This adorable mom and her son were in town this week on vacation and I met them in Celebration for some photos.  How cute are they?  I quickly learned the trick to get big smiles … just mention his girlfriend.  So cute!

I’ve thrown around the idea for a while of offering photography classes to moms, dads and anyone else interested in taking better photos of their kids, dogs and family. Later this week I’ll announce the details on these workshops. To lead up to that, this week I’m sharing some basic tips on how to take better pictures.  It doesn’t matter what style of camera you have … how expensive that camera is … or what brand of camera it is.  These tips are for anyone looking to take better photos.  Stop by each day and learn something new.

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Today’s lesson is all about composition.  I could actually spend a lot of time on composition, but I’m just going to offer a few basic pointers to get you started.

#1 Look at Your Subject From a Different Perspective

I touched on this briefly last time with my recommendation of getting down on the level of your kids and dogs when taking your photos.  This could also mean you get in close to your subject.  Look at it from above.  Look at it from below.  A good exercise is to pick one subject and photograph it from 2-3 different perspectives … then pick which one you like best.

At first glance this was just a old door in a Savannah alleyway. But, when I got in closer I was pleased to find the heart shaped hole above the knob.

I love Southern Oak trees. My favorite way to photograph them is to stand at the base and look up.

Getting in close to the subject makes this photograph stronger.

#2 Learn the Rule of Thirds

One of the popular “rules” in photography … and art, in general … is called the Rule of Thirds.  How it works is that you draw imaginary lines through your photo, dividing it equally in three sections horizontally and three sections vertically, making 9 squares.  You would place important parts of your photos in the intersection of these lines.

Some real life examples include:

By composing this image with the huddle of young baseball players in the lower right corner follows the Rule of Thirds.

Again, the Rule of Thirds was used again when the boat was placed in the lower right corner.

#3 Remove Visual Clutter

I promise this next rule is not a comment on anyone’s housekeeping skills — trust me, we have a lot of clutter in our house.  However, you can apply this rule both literally and figuratively.  The goal of “removing clutter” is to allow the focus of your photo to be on your intended subject … and only your intended subject.  Applying this rule literally means to take photos in spaces that are not filled with clutter.  When I offer to photograph at a client’s home, I often are met with … “Oh, no. Our house is a mess!”  Well, you can actually move the mess out of the field of view of the camera.  Or, pick spots where it is not messy.  Applying this rule figuratively means to use whatever “tools” you can to isolate your subject.  It might mean to get in close to the subject.  Or, it might mean to use your aperture to apply some blur to the background.

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If you like what you see in this week long series, you might be interested in taking one of my workshops. Stay tuned for more details on the workshops as the week goes on.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, this family was in town from different parts of the United States to celebrate their parent’s 50th wedding anniversary.  After we finished with the family, they changed and we walked around the waterfront in Celebration to capture some of the magic that has made them so strong for the last 50 years.

I’m going to take a break from the week-long photography series to bring you a preview from one of my latest sessions.  I met this beautiful family in Celebration to do some fun family portraits.  The Grandparents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and everyone was in town from different parts of the country to help celebrate.  We did a special session just for the anniversary couple and that preview will be tomorrow.

I’ve thrown around the idea for a while of offering photography classes to moms, dads and anyone else interested in taking better photos of their kids, dogs and family. Later this week I’ll announce the details on these workshops. To lead up to that, this week I’m going to share some basic tips on how to take better pictures.  It doesn’t matter what style of camera you have … how expensive that camera is … or what brand of camera it is.  These tips are for anyone looking to take better photos.  Stop by each day and learn something new.

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Today I’m going to talk about some really simple rules to follow to take better photos of your kids (or dogs).  These rules are really so simple that anyone, with any kind of camera, can implement them immediately and you’ll be pleased with the results.

#1 Go Low

If you are photographing kids or dogs, get down on their level and take their photos.  The benefit of this is that a) it will give you a different perspective on your subject and b) it will allow you to connect better with your subject.  Simple ways to do this are to sit on the floor, lay on your belly, or you can even “cheat” a little bit and just hold your camera down at their level and snap away.

#2 Let Them Play

Do your kids run from the room every time they see you take out your camera? If you want your kids to be more cooperative when you take their photos, don’t make them “pose” or always have to look at the camera.  Just let them play.  You’ll be able to capture them as they truly are because they will completely forget you (and your camera) are there.  The goal here is to make the camera “invisible”.

#3 Patience. Patience. Patience.

When photographing kids or dogs, there is one thing that is absolutely essential: patience … and LOTS of it.  If you want good photos of your kids or pets, you just have to be patient; there is no way around it.  If your kids (or dogs) aren’t in the “mood” for photos, you might have to put your camera away and try another time.  Or, you might have to keep snapping to eventually get the picture you want.  That’s the good thing about digital cameras; once you’ve invested in the memory card, the photos are basically “free”.

When you put them all together….

I took these two photos today, just after naptime.  My daughter is at that age when photos are just about near impossible.  But, I followed my three rules above and I now have two of my favorite photos.  I sat on the floor of her room, let her play, and kept snapping.  I took just over 50 photos and have probably 5 that are keepers; and two that I love.

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If you like what you see in this week long series, you might be interested in taking one of my workshops. Stay tuned for more details on the workshops as the week goes on.

I’ve thrown around the idea for a while of offering photography classes to moms, dads and anyone else interested in taking better photos of their kids, dogs and family.  When it comes to photography, I’m primarily self-taught with a few photography classes and workshops thrown in over the years.  I’ve studied books, internet sites, participated in photography forums and mentored with some professional photographers.  I’ve found the best experience is just to shoot … and keep shooting.  A couple of years ago I was asked to join Valencia Community College’s adjunct team and teach a basic digital photography class.  Each semester I have 18 students who are all eager to learn the basics of digital photography.

For the next week I’m going to share some basic tips on how to take better pictures.  It doesn’t matter what style of camera you have … how expensive that camera is … or what brand of camera it is.  These tips are for anyone looking to take better photos.  Stop by each day and learn something new.

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Speaking of cameras … Today I’m going to start with the basics: the camera.  As many of you have found, there are so many different camera brands, models and styles.  They range from very inexpensive, to a bit more pricey. I’m going to focus solely on digital cameras, not film cameras.  (Although film cameras are definitely not obsolete and making a small comeback.)  I’m going to go through the differences between digital SLR cameras and point-and-shoot cameras and then make some observations within each of those categories.

Point and Shoot Cameras

A point and shoot camera is designed primarily for simple operation.  Most offer autofocus, automatic systems for setting the exposure, and have flash units built in.  They are small and compact and fit easily in a pocket, purse or bag.  Point and shoot cameras are relatively easy to use and are perfect for taking your everyday photos.

Example of a "typical" point and shoot camera

Most point and shoot cameras do not have manual controls, which makes it a selling point for most consumers.  What this means is that the camera will have “pre set” functions that allow you to just take a photo and not have to think about “how” to take that photo.  On the downside, if you are really interested in learning more about photography — like how to take the photo you want — you may be somewhat unsatisfied with a point and shoot camera.

• Pros: small, compact and easy to use
• Cons: don’t allow manual functionality (for the most part); limited in what you can do; cannot change lenses

Digital SLR Cameras

A digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera uses a mirror system to direct light through a lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera.  With a DSLR you have the ability to change lenses.  While some DSLRs do come with automatic functionality, it also has a true manual ability, allowing the photographer full control over the camera.  If you are serious about photography, a DSLR is the type of camera you want to be using.  DSLRs are larger and bulkier than a point and shoot camera.

Example of a "typical" Digital SLR camera

• Pros: Manual control gives you, the photographer, more control over your images; interchangeable lens system
• Cons: large and bulky; more expensive

Megapixels

Let’s talk about megapixels for a second.  It is my personal opinion that camera manufacturer have used megapixels as a marketing feature for selling cameras.  Here is the truth: megapixels are only ONE of the features that determines camera quality.  Megapixels tell you how many pixels are in each image you take; and the more pixels, the finer the detail in your image.  However, how many megapixels you absolutely need depends on what you are doing with your images.  If you are uploading your images to a website (Facebook, Flickr, your blog), you don’t need that many megapixels because your images are not sized that large.  If you are printing out 4×6″ prints or 5×7″ prints to put in albums, or send to family & friends, you need a medium amount of megapixels (3 megapixels will be sufficient).  However, if you plan on printing very large images (16×20, 30×40), you will need a large amount of megapixels.  So, for most people who are printing small images (5×7″ and smaller) and uploading to websites, a camera with 3-4 megapixels is just fine.

Recommendations

When I’m looking for recommendations on electronic equipment, I like to consult review websites such as www.cnet.com or even the consumer reviews at www.amazon.com. My personal favorites in the two categories above include:

Point and Shoot:
Panasonic Lumix (there are several different sub brands of this camera and you can pick and choose the features you want). What I like about this camera is their use of the Leica lenses.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS I’ve had a previous generation of this camera and it was incredibly reliable. Good pictures. Very small and compact. The IS (image stabilization) feature is really nice.

Canon G11 This little camera has kind of the best of both worlds: its small and compact, but also has manual functionality on it so you can do more with the camera as a photographer.

Digital SLR:
For this category of camera, I recommend starting with the entry level camera in any of the different brands that offer SLRs: Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc. If you are just starting out, the entry level models will give you the functionality that you need. Once you’ve mastered the functionality, you can then decide whether you want to upgrade the body of your camera, or put your money into more lenses. My theory always has been to buy the camera body that you can afford and put your money into good lenses. Entry level cameras for Canon and Nikon include…
Canon Digital Rebel XSi
Nikon D3000

When you purchase a DSLR, you also have to purchase a lens (or two or three). There are “kit” cameras that come with the camera body and a lens that is typically called a kit lens. Most often, the kit lens is one of their lower level zoom lenses. You can certainly go that route if you are just starting out so you can see what you might like about that lens. One lens that I always recommend to purchase because it is both inexpensive as well as decently good is a 50mm f/1.8 lens. Both Canon and Nikon make this lens. On the Canon side it is about $100. Nikon is about the same.

Note that I’ve provided purchasing links to amazon.com. I have purchased several cameras and lenses from Amazon and have been happy with my purchase. There are also local camera shops in town like Colonial Photo and Hobby and Harmon Photo. Those are good resources if you want to see the camera in person before buying it. You can also go to camera-specific websites like B&H Photo and Video and Adorama. Those are also well known and reputable websites.

I hope this gave you a good overview of different types of cameras. In the next week I’ll be specifically referring to point and shoot cameras and digital SLRs. I wanted you to know the differences in both before starting into the rest of the series. Some of the topics I’ll be covering this week include: taking better photos of your kids, seeing the light, technical aspects of photography, and more.

If you like what you see in this week long series, you might be interested in taking one of my workshops. Stay tuned for more details on the workshops as the week goes on.

I take custom requests! Want me to put together something for you?  Let me know your favorite colors and the approximate ages in your group.

Last week I met this beautiful family at Loch Haven Park in Orlando for a series of maternity portraits.  They are such a wonderful group already, I can only imagine that baby-to-be will only enhance it.  I can’t wait to meet your new addition next month!

I swear I could take photos of this little girl all.day.long.  She’s simply stunning. Can’t wait to do pictures with her baby sister.

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This Saturday I’m going to start a one-week series on my blog teaching you how to take better photos of your kids and dogs.  Its all leading up the announcement of some workshops that I’m putting together for Moms & Dads with point-and-shoot cameras and digital SLR cameras.  Check back every day starting this Saturday for some great tips and more information about the workshops.  You don’t want to miss it!

As I was finishing up editing this maternity session, I realized that I never blogged it!  I can’t believe it slipped through the cracks because I love doing beach sessions and seldom get a request to do one. A couple of weeks ago I met this beautiful couple at Cocoa Beach for some maternity portraits.  It was a beautiful evening and we even got to eavesdrop on a wedding that was going on just a bit from us on the beach!  I cannot wait to meet their little girl.

If you are interested in maternity and/or newborn pictures, contact me and we’ll schedule your session(s).  I recommend doing maternity pictures between 34-37 weeks and newborn pictures within the first 10 days (preferably at days 5 or 6).  I do have a session package that includes both the maternity session, newborn session, mini album from the maternity session and 25 custom designed birth announcements from the newborn session.  Email me (karenleslie @ mac.com) or call me (407.340.8088) for details.