Let me start this post by saying I am more than slightly embarrassed to be be giving "tips" on photography. I have had my DSLR for just six months and am so green it's ridiculous, however, I love tips, so I figure, if you're in the research stage or just past, this may help. I know when researching, I asked around and did a lot of googling and I don't know what I would have done without it. I've had a lot of questions via email or comments as well, so I figure, this can be my go-to post in the future. Okay, we're done with the disclaimer, moving onward.
What type of Camera do you use?
I have Nikon D80. This is very similar to the D40 or D60, however, it's a few extra hundred dollars and you're not as limited in the lens department as the D40/60. However, that being said, if I hadn't gotten the incredible price for my kit (it was the same price for a D40 that day), I would have gotten the D40 or D60. They're great great cameras. So are the Canons (I'm not sure of the models), they run the same pricing, but to me, I went to the store and held them, fondled them (ooh lah lah), played with their features, etc. and to me, the Nikon just fit my hand better. Simple as that.
What type of lens(es) do you have?
I started with a kit lens (18-135mm). The reviews were high and I love the versatility of it. It's got a great zoom and is awesome for kids running around, climbing, etc. I highly recommend it for beginners. After 6 months of using it (everyday), I was ready for something that would allow more indoor shots (without flash!). Since the kit lens' lowest f-stop is 4.5, it is really hard to get a lot of light inside (especially in my home which is covered with shady trees and has very very limited natural light-urgh). So, all that to say, that I just recently bought a 50mm (baby
Hailey was my first project with it). It has an f-stop as low as 1.8 (which also gives you that very fun and artistic blurry background). The beauty of the 50mm is that it is very inexpensive (running from $100-$130), and can do some pretty awesome stuff, similar to a macro, but without the huge price tag (well, a macro can get MUCH closer, but unless you're in the industry of needing to take photos of minuscule items, you're clear).
Settings:
Once my camera arrived at the door, I was nervous and giddy, and completely unaware of how to use it. I have always had a point and shoot and was dreaming of the day I could actually save for a DSLR. Anyway, for the first month, I shot simply in Portrait mode as I never read the manual or did my research as to how to operate such a wonderful gadget. Don't get me wrong, it actually shot great photos. I was amazed. But I wanted more control. I then ventured on to the A setting. I highly recommend this setting for beginners. Skip the Auto or Portrait and head straight to A. This is the Aperture setting and it allows you to get that blurry background that everyone loves. I shot in this setting for four months and delivered okay photos (in my mind, he he), plus I never had to learn the intimidating details and definitions of Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO, exposure, etc. Now I shoot strictly on M mode and it has been very rewarding--more on M mode, when you're ready. (!)
Editing:
Such a beautiful thing. I have edited my photos since they were able to be scanned on CD's back in the 90's. What a way to transform a so-so picture. And the beauty? All gifted photographers edit. It doesn't mean that you're not good because you edit, it means you make your work better. Kind of like putting together an outfit--no body is perfect, but if one knows how to dress correctly to hide their flaws and accentuate their assets, one may have just improved it to the eye, right? So get over the guilt of editing. It's really an art! I've used
Picasa for a year or so. I love it's capabilities. It's so user friendly and best of all, it's free! Utilize it's "tuning" feature. Play with Fill light, Highlights, and Shadows. These three functions alone can give you more of a pop on your photo. Just recently Daddy Mock blessed me with a surprise (no, not Honey Bean, but that was indeed a special gift, too.). He brought home
Photoshop Elements. It's actually quite reasonable (approx. $130).
Here is an example of what editing can do... a very non-perfect photo of Bee (in which editing is great for, it can save a very poor poor picture and doctor it up a bit). It was an overcast and nasty day outside. My camera runs "warm" anyway, causing photos to give you an umpa-loompa look, but these were hideously orange (white balance can help with that, too, but more on that later).
Straight from Camera (unedited):
Picasa Editing:
(I adjusted fill light, highlights, shadows, and color temperature--to make it a little bit cooler)
Photoshop Elements Editing (this one is over-edited, but I did that for dramatic effect, he he):
With editing,
cropping is essential as well. You, again, can take an okay picture and add a completely different artistic look. This photo of Bee was actually a full photo of him sitting in his stroller. Unfortunately I didn't save the unedited version, so you won't be able to compare. Make sure to crop out anything that would distract the eye from your actual subject. Often times you're so focused on what you're shooting, you forget to look at the background. Cropping can help with that.
Photo-taking Tips and Tricks:
-Get on the same level as your kids or even below. It adds a whole different perspective and really captures features so much better. Some of my favorite photos of the boys are taken from below. If you don't have a DSLR, you can do this with a point and shoot, too. This photo was taken of Bee fresh from my womb (4 days old). In order to get this photo, I laid on my stomach and set the camera on the floor. This was also with a point and shoot as I didn't have a DSLR at the time... see, they still take great photos!
Use natural lighting. Like the photo above, Bee is actually directly in the sunlight. Try to avoid using flash (sometimes it's necessary if you need to capture photos for the memory, not necessarily the "art"). Open blinds, curtains, etc.. let as much light in as possible. If outdoors, take photos in the shade as sun tends to cause squinting and ugly shadows. For babies, maternity, and portraits, try to position the subject as close to a window as possible to get more of that natural light.
-Rule of Thirds. This is interesting. As I started learning more about photography, I learned about rule of thirds. Technically, what's pleasing to the eye is for the subject not to be directly in the center of the photo, but more so in-between 1/3-2/3. Sounds weird, but as I started looking at a lot of my photos, I realized I naturally focused that way anyway. Look at the point-and-shoot photo above of Bee. His eyes and nose are actually 2/3 the way in. And this photo? She's almost completely out of it, but some how, it's pleasing to the eye (er, or at least it is to me):
-Hands and Feet: As a parent, naturally you love your whole child so often times you want your whole child in the photo. Practice taking photos of your child playing with toys or your daughter's red shoes. Instead of her entire outfit. Stand her on a brightly colored stool and get a close up of just her shoes. Or when she's feeding her baby with a bottle, just photograph her hand and the bottle. Sometimes those little snapshots tell a more pleasant story and are much less distracting than the entire environment surrounding.
-Find a mentor, or someone who is further on the course ahead of you. Pick their brain, ask questions. Tracey, who took these photos of the boys, is that for me. Plus, it helps to be inspired! Find photography sites out there that suit your style. I personally like pop-arty-extra-edited-funky-vibe-type photography, so I find photographers that shoot in crazy locations such as carnivals and junk yards. They are my inspiration for setting, poses, etc. Ooh, and if you have any photo blogs that you follow that are inspiring, please share as I would love to see them too (thanks, Kelly!).
Before this gets incredibly long... please let me know if you would like more tips in the future (regarding settings, white balance, etc.)... I love to help as I love to get help! :-)
