Simple Ways to Improve Your Family Photography

Articles

Brooks A. Mick

Simple Ways to Improve Your Family Photography
Nov 28, 2003

What with the ubiquitousness of digital cameras, many more people are snapping away than ever before. Yet most are disappointed with their photographs. Here are a few simple rules to make your photographs more snappy!

1) Get closer or use telephoto for portraits. Most of us stand too far back and include way too much. Do you really care what kind of shoes your subject is wearing or are you interested mainly in the face?

2) Watch the background. There is often much distracting clutter surrounding the subject. Make it as simple as possible--a blank wall rather than a bookshelf, for example. This is another reason for getting close: You automatically eliminate much unwanted background. Photographs are ruined way more often by trying to include too much than too little.

3) Don't have your subject face the sun! This only results in squinting and harsh shadows. In fact, take portraits in the shade. The soft, diffuse lighting is more flattering, helps eliminate wrinkles (which women appreciate!), and is more conducive to natural facial expressions rather than squinting from bright sunlight in the eyes.

4) Catch people acting normally rather than having them standing stiffly.

5) Shoot a lot of photos! This greatly increases your chances of getting a good one, and with digital, it's cheap! No film to waste. Just delete the bad shots. It's like having free film. (If you are young enough, you might be asking, "What's film?")

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About the author: 62-yr-old physician, still practicing, retired from 41 years intermittent military service as of June 1, 2003. Just write for the fun of it. Currently writing a novel. Email Brooks A. Mick: brooks15@cox.net

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