The number one thing that sticks out when you first look at a scrapbook layout is the photographs (or at least it should be in most cases!) so it only makes sense that the best way to improve your layouts is to take better pictures. Of course there are ways to make bad pictures work as well, but that's another post. Today I want to share some ideas and links with you to help you improve your photography skills so you have wonderful pictures to document your memories with.
A great photo draws the viewer into the page and gets their attention. They long to know the story behind it (journaling is yet another post!) especially if the photo is captivating or well composed. Pleasing photography is beautiful. Sure you can just grab your camera and hope that once in a while you will get a good shot, but why not put just a little time and effort into improving your photography skills? You will see the difference!
There is no way I can cover this topic in one post. There are no magic formulas to ensure that your pictures will be better, but I promise if you try a few things you will notice improvement right away.
- Make sure your camera is set right. You don't have to use all the fancy buttons, just be sure it is on the proper automatic settings. Look in your manual or find an online manual for your camera and double check that you are using it correctly. I shoot a lot of pictures on auto setting (no flash) on my DSLR and I constantly use the "easy" setting on my point and shoot.
- It's not about the camera (for the most part) - it's about holding still, aiming carefully, and paying attention to light and background. Don't believe me? Check out this article I wrote for The Daily Digi.
- Lighting really is a big deal so study up a bit and don't use your flash unless you have to. Really, I mean it on the flash thing. Unless you have awesome flash equipment like the pros. Try this simple tip for nice natural lighting.
- Get closer to your subject. Fill the frame with your subject. Move closer in instead of using the zoom (especially on point and shoot cameras).
- Take several pictures of the same thing when possible. Rarely do you ever get the perfect shot by clicking only once. Practice makes perfect so you might as well increase your odds by taking a few extras. You can always delete them if you want.
Here are some links to previous blog posts about photography:
Photography series from 2008 -
Part 2 – hold still or shake it up
Part 3 – lighting is everything
Recording file information for photographs
a few great links from other blogs:
How to hold a digital camera digital photography school
100 things I've learned about photography digital photography school
Taking better photos by taking more photos digital photography school
Food Photography The Daily Digi
Straighten Up The Daily Digi (written by me)
Getting out of auto The Daily Digi
What's Your Angle? The Daily Digi
Photography Resources The Daily Digi
Of course there are TONS of other great links, books, and resources out there once you get going, but the information in today's post will give you a lot of great advice that is easy to implement. I picked these particular links to share because the information is digestible and easy to follow.
Finally, I just want to encourage you to keep taking photos. Don't worry if they aren't perfect, that is not my message here. The point is simply to give you the confidence and knowledge to try a few things that will dramatically improve your pictures so the beauty of your memories can shine through!
