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Sunday, June 3

5 Tips for Great Photos for Amateur Photographers

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Please note: I am an amateur!
These are things that work for me, but you may not find them
in a text book. *Wink*

If you're like me, 
you have enough hideous unflattering school pictures
of your children to fill a large box.

And while they're good for a laugh later,
if you want some really good pictures of your kids -
why not try taking some yourself?


For an activity, we took the church girls
to a pretty area & did a "photo shoot".
{Most of these pictures are from that day.}

This is my camera -
nothing fancy!
Here are a few tips:

Tip 1 - Foolproof Poses
There's a pose for girls that I think turns out great every time.
{Here it is with 3 different girls.}
Tip 2 - Hold Out for a Natural Expression
One trick I use is to ask the person to close their eyes &
think of something that brings them joy.
{If they're young, ask about that "special someone" 
they have a crush on.}
Then, when I think they've done it, I ask them to open their eyes
& I shoot. I always try to get some pics with toothy smiles,
but I also love other pleasant expressions.
Tip 3 - Try a Different Angle
Remember, vertical lines are more interesting than 
horizontal lines . . . and more fun.
So try tilting your camera.
I also like to shoot people looking up at me.
{But never down - a double chin is seldom beautiful!}
Tip 4 - Use Flattering Light
Light issues are way easier to deal with if you take 
your photos outside. 
All these pictures were taken in the late afternoon.
The light was not harsh & in the
photo above, the sun was setting behind her.
{See that halo effect on her hair?}

If you are stuck with taking pictures 
during the bright sunlit hours, seek some shade.
{That's what I did when I took a pic of Jamilyn at SNAP . . . }
I also asked Jamielyn to sit down 
so I could get the tulips in the shot.
Tip 5 - Have Some Fun with Editing
I took a min-class on Photoshop once & 
I thought my brain was going to explode!
There is an easier way.
PicMonkey has come close to replacing Picnic.
You can do lots of stuff like fix a blemish,
improve exposure, or
put a dark frame around your photos OR
use a cool texture like this . . .

Those are a few of my tips.
Please leave a comment & tell me yours!

13 comments:

  1. I thought that was a great tip about the poses! Thanks

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  2. Thanks for the tips, your photos and subjects are so cute! :)

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  3. Sweet shots. I love your idea of having girls this age close their eyes and think of someone they have a crush on or whatever. I imagine you get lots of cute expressions that way. Natural looks are indeed the best! I found your post at Nifty Thrifty Sunday.
    Liz

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by Quirky Vistas, Michelle. It's much appreciated!
      Liz

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  4. Great tips- easy enough for even me! :)

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  5. Good Tips. I need to put more "thought" into the pictures I take.
    I love it when I get one that looks JUST RIGHT

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  6. Great tips Michelle and you have a natural talent I would say! All of the pics are absolutely beautiful! Angie xo

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Angie. I'm SUCH a fan of your amazing blog. Can I please move next door & do cool creative stuff with you!?

      Warmly, Michelle

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  7. Great tips, thanks! I really need to hed over to picmonkey. Photoshop gives me hives! So glad to find your blog, new follower!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lizy! So thrilled to have you as a new follower. Welcome.

      Warmly, Michelle
      PS - You'll LOVE Picmonkey!

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  8. The photos and your subjects are gorgeous! Lighting is definitely so important. That late afternoon sun really makes for great color and a softness!
    <3 Christina

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  9. You take lovely photos! I like the tip about that pose - gotta try that with my girls :)
    Xo

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