Shelley Edwards Photography » ...because you're unique

Who doesn’t? Everyone wants to capture their memories in the best way possible.  Unless you live in Hollywood,  it’s not like you can have a professional photographer 24/7. So I thought I would give you some tips on how to make your family snapshots a little better.

When a picture opportunity occurs – most of us run and grab the camera really fast and snap snap snap! The results are blurs, uncomposed snap shots, etc.  Here are a few things you can think about to make each shot you take just a litte better.

1. Get down to your subject’s level! For babies and crawlers, often times I lay on my belly and take the pictures. For a busy toddler, I crouch down to their level. Put your subject on a chair or steps to bring them up to higher levels.
2. Get lots of angles. Walk around your subject and take shots from different angles. Your natural reflex is most likely to take the picture straight on. Changing the angle gives a different perspective and look to the image.
3. Fill the frame. Zoom in or move closer to your subject. When using your point and shoot’s flash, stay further away and zoom in on the subject. The flash won’t be as harsh. Filling the frame takes out the distractions in the background. It helps keep the focus on your subject.
4. Try to stay away from white or extremely light colors for clothing. Yes, I know white polos and khaki’s make for classic shots, but light colors also absorb light much more than darker colors, therefore you lose detail in your shots in bright light. Bright colors usually work best.
5. Try to keep you background simple -it keeps the focus on your subject. Always pay attention to

If you decide to use the information I have provided you, i’d love to see what you got! Send me your shots using these tips to shelley.@shelleyedwards.com