Neighborhood Know How

Sisters! 

Have you been able to get out and shoot much?  I hope it is going well!  I am here to finally post the notes from our evening together! 

 

(ah, cute Sydnie and Mike)

But first  - let's talk about our review night . . . how do you feel about pushing it back a week, and getting together on the 19th?  I want to be sure to give you enough time to shoot and get your images together, and I want to be sure to have enough time as well - with creating a slides how of all our images!  What do you think?  Just let me know!  And, if you have any questions, please shoot them my way - no pun intended, of course! 

get your images to me by the 15th (it is a Friday - choose 10-20) - you can email them to me, or bring them over on a jump drive, or CD!

k, onto the notes . . . (ps, it is way long!)

_{read instruction manual}

_lighting                 

_{-               avoid using flash at all times!}

_{-      when shooting with full sun, the best time of day is either morning or evening – when the sun is low  enough and will not give unflattering shadows under the eyes.  if you are shooting in direct light, it may be difficult for your subject to not squint or keep their eyes open.  remember an uncomfortable subject equals and uncomfortable photo.  you can shoot with the sun behind the subject, so they are backlit.  this puts the subject in the shade, which is always flattering.} 

_{-               find the shade!  find a spot where there is not direct light.  or hope for an overcast day!  shade does a great job of giving generally flat, even light.  being a flat light, the shadows are very minimal.} 

_{-               -shade also shows off how amazing your subject’s eyes are.  the catch light is usually created from the sky and can help brighten the color of the iris.} 

_{-               window light is next!!  window light can bring a beautiful quality of light, soft or dramatic – depending on the shooting direction.  it is only soft when there is no direct sun streaming in.  or tape up a sheer fabric to help diffuse the light.  you can use a reflector or white poster board to help bounce light from the other side into the subject’s face – on the shadowed side.} 

_{-               take a look around and find the most flattering light on the subject.  backlit, dramatic window light?} 

_{-               sometimes you have to use your flash, if so, create something that will diffuse the light.}

_{composition – want a photograph that grabs your attention?  think about composition!!  Photographs should have one focal point that is the most important aspect of the photograph.  this is where the viewers eye will land.  you do not want a photograph to tell a lot of stories, and if there are multiple stories, there should be one that stands out.  your goal is to have people want to look at your photo for more than 5 seconds before they move on to the next!!} 

_{-               the rule of 3rds – very helpful design tool!!  it creates more balance in a photograph.  When looking through your viewfinder, imagine dividing your scene into 3rds, vertically and horizontally.  where those lines meet should be where your focal point should be.  practice pulling the subject off center, you will find that your photographs actually look more balanced and professional.}

_{-               using repetition or repeating patterns can be a great way to bring more interest to a photograph.  repeating patterns can also help draw attention to a more simple subject/object – as it is easier for the eye to focus on what is simple.} 

_{-               it is important to know your space and how to use it when shooting.  the space, while shooting, is referred to as foreground, middle ground and background.  consider what will add or distract from the subject – and also apply the rule of thirds.  negative space refers to the space around the subject.  if negative space takes up more room than the subject itself, it can be a great way to express balance or draw the eye elsewhere.} 

_{-               framing.  this is where you have a frame around the subject – this can be done with elements like trees, branches or leaves, a window or door frame, etc.  this is an excellent way to bring more emphasis to your subject as it adds contrast and dimension.  framing is best done through elements within the picture area, while editing, you can also create a vignette with the burn tool, or some other way.} 

_{-               don’t be afraid to crop – while shooting.  sure you can do it after, when editing, but the quality of the photo can be compromised.  cropping helps create shapes and defines negative space.  when photographing people, be aware of where you are cropping them.  you do not want to crop them at their joints – elbows, ankles, knees, wrists- etc.  it may appear to the viewer that they are missing a limb and can make the subject matter heavier.  instead, crop between calves, mid thigh, biceps, etc.  and do not be afraid to  crop.  shoot tight, loosen up a bit, change the composition by cropping it!}

_{-               in conclusion, take a step back and see if there is anything that will distract the eye.  make sure nothing is sticking out of someone’s head!} 

 _{posing –}                   

_{-      develop a relationship with your subject.  develop trust and the knowledge that you are going to make them look awesome.} 

_{-               the most thing is to flatter your subject with good posing and creative camera angles.  the higher the camera is, the more it will have to tilt down to see the subject.  this automatically makes the subject appear thinner, as the head becomes more dominant.  keep in mind there is such a thing as too high, you do not want your subject to look through their eyebrows or lift their chins awkwardly.}

_{-                always try to keep separation between the legs and between the arms with the body – not only does this create interesting shapes, but it make the subject appear skinnier.  shift the weight of the hips over one leg to make the hips appear narrower.  watch the toes, to be sure one is pointing outwards to appear more balanced.} 

_{-               if the pose is making the subject appear unnatural or stiff, have them shake it out, take a few deep breaths and sink back into the pose.  loosen up their shoulders a bit too!  then add suggestions to make the pose more flattering.} 

_{-               feminine tilt vs. masculine tilt.  mug shoot, smaller nose and chin.  shoulders back, chin stretched out.}

_{-               create space between people.  visually more interesting.}

_{-               less hands the better!  keep things buttoned up, hands in pockets, looks for things that  can be distracting.} 

_{keep it simple, fresh classic and take your time.} 

_{MOST IMPORTANT - shoot for yourself!  Shoot what helps you remember your trip, or the special time in your life - or whatever it may be.  Shoot what you love and will help you recall sweet moments in your life.  Don't worry about what others think either - because it is for you!!}

_{Oh, get your images to me by the 15th (it is a Friday - choose 10-20) - you can email them to me, or bring them over on a jump drive, or CD!  Sound good?  K great!!  Yea!}