it! Treasure the now - it's a gift.
1. Get the best light
Photo speak says natural light is the best light. This means that wherever possible, ditch the flash. Throw your curtains open wide, or move your subject closer to the window.
And while you're at it, whenever you can always shoot in golden light. Golden light is the beautiful, warm, soft light that occurs just after sunrise and just before sunset. It's so much more flattering on your subjects, and has so many creative possibilities.
2. Get to know your camera
If you have a camera that is a little more than a smartphone, then do yourself a favour and get to know it! Spend time figuring out what the different functions do, and familiarise yourself with the various terminology. You don't have to switch to manual mode off the bat if that seems intimidating, but be conscientious about figuring out the technical stuff. Your camera has amazing capabilities!
3. Get in close
Though it doesn't have to be a universal rule for every photograph you take, a tip that almost always creates a beautiful image is to get in close. Filling your entire frame with your subject can create a compelling picture.
4. Get real
You know that life isn't perfect. It doesn't come wrapped in cheesey smiles with perfect poses every time. It comes in stolen moments, and caught glances, and tantrums, tears, giggles and faces smeared with chocolate cake. Don't sacrifice the picture for picturesque! Take pictures of moments, and don't insist on a cheesey smile.
5. Get in the picture
It's so easy to hide behind the camera! Please be in one of every hundred photographs you take??!! And not just in selfies: hand the camera to someone else, put in on timer, use a tripod...but be there, be present!
News supplied by Nicole Haynes Photography.