Capturing the Moment Simple Tips for Memorable Photography
by Linda Sechrist F
estive Fourth of July celebrations and summer’s golden pleasures offer nu- merous opportunities to “freeze-frame” friends and family members in the act of having fun. While point-and-shoot moments, as well as 60-second video clips, can be captured by anyone with a cell phone, special keepsake-worthy shots may challenge the abilities of amateur photographers new to more so- phisticated digital cameras.
“The capability of the equipment is essential, but even more important are the visual and technical abili- ties of the photographer to envision and deliver a true treasure,” says Eileen Laibinis, owner of Photo2Designs. A professional photographer with 15 years of experi- ence in art photography and digital design, Laibinis notes that the lighting of outdoor shots often challenges photography newcomers. She offers several simple, easy-to-remember tips for taking perfect photos outside.
• Snap multiple pictures to get “the one” you really seek. Shoot from varying distances and different angles to ensure a variety of photos from which to choose.
• Use different settings on the camera for different light- ing effects. Practice before the event by taking under- and over-exposed pictures.
• Play with the camera’s f-stop, which indicates how much light the lens is letting in. The smaller the f-stop, the more light that enters the camera. Most lenses vary from f-4.5 (wide open) to f-22 (closed down). Try adjust- ing the f-stop and see how it changes your photo.
• Use the flash as much as possible, both indoors and outside, especially when the backdrop is a sunset.
• During a sunset, if the lighting is beautiful, turn your subject around and capture the light on their face, rather than positioning their back to the sun.
• Lighting behind a subject produces a silhouette effect, which can be interesting. If you want a portrait, use a flash to light your subject’s face.
• The distance between you and your subject makes a difference in the lighting. Try different exposures of the flash to get the correct lighting.
• Be aware of any flare from the sun into your lens; if this happens, you can attempt to block it with your hand. However, it is best to purchase a filter for your lens.
“The most important thing to remember is to have fun experimenting with the camera,” advises Laibinis. “The biggest selling point for purchasing a good digital camera is that you can learn from your mistakes and then delete them.”
Eileen Laibinis, 239-272-7730.
Photo2Designs.com. natural awakenings July 2012 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64