photo tips

I have been receiving a lot of requests for tips on photography and information on what type of camera I use, so I thought I'd do a post of recommendations and suggestions for photography to point people to in lieu of retyping an email each time. Let me start by saying that I have no photography training at all; everything I know I learned through trial and error. I use a Nikon CoolPix 2100 digital camera which is, believe me, nothing fancy. I am very flattered that people like my photos, but, really, I have no clue what I am doing most of the time. That said, here are my recommendations for improving your blog photos:

1. Get to know your camera. Read the instruction manual. Learn how to turn the flash off, how to turn the macro on, how the self timer works, etc. Always take photos at the highest quality setting available to you.
2. Natural light is your friend! Always use natural light, if at all possible, to take your photos. This means turn your flash off, folks. The photo on the left is one where I forgot to turn my flash off, the other is the same conditions, but with no flash. Big difference!  
3. Once you've turned your flash off, pay attention to lighting. Finished your project at 2 am and want to take a photo? Wait until morning, silly! Find a place in your home with a lot of natural light. I noticed one time that Katey takes her photos in the bathroom; whatever works. You can go outside, but harsh direct light can be really unflattering to objects and people as well.
4. Now you have light, but probably not quite enough to keep a moving subject from being blurry. This is why most photos of my kids are a blur of arms and legs. I think this captures their true nature, but if you want a more distinct photo, go outside. For an object, to minimize the blur, I create a makeshift tripod by setting my camera on a piece of furniture or stack of books to keep my shaky-caffeinated hands from interfering.
5. Get down on your subject's level. The subject on the floor with you looming above is not going to be a great photo. Find a way to hang it, or put it on a table or chair to photograph it from a better angle. This is true of photos of children and pets too; get down on their level. Something great about most digital cameras is that you don't have to look through the view finder. If you don't want to crouch down, use the LCD to view your photo while you hold the camera down at kid level and just snap away.
6. Take A LOT of photos. Something I learned when I worked briefly as a photo stylist for a magazine was when you think you just got the perfect shot, take ten more. If you came of age before digital photography like me, you'll probably be worried that you're wasting pictures. You're not. It's free. One great photo is worth 25 deleted ones.
7. Take some time to style your photos, this may mean just shoving all the crap on your dining table off to one side, or it may mean creating an amazing little photo story ala Wee Wonderfuls. Make an effort.
8. Have a subject or a focal point to your photo. It may be a beautiful beach or a stunning mountain top, but what exactly am I looking at?
9. Crop your photos! Great shot except that pile of laundry over in the corner? Crop it out. Get up close and personal. Show me what the photo is about and leave everything else out.
10. Once you have your great photo, post it as a decent size on your blog. What is with all the teeny tiny photos on blogs? How do I know that I want it to pop up if I can't see what it is?

Hope this helps!