5 Photo Tips!

Carlene asked me to share some photo tips, so here it goes....I am not a professional by any means, but I enjoy taking pictures and trying new things with my camera!  So, here are 5 tips to remember when photographing those beautiful projects you've made.

1. Autofocus - It all starts with a great camera.  I have tried many cameras over the past few years and now firmly believe that a great camera is a wonderful investment.  I shoot with the Nikon D5000.  My picture are so crisp and clear, it's amazing.  This camera has an "auto focus" feature, which means the camera does all the work for you.  You don't have to worry about changing the aperture, shutter speed or ISO.  So check your camera for an "auto focus" setting and use this if you aren't comfortable changing the settings manually.  It really makes it fool proof! :)

My camera focused on this little bug sitting on a weed, rather than the gigantic gorilla in the background.  I love how you see all the little details.  Too cool! :)

2. Lighting - Natural light is your friend.  Lighting is one of the most important parts of photography.  I try to shoot photos during the day and preferably in a spot where you get filtered sunlight.  You don't want to shoot in an extremely bright spot or in the shade either, but somewhere in between.  If you can't shoot outside, try a room that has windows that let in a lot of light or near a lamp that you can aim on your subject.  Remember - you always want the light behind you when photographing, never in front!

3. Distance - The biggest mistake that I see most people make is that they stand too close to the subject they are photographing.  I don't mean you should be 5 feet from your subject either.  I generally stand between 1.5 - 3 feet from the subject if it's a crafty project I am photographing.  Depending on your camera, the closer you get your photos can become fuzzy or blurry.  I personally like to stand farther away and zoom in or crop my photos on my computer.  That's what works best with my camera.  Try it with your camera and see what looks better.

4. Keep it steady - It's important to keep your camera steady when shooting, so your photos don't end up blurry.  My camera has a "vibration reduction (VF)" feature that helps with this.  If your camera doesn't here is something to remember.  Try to brace your arm on your knee if you are kneeling or against your chest if you are standing.  I hold my breath as I press the shutter.  Relax, this will also help to keep the camera steady.

5. Spice it up - I love the look of professional photographs, because they are different.  Not every picture has to be shot straight on or have your subject in the center of the photograph.  Try different angles or perspectives.  Sometimes a neat effect can be achieved by holding your camera on a diagonal angle.  Experiment different things and then decide what you like best.

 Hope this helps.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  Like I said before, I am not a professional, but enjoy being creative behind the lens! :)