Q: How can I take better pictures at night and in low light? -Holly G., New York, NY
A: Cameras get better and better at recording in low-light all of the time, but it’s admittedly not a good condition to photograph in. That said, there are a few things you can pay attention to that will work WITH the low-light scenario, instead of against it.
This week’s question comes from my dad! I gave him a lesson in person, and have written it up for all of you.
Q: What’s the difference between photographing scenery and photographing people? -Steve S., Cleveland, OH
A: You will want to use the light very differently for people and scenery. For people, you want to downplay any fine lines and flaws, and for scenery, enhancing the details looks best.
Continue reading “Q&A: Different Light for Scenery and People”
This week’s question is from my dear friend Kaytee.
Q: How do I keep the camera steady for the panoramic setting? Where should I train my eye when trying to keep the arrow straight? -Kaytee M., New York, NY
A: I’m the first to admit, I don’t know everything. When Kaytee first asked me this question, I didn’t realize she was talking about a function right inside the iPhone camera! Lo and behold, it’s not a separate app; it’s something that takes advantage of your camera’s full recording capabilities. And, I spent the weekend figuring it out so I can answer Kaytee’s question for you.
I’m so excited!! My first ebook is now available on Amazon. Want to master the art of taking self-portraits on your phone? I thought so! You need this book!
Q: What is the best way to organise picture files on the iPhone camera/iPhoto? I get so confused about albums vs streams. Thanks! –Xandra Burns, Oxford, UK.
A: An important consideration for archiving your images is what you might want to do with them in the future. Continue reading “Q&A: iPhone Photo Organizing”
My iPhone shot of my niece, along with several tips for getting great candids of your kids, were featured this week on She Knows. Have a look at this great article by Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick, and follow her on twitter! I had a blast being interviewed by her, and love her writing her style.
And, if you have any more questions about photographing kids, be sure to submit them to Photo Q&A.
Do you have a question about how to do something specific with your iPhone camera? Submit your question, and it just might be answered as part of my new weekly feature – Q&A Mondays!
(This iPhone shot was taken in Venice, California while I was in Los Angeles for the BlogCademy last weekend!)
As a photojournalist-style photographer, I am enamored with real moments in time. I love photographing kids because they’re so spontaneous! We adults can learn a lot from their free-spiritedness. I see a lot of moms who want their kids’ hair to be brushed just so, for their clothes to be perfect, and for their smiles to be practiced. However, none of those things speak to me of childhood. So, I encourage the kids to giggle, to run, and to explore. Yes, I have to chase them around a lot. But when they stop and catch their breath, I am ready with my camera. And, they’re usually beaming.
If you want to take better photos of your family (and set your child up to be more photogenic for life), think of yourself as a documentarian. Document what you want, yes. But don’t manipulate. Don’t ask for poses. And, don’t fuss! Let the kids enjoy themselves, and what you hold dear about this time in your life will show through in the moments you capture.
Continue reading “iPhoneography for Moms, Dads, and Business Owners”
Lesson 1: The 3 Threes of Composition
This lesson was shot on an iPhone 4S, in order to focus on composition, without getting bogged down by manual camera settings. I recommend you complete this project with a point-and-shoot camera, and focus on getting the best shot you can with a simple tool.
Composing your shot by deliberately using the four sides of the rectangular frame is a key component to creating a great photograph. You will want to pay attention to the way things are arranged in the frame, as well as ensure than anything unwanted is left out of the frame, by moving the camera slightly, or changing your distance to the subject. Let’s get started on this simple exercise that will improve your composition skills instantly!
Continue reading “Try It: Photo Lessons for Improved Creativity”
