Photo Tips

A list that keeps on growing. Check back soon for even more.

  • The rule of thirds applies when framing a visually appealing shot. If you imagine your viewfinder as a tic-tac-toe board, place the subject at one of the intersections. Our common sense tells us to always put it in the middle, but that generally doesn’t give the most appealing picture.

  • Shoot at dawn or dusk for the best landscape shots. The beauty of the natural light is unmatched when the sun is close to the horizon.

  • Know your flash. You have about ten feet from you to your subject. If it’s beyond that, the picture may turn out dark.

  • Know your flash (part 2). Similarly, if your subject is too close, it will cast a harsh light on your subject and ruin your picture. If you can take pictures with natural light, odds are you’ll be happier with them.

  • A plain background generally makes a better picture. Be aware of anything distracting in the background which will take away from your true subject in the foreground.

  • To avoid harsh shadows on faces, cloudy days are best for people pictures. If it’s sunny or too cloudy, make sure to use your flash to balance the light and help eliminate shadows.

  • Keep taking pictures. Increasing the number of pictures increases the odds that you will get the best shot.

  • Create warmer pictures by taking pictures at the level of your subject. For those pets, kneel down and have their faces at camera level.

  • Have your camera with you. Yeah, it sounds obvious, but you will be amazed at how often you will capture your best pictures you weren’t expecting.

Have a tip of your own?

If you have a great photographic tip, let us know and we will post it here so others can learn.