I have been asked by numerous readers to write a post on photography, tips and such… but I’m desperately (completely and absolutely) underqualified to do such a thing.
So today I’m so happy to introduce you to one of our Inked in Colour sponsors… a lady who actually knows what she’s talking about!
Kate from Kate Heaslip Photography takes some of the most beautiful, natural and evocative portraits that I have ever seen. Kate has compiled some easy to understand, practical and fun tips (complete with gorgeous photographs) to inspire you to take better photos of your family.
Enjoy! xox
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When photographing portraits of newborns and babies choose a quiet place at a time when their tummies are full and they have recently had a nap. Turn off the flash on your camera and use natural light.
If you get a lot of blurry photos try this trick : hold the camera with two hands and tuck your elbows into your side to give yourself a “body tripod.”
Don’t be afraid to get in close.
Use the zoom on your camera to get in close and eliminate as much clutter as possible from your image.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
Do not ask people to smile for the camera. Keep it real. We all get enough of those cheesy shots anyway so why promote the idea?
Tell the story of your day to day life with pictures. If you aim to take photographs that tell a story you will begin to take much more interesting and ultimately more treasured photos.
Try shooting from behind – it is amazing how interesting a photo can be when the subject’s back is turned away from the camera.
Photograph the everyday moments, the quiet moments.
And… don’t forget the furry members of your family.
Remember that children move quickly. You need to anticipate what they might do next and be ready to capture the action.
Some cameras seem to have a delay between when the shutter is clicked and when the image is actually created. To avoid this, focus on your subject by pressing the shutter halfway down. This allows the camera an opportunity to focus and ready itself for instant release when you press the shutter completely down to create your image.
Practical tips
- Take the time to get to know how your camera works. If it has a manual read it.
- Check in the camera’s menu to see if you can adjust the image size. Bigger is better. Try to set the image at the largest jpg setting. The details will be in your manual…
- Always have your camera charged and on hand. The best moments happen when you least expect them.
- If you are trying to create more formal portraits of your child or children:
– Plan ahead of time
– Choose a location.
– Simple is better. Outside is in the shade is best.
– Dress the kids in clothes they are comfortable in. Keep the outfits simple.
– Enlist the help of your partner or a friend. One assistant per child under two is a good rule of thumb.
- Move your images to a computer from your memory card regularly.
- Ensure you have backups on an external hard drive to protect your photographs from computer failure.
- Consider purchasing photo editing software.
- Print your favourite images.
Have fun!
Denise Coulter - Fantastic info … great job. Will use these tips.