Top Five Tips to Better Photos
1) GET CLOSER.
Most people have way too much background space in their photos. Also, the best photos are about faces, not about bodies, so when you take a picture of a person, zoom in so that the face is 25% of the shot. That said, also include shots that provide context. For example, at student sendoffs include a sign, banner, balloons or the alum cooking brat. (See #2)
2) TAKE MORE SHOTS.
Digital is cheap. When you might take one picture, take 2 or 3. You'll find that one inevitably will be blurry or someone is blinking or something weird happened. Take a second shot to make sure.
3) BACK LIGHT!
Make sure that however you take a picture, the main source of light is mostly behind you. If it is behind the subject, the camera won't be able to see the details and the subject will be too dark.
4) DO SOMETHING.
People standing around can be boring. Have them move around or shift positions. Have them look away from the camera. Great shots aren't all about smiles and saying cheese.
5) YOU SHOULD DO SOMETHING.
The photographer should move around a little. Get low. Get high.
CAMERA SETTINGS:
Small, low-resolution images are fine for the Web, but if you want your photos to be usable in a printed piece like a brochure, poster, ad, WAA annual report, postcard etc. then you need to adjust your camera settings to take large photos.
All digital cameras have an option in their settings for photo size or quality. Explore your camera settings and choose one that will give you the larger photos. Some cameras will list them as small, medium, and large. Other cameras will give you size options such as 300x300 or 1200x1200. Check your camera user guide for instructions on how to change the settings on your camera.
Just remember, big number=big picture.
TAKE PHOTOS:
Now, with you camera set for images that will work in a wide range of mediums, Web to print, and ideas about how to capture more interesting photos have fun. Take some photos and then upload them to the Web, and…
Most people have way too much background space in their photos. Also, the best photos are about faces, not about bodies, so when you take a picture of a person, zoom in so that the face is 25% of the shot. That said, also include shots that provide context. For example, at student sendoffs include a sign, banner, balloons or the alum cooking brat. (See #2)
2) TAKE MORE SHOTS.
Digital is cheap. When you might take one picture, take 2 or 3. You'll find that one inevitably will be blurry or someone is blinking or something weird happened. Take a second shot to make sure.
3) BACK LIGHT!
Make sure that however you take a picture, the main source of light is mostly behind you. If it is behind the subject, the camera won't be able to see the details and the subject will be too dark.
4) DO SOMETHING.
People standing around can be boring. Have them move around or shift positions. Have them look away from the camera. Great shots aren't all about smiles and saying cheese.
5) YOU SHOULD DO SOMETHING.
The photographer should move around a little. Get low. Get high.
CAMERA SETTINGS:
Small, low-resolution images are fine for the Web, but if you want your photos to be usable in a printed piece like a brochure, poster, ad, WAA annual report, postcard etc. then you need to adjust your camera settings to take large photos.
All digital cameras have an option in their settings for photo size or quality. Explore your camera settings and choose one that will give you the larger photos. Some cameras will list them as small, medium, and large. Other cameras will give you size options such as 300x300 or 1200x1200. Check your camera user guide for instructions on how to change the settings on your camera.
Just remember, big number=big picture.
TAKE PHOTOS:
Now, with you camera set for images that will work in a wide range of mediums, Web to print, and ideas about how to capture more interesting photos have fun. Take some photos and then upload them to the Web, and…
SEND US YOUR TOP FIVE:
Pick out your best 5-10 shots and submit them for use in many different pieces. Burn them to a cd and drop it off at the WAA front desk for the design team, or email photos to us at photo@waastaff.com. Be sure to include your name — we like to give photo credits — event name, date, names of individuals in pics if possible, or other pertinent info. We like to caption photos too and your info will help tell the story.
E-mailing that great big photo to friends? If it’s a problem, resize your large photo and make it smaller at www.shrinkpictures.com. It’s free and it’s easy.
E-mailing that great big photo to friends? If it’s a problem, resize your large photo and make it smaller at www.shrinkpictures.com. It’s free and it’s easy.
Events
- Twin Cities - Buy the Red Shirt! - September 2
- 2009 Badger Football Viewing Parties - September 5
- Twin Cities - Football Viewings - September 5
- Green Bay Packer Viewing Parties - September 13
