When I had Nathan I vowed to take pictures of him every single day. I might miss the odd day due to an illness, or say, when I had my gallbladder removed, but for the most part I have been successful. I have taken at least one photograph of Nate most days since he’s been born.
When I attended BlogHer this year, there were only a couple of sessions I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss, and one of those was the Geek Lab Room of Your Own session, How to Take Great Pictures, Whether You Have a DSLR or Not, run by the talented trio of Mishelle Lane, Lotus Carroll and Rachel Devine.
I love the more practical sessions at BlogHer, because it’s easy to remember some great tips and tricks, especially when you put them into practice. I don’t want this post to read as a recap of the entire session; that’s available on the BlogHer website. Instead, I wanted to share the things I learned that stuck with me since I attended the session. I really do think that I’ve learned some good skills that have helped me improve my photography.
Use thirds. It’s lovely to place your subject in the middle of the composed shot, but if you divide your field of view into thirds or nines, even, then place the subject in one of those spaces, the composition might be more pleasing to the eye. When I took a photograph of Columbus Circle from the Robert Restaurant during the ,a href=”http://www.aiminglow.com” target=”_blank”>Aiming Low EZPZ Party, I changed the composition before I took the photograph. See how the statue in Columbus Circle is in the bottom right of the shot? I’m happy with the results.
Look for lines. On Friday night in New York City, Mishelle, Heather and I went on a little impromptu photo walk through Times Square. Rather than frame this photograph with the words Ruby Foo’s in the centre of the shot like I might have done the day before, I chose to focus on the row of lights. Then I moved them to the left of the shot.
The best camera is the one you have on hand. I have a DSLR, but I also have a great little point-and-shoot as well as the iPhone camera. I’ve taken photos I love with all three of these. I leave the Canon out on the kitchen countertop most days, and when I go out I have the iPhone. I keep the point-and-shoot in the baby’s bag. Typical mom, right? I wouldn’t have been able to get this cute shot of Nate if I hadn’t had my iPhone with me that evening as we walked.
These three simple pieces of advice that I took to heart are making me a better photographer. But really, with a subject like Nate, how could I go wrong?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I find that just experimenting with my manual settings and different angles is really improving the quality of my pictures. I also find it helps to take tons of pictures. Out of 20 I might get 1 really good one and it makes it all worth it!
I loved that session. I am beginning to regret not bringing my Rebel to BlogHer. I got a few good iPhone Hipstamatic pics, but that’s it. Next year.
I love that pic of Nate!
oh, i totally wanted to go to that session. love these tips! and great shots. (I am the exact same, DSLR on the counter, point and shoot in the diaper bag and iphone on the go.)
I think I would have enjoyed that session! Photography is a hobby of mine.
This makes me so happy. XO