Top Ten Tips (7-10)

Finally! Today we learned the final 4 tips and techniques for photography.  These were all pretty basic tips, but definitely good ones to know.  Below are what I thought were some good examples of these tips, so without further adieu...here are the last 4 techniques!
*Move it from the middle-This technique was one I was already familiar with.  It pretty much the same concept as the rule of thirds technique.  The idea behind this is just to move your subject, object, or focal point slightly to the right or left.  This is a good way to show the viewer a new perspective.
*Know your flash's range-This is something that is very important to know about your camera.  Different cameras have different flash capabilities and this can determine ultimately how the photo turns out.  It is good to know the distance that your flash is able to produce light so your subject is able to be bright and defined.
*Watch the light-This is a tip for making sure another objects shadow doesn't affect something in your photo.  It is important to be aware of your surroundings so that your photo isn't dark or in the shadows.
*Be a picture director-A photographer should always arrange the subjects in the photo to what pleases them and what looks the best.  Rather than just having a group of people stand in a line, have them bunch together or stand on different levels.  This will overall create a less boring picture and give you what you want.

{This picture is an example of moving your subject from the middle.  My subject, McKenna, is walking into the frame and by putting her to the right shows what she is walking towards.}

{This photo of morgan is an example of knowing your flash's range.  By getting closer to him, the flash lit up his face and caused all shadows to go away.}

{This is an example of how to watch the lighting of the photo.  I had to move the subjects out from under the overhang before taking this photo.  Before their faces were too dark and had to many shadows.}

{This picture is an example of being a picture director.  Rather than them standing in a straight line, I moved my subjects closer together.  This overall made the photo more compact and more interesting.}

Top Ten Tips (4-6)

Continuing on from the last post! This week my class began to learn of 3 new techniques.  We went on another couple of photo walks and tried capturing new things with new techniques.  Below are my examples...and now for techniques and their definitions:
*Move in close/Fill the frame-This technique is pretty much the same as the fill the frame technique in my past blog post.  This is to get rid of any excess background and focus in on one subject or object.  Move your feet to get as close as possible to your subject, then(if necessary) use the lens to focus in closer.
*Blur the Background - This is another technique used to focus in on one main subject.  Blurring the background gets rid of any distractions and leads the eyes of the viewer to what you want to be the focal point.  This can be done by focusing on an object to the right or left of the subject and then moving the lens back to what you want to be the focus.  This will provide a cool effect and direct the eyes of the viewer to your subject.
*Horizontal-This is a good technique to use when you are trying to capture a tall or long subject.  Sometimes just the simple rotation of your camera can create a different perspective for the viewer.  Just rotate your camera to be horizontal and it may give the picture a new meaning.

{This picture of Carter is an example of filling the frame and moving in close.}

{This is an example of blurring the background.  By blurring the background the color of the rose really pops and stands out to the eye.}

{This picture of Hannah Hays is an example of taking a photo horizontally.  By taking this horizontally I was able to get her feet in the picture rather than cutting her in half at the waist.}

Top Ten Tips (1-3)

Recently my class began learning of some very important ways to take our pictures to the next level.  Over the next couple of weeks we will be adding onto this list of tips and taking photos of our surroundings, either at home or school or etc., to provide evidence of our understanding and show how to use these tips.  Slowly but surely, over time I will have learned and blogged about all ten tips that every photographer should know and try to incorporate in their photography.  I will be defining all ten tips here as time passes and will be sharing the examples and photos I have taken(the three pictures below).  So here's the first three:

*Eye Level- by getting down the the subjects eye level makes the picture sharper and makes a more personal feeling.  This also adds a new perspective for the viewer to take in.
*Use Plain Background- try to find a less distracting background that isn't cluttered or busy. This means no trees or poles sticking out from people's heads.  This focuses in on the subject of the photo. *TIP: Blurring the background may be useful.
*Use Flash Outdoors- there are three things to consider when you use flash outdoors, 1. use when the subject is in a shadow, 2. use when the subject is backlit, 3. ask yourself "will your flash reach the subject?". The outcome of the photo depends on the time of day.  Sometimes this can brighten your photo and create a better picture over all!

{This lovely picture of Shelby Hoyt is an example of the eye level technique.  Although it took me laying on the ground in blue hall, it ended up creating a better picture than if it were taken from above.}

{This photo of Madison Miller is an example of using a plain background.   Instead of a busy background, there is a solid colored wall behind her, which focuses the viewer's eyes on the subject.}

{Molly Neyland was a fantastic model for my "using flash outdoors" photo.  Without the flash there were dark shadows on her face.  Taking this photo with flash ultimately brightened the features of her face and eyes.}