Basic Photography Tips For Bloggers by Jennifer Young
Hi Blog Milk readers! I'm Jennifer Young from I ART U, happy to be filling in for Ana while she's out and about. I'm a lifestyle photographer and today I'm sharing a few basic photography tips. Below are few simple elements to think about when shooting that can help improve your photos.
01. LIGHT
Light is the first thing I typically think of when my camera is in hand. As a photographer who thrives on natural light, I recommend shooting in the day--morning or evening is best for softer light. If you're shooting in your home, open the window shades to let some good daylight in, and if possible, shoot by a window. Don't be afraid to experiment and move things around (or adjust the amount of light you let in) to create the mood and feel of the image you have in your head and want to create. Be attentive to the way light falls on your subject and the composition of shadows--the light is constantly changing and it's a beautiful thing! Light teaches me something new every day.
02. COMPOSITION AND FOCUS
Compose your images in unique and innovative ways. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more (this is of course if you're using a digital camera). Shoot from all different angles for variety--you can always edit down. What are you trying to communicate with the image you want to create? Be aware of everything in your frame and rid of any unwanted distractions. Frame and focus on what you want your viewers to see in a creative way.
03. PROPS AND BACKGROUNDS
Make things interesting by adding colorful or textured backgrounds or props that compliment what you are photographing. Most of the time, I prefer a clean white or colored background, but my preference also changes depending on the situation. I say keep it simple--it always seems to be the most effective!
04. POST PROCESSING
A basic editing program such as Aperture is very helpful for post processing and touch-ups. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and sharpening are easy ways to improve the look of a photo.
Lastly, don't take all of the above too seriously. Have fun! Sometimes it's the best to go against the "rules" and be free. Shoot at night, shoot out of focus images, shoot with your eyes closed, from the hip, or without looking through the viewfinder, etc. etc. etc.
The photos in this post are great examples of all of the tips above--please be sure to check out their work by clicking on the sources below!
01. LIGHT
Light is the first thing I typically think of when my camera is in hand. As a photographer who thrives on natural light, I recommend shooting in the day--morning or evening is best for softer light. If you're shooting in your home, open the window shades to let some good daylight in, and if possible, shoot by a window. Don't be afraid to experiment and move things around (or adjust the amount of light you let in) to create the mood and feel of the image you have in your head and want to create. Be attentive to the way light falls on your subject and the composition of shadows--the light is constantly changing and it's a beautiful thing! Light teaches me something new every day.
02. COMPOSITION AND FOCUS
Compose your images in unique and innovative ways. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more (this is of course if you're using a digital camera). Shoot from all different angles for variety--you can always edit down. What are you trying to communicate with the image you want to create? Be aware of everything in your frame and rid of any unwanted distractions. Frame and focus on what you want your viewers to see in a creative way.
03. PROPS AND BACKGROUNDS
Make things interesting by adding colorful or textured backgrounds or props that compliment what you are photographing. Most of the time, I prefer a clean white or colored background, but my preference also changes depending on the situation. I say keep it simple--it always seems to be the most effective!
04. POST PROCESSING
A basic editing program such as Aperture is very helpful for post processing and touch-ups. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and sharpening are easy ways to improve the look of a photo.
Lastly, don't take all of the above too seriously. Have fun! Sometimes it's the best to go against the "rules" and be free. Shoot at night, shoot out of focus images, shoot with your eyes closed, from the hip, or without looking through the viewfinder, etc. etc. etc.
The photos in this post are great examples of all of the tips above--please be sure to check out their work by clicking on the sources below!
Great tips, darling! Thanks so much for sharing! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo happy she was willing to guest :)
DeleteNice tips! Photographing is always a challenge for me, especially the light and composition phases...
ReplyDeleteYour photographic work is beautiful :)
I agree with you Ana, I need so much help in that department.
Deletegreat tips and lovely photos! i live for photos myself ;)
ReplyDeleteYour work is so wonderful, Sage!
DeleteFantastic tips Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteThank you both for sharing:)
x, Anna
Thank you for commenting, Anna!
Deletebeautiful! thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by Emily!
DeletePerfect advice! What a teacher....and you're everywhere!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ally! xx
DeleteThanks so much for all these great tips- bookmarking.
ReplyDeleteI must practice this myself :)
DeleteI need all of these tips and more
ReplyDeleteWe'll definitely have more in the future.
Deletelove this guest post! jennifer is one of my new favorite bloggers, and she always has such beautiful photographs to share. just perfect!
ReplyDeletexo TJ
She's one of my faves too ;)
DeleteGreat tips! Love your photos Jen.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Joy! xx
DeleteHello Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI love watching your photos & I must say it was too catchy. Photo you shared is spectacular & no doubt you are an expert of this field. Be back soon with more eye catching photos. Thanks for sharing!