Outdoor Photography Tips

April 24th, 2008

Part I
Outdoor Portraits

Want to take better summer vacation pictures of your kids outdoors?! I just finished an outdoor photography class through the continuing education here at a local college. Here’s some quick tips.

Okay I’ll start out with the simple things I learned that are super effective!
*When taking a portrait shot (where your subject of the picture is a person) take the picture vertically instead of horizontally. This eliminates a lot of empty useless space from the picture.

Horizontal

Vertical

*Photographers say there are two perfect times during the day to take a picture. They call it the “golden hours”. They are the hour before the sun comes up and an hour before the sun goes down. The lighting is perfect during these times.
*When taking a portrait picture outside have your subject between you and the sun. Use an on-camera flash (which all cameras have) to brighten the subjects face so there are no shadows. Angle the camera so the sun is not in the picture but so that it’s shining on the back of the subject, allowing a line of bright light to outline your subject. (Notice the line on the shoulders, top and side of head)

*Never take pictures during the middle of the day. Shadows are ugly and unflattering. The sun shines straight down casting shadows from brows, nose and chin.

Now if you think these were simple enough tips stay tuned for Part II at Nature For Kids. They are all really easy and will improve your photography skills …allowing family and friends to actually enjoy looking at this summer’s vacation pictures!