Photography tips for the amateur

Amateurs take pictures; professionals make pictures.  That has always been the main difference between my husband's photographs and my own.  While he made one picture, I was able to take five or ten.  Over the time we have been married, I have picked up some tips from him and the picture to picture ratio has been lowered.  On the other hand, the quality of my photographs has gone up.

Tip number one:  Notice the background.  When I took my new husband to meet my family we went to my brother's house.  Pictures were snapped and we were on our way.  After downloading my pictures I learned something new about my brother.  I had never before noticed the tree growing from his head!  That tree had to be electronically removed (thanks to GIMP).  Now I notice what is behind those I am photographing.  I move my location if any resemblence to aliens with tentacles appears.

Tip number two:  Get on the same level as the child.  Ever wonder why some babies have such big heads and little bodies?  It is because the picture was taken over their head!  Get down on the same level with the child and take a picture from their perspective.  Their bodies will look much better and even the expressions on their adorable faces improves when someone with a black box isn't towering over them.

Tip number three:  Never point the camera at the sun to take a photograph.  If you are into black shapes in front of a bright light, there is no need to listen to this advice.  On the flip side, if the faces of the people or the shape being taken is important, notice where the sun is when you are shooting.  To counteract this dark effect, use a fill-in flash.

Tip number four:  Don't use flash from across the room.  Think about it.  When the flash goes off, it only lights up the area directly around you.  If the band on the stage is more than a few feet away, the flash will not help your picture at all.  You have to figure out another light source.

Now head out and take a few photographs practicing these tips until they are a part of who you are as a photographer.  You'll be pleased with the quality of your photos!