TIP FOR MOMS: THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX... (a Composition Lesson)
I am constantly thinking about this tip in my profession, because it really helps me to give my clients the variety of images that they desire. So, here's a simple tip or technique that will give you a little more variety to your pictures.
I can't tell you how many times when I was just starting out, that I had wished (after a shoot) or shooting my own kids, that I had moved in a little closer for detail shots OR that I had thought to maximize the surroundings and location (i.e. backing up... WAY back, to get more of a scenery type of shot). I shoot primarily with my 50 mm lens which is GREAT for portraits. BUT, I have found that in the past, I have tended to stay within a certain range of shooting and most of my images were either a headshot or a full body shot, but not much of in between or beyond that. I wasn't capturing the super close-ups of my kids faces (which often requires an additional lens... but not always) or maybe a great shot from the legs up (not completely full body). Or like I said before, my subject would take up most of the frame, but then the landscape or surroundings weren't used to their fullest potential.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX! Literally, when you are looking in your view-finder, always be thinking ahead, or what's beyond your view in your viewfinder. Example: "Okay, this shot is great, but what if I moved back just a little... or in a lot?" Depending on the capabilities of your lens, you can really get a wide range. If you can't get the range you want, then switch your lenses around while shooting (try a macro for close ups or a wide angle to give you an expansive feel). The sky is the limit! When you are shooting, MOVE around ALOT (even with a zoom lens). It's like exercise... expect to sweat! Get down low, then move to a higher plain than your subject. Get in close, move back just a little, recompose, then move back some more, recompose, move in again, try a different angle....repeat! You get the idea. Get your exercise as you are shooting! Move, move, move. Turn your lens on an angle for some of the shots (but don't over-do it with every shot). Instead of positioning your subject in the center of the frame, place them to the left or right. (If you have focusing issues with this, let me know and I'll teach you how to focus asymmetrically.) The more you move, the more variety you will have in your pictures. They will not feel stagnant and bore you after a while. You'll be surprised with what you get!
Tell me how this exercise worked! Did you find a nice collection of images with an artistic variety? What problems did you encounter? Let's chat!
