(Don’t) Say Cheese! Tips for Taking Perfect Pics
Not so long ago, an amateur photographer with a compact camera could only point, shoot, and hope for the best. But these days, digital cameras and cell phones can make anyone feel like Ansel Adams or Annie Leibovitz. And while there’s decidedly more to taking great photos than pointing and shooting, shutterbugs can up their game by following some tips from the pros.
First, let's address what is often the most common mistake. “Don’t make your subjects say ‘cheese,’” cautions Placerville-based photographer Karen Schmautz of Sierra Springs Photography (sierraspringsphotography.com). It stretches your mouth into an unnatural, frozen smile. The best way to get organic expressions is to put your subjects at ease, she says. Approach them rather than shouting instructions, joke around with them, have them shrug their shoulders to loosen up—and take lots of pictures, because the first few will probably be throwaways.
photo by Amber Shoop Felts.
START WITH A CLEAN LENS
It sounds simple, but before you start snapping, make sure your camera lens is clean. Use a microfiber cloth or lens-cleaning kit—never Windex or other harsh cleaners—to wipe off smudges or dirt. “I once had a student ask me why all her photos came out ‘soft focus,’” recalls Pollock Pines-based photographer Steph Gabler (stephanie-gabler.pixels.com), who taught photography classes for nearly a decade. “I looked at her lens and there was a thick film on it, preventing her from getting crisp, clear images.”
GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA
Even the best camera won’t produce great results if you don’t know how to use it. “Don’t go out and buy the most expensive camera,” says Folsom-based photographer Amber Shoop Felts of Shoop’s Photography (shoopsphotography.com). “Master the one you have now before upgrading. The best camera is the one you have with you when you need it.” When taking photos on your phone, experiment with different modes. For example, portrait mode, which blurs the background, is a great way to establish a depth of field.
photo by Jacub Cantu of Folsom Eats
LOOK FOR GOOD LIGHTING
Whether you’re taking a photo of your kids, a beautiful landscape, or a decadent meal, proper lighting makes a huge difference. “Try to avoid [intense], direct sunlight or overhead lighting, as it can create harsh shadows and blown-out highlights,” explains El Dorado Hills-based photographer Audrey Perez (audreyperez.com). “Instead, look for soft, diffused light sources, such as natural light coming in through a window. If you’re taking photos outdoors, consider shooting during golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—when the light is soft and warm.”
“Doorways are great spots for selfies and portraits,” adds Felts. “Stand in a doorway facing out. The lighting is always nice there.”
When taking landscape photos, don’t be afraid of the weather, says Gabler. “Fog, clouds, rain, and snow can add incredible drama to photos,” she says. Just make sure to protect your camera from the elements.
photo by Karen Schmautz of Sierra Springs Photography
DON’T RELY ON THE FLASH
The pros agree that natural light produces the best results. The built-in flash on your phone or digital camera is harsh and can make subjects look washed out. Instead, when taking photos outdoors, have the sun behind you and have your subjects stand in the shade so they aren’t squinting into the bright light, suggests Gray. Just make sure there isn’t half shade and half sun on their faces, she adds. When indoors, try holding a small LED light to the side of your subject if the natural light is insufficient, suggests Schmautz.
Like most rules, there are occasional exceptions. “If your subject is in a dark area and the background is very bright—for example, someone standing under a tree with a bright landscape behind them—pop your flash to even-out exposure,” says Schmautz. “The light is not very attractive, but it’s OK to use under that circumstance.” Adds Felts, “If your photos are coming out grainy or blurry, try your flash.”
SET THE EXPOSURE
Exposure is the amount of light that reaches a camera’s sensor, resulting in how bright or dark a photo is. On a camera, this is determined in part by the shutter speed. On a phone, you can adjust the exposure manually by tapping the screen on the object you want to focus on and then sliding the sun icon up or down with your finger. “If your subject is darker or lighter than the surrounding area and you let your phone or camera decide the exposure, you’ll probably end up with a dark or overexposed subject,” Schmautz says.
CONSIDER THE COMPOSITION
Every amateur photographer has, at some point, taken what they thought was a great shot only to realize later that a tree or telephone pole was growing out of their subject’s head. Take a moment to survey the area to ensure it’s free of unsightly intrusions.
photo by Terrie Gray
Also, consider the composition of your photo—the arrangement of the various elements within the frame—and avoid dead-center shots. “Try using the ‘rule of thirds’—dividing the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically, and placing the subject at the intersection point,” suggests Perez. You can turn these gridlines on through the settings app on your phone.
Also remember the “rule of odds,” which states that a composition will be more interesting and pleasing to the eye if it contains an odd number of subjects.
“Study composition,” Gillespie says. “The camera, the lens…none of it matters if a basic understanding of composition is not utilized.”
EDIT YOUR PHOTOS
Have you ever noticed that your pictures don’t accurately capture what you saw? Perhaps the stunning landscape before you appears flat or washed out in your photo. “That’s because you need to edit your picture, bring up the sharpness, color, etc., to what drew you to take the picture in the first place,” Gabler explains. There are numerous free, easy-to-use photo editing apps available, including Snapseed and Lightroom.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
While all these tips will improve your photos, ultimately, the best way to take better pictures is to practice. “The more you practice, the more you’ll learn about lighting, composition, and editing, and the better your photos will become over time,” Perez says. “Experiment! Try different angles and different light,” adds Gabler. “Most importantly, have fun!”
by Jennifer Maragoni
Top left photo by Amber Shoop Felts. Top right photo by Steph Gabler. Bottom photo by Jacub Cantu of Folsom Eats. Top photo by Terrie Gray. Bottom photo by Karen Schmautz of Sierra Springs Photography.