12 SIMPLE ways to take better pictures of your family (or for your blog!)

A picture can say 1,000 words, can it not? Being a blogger and former photographer, to me a pictures can say much more than 1,000 words…if taken correctly. Did you know that there are simple, little things you can do when taking a picture that will improve it drastically. Something so simple as aligning the subject in a different spot in your frame? Or, placing the person in front of a lighted area instead of having the light behind them?

I see so many good pictures floating around blogs and on social media that could totally be GREAT pictures if only some simple principles were applies. So, that’s what I’m going to share with you today! I have used these tips first hand in my photography, some tips I learned at college in my photography classes and have carried them over into real life.

1. Watch the light. Have your subject FACING the light, instead of light behind the subject. I always try to have my girls in front of the window when taking pictures of them so the natural light lights them up and the flash doesn’t wash them out.
2. Shoot during the day when possible. Take pictures in the day time, versus at night. This is especially important if you are trying to create a picture of something to share on a blog or online. The more natural light, versus lights in your house, the better!
3. For Bloggers. The bigger the better sometimes. Don’t be afraid of size in your blog posts! Clean, crisp, happy and detailed images are HUGE and incredibly important!
4. In regards to sharing a photo of a particular item or product, place that item on a background that can emphasize the details of the product, not take away from the product. If you place something on a busy background, it’s hard to focus on the product. Does that make sense?
5. Watch the background. If you are taking pictures of people, make sure the background isn’t taking away from the person. Focus ON the PERSON, tap on the person if using your phone.
6. Go candid. Grab candid shots instead of structured pictures. You tend to catch more authentic smiles as well as laughter.
7. Rule of 3’rds. Basically, you take your frame and cut it (mentally) into thirds with vertical and horizontal lines. Then, put the subject matter on the (mental) lines instead of in the squares. Some cameras and cell phone cameras (often called the ‘grid’) have this feature built in too, making it much easier!
8. Multiple pictures. Take a lot of pictures, and move the camera around a bit. You can always go back and delete, after all, we aren’t using film anymore! Not only is this a great way to capture a picture, it’s a GREAT LEARNING experiment too!
9. Focal point. Focus on the object, not everything in the scene. If using your phone, tap on the object you are photographing. You will notice the background will become fuzzy. That’s good! Use this for people photography as well!
10. Change the angle. Get on the ground, get up high, get eye level.
11. Don’t zoom. Instead, move closer. When you zoom, things get more pixelated and aren’t as sharp.
12. Use the filters. But don’t use them too much. There’s a fine line, and try to keep it looking as natural as possible!

I’d love to hear from you! What tips do you have for the readers of this post as well as myself that we could apply and make our photos BETTER? Talk to me!