10 Tips For Better Photographs.
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This past weekend our family made the trip up to San Antonio to attend SeaWorld‘s annual blogging conference- AdventureCon.
As a member of the Wildside Blogging Team, the conference expenses were covered along with our entrance to the Park, along with a few meals. But that had nothing to do with making sure we went.
Last year’s AdventureCon was great and I expected nothing less from this year.
Having absorbed a wealth from Rachel Mathews during last year’s Photo Walk, I was looking forward to learning more from the photography experts this year- Bob French (SeaWorld‘s Official Photographer), Nan Palmero and Sarah Hubbell.
While there were a ton of great photography tips, a bunch stood out to be great starter points if you’re looking to take better photographs.
So grab your camera and read along.
Remember you don’t need to have a fancy camera. I have a Sony Point and Shoot and am learning to train my eye to take better pictures. I thought I’d put into practice what I learnt by photographing the birds I saw at SeaWorld. (Fact: Over 45 species of birds call SeaWorld San Antonio their home!)
Ready?
10 Tips For Better Photographs
1. Try to keep backgrounds clean. While taking a photograph look around the frame, behind the subject and make sure everything around is conducive to the picture. Fixing backgrounds later is always harder!
2. Always be on the look out for that unique shot. You never know when it may come up.
3. Get close! Get down to your subject’s level.
4. Don’t use the flash on your camera.
5. While taking photographs outdoors, look for open shades and move to find the light. While indoors, light seeping in through the windows is best.
6. Taking close-up shots are great but sometimes taking a wide range photograph is better. The background and surroundings may add further character to that photograph.
7. Take as many photographs as you can. Later when you look back at your photographs, you will find a photograph or two that really stands out.
8. Be patient. Sometimes you need to wait for the right photograph.
9. As far  as possible don’t use the zoom, use your feet to get closer for better clarity in your photograph.
10. Take photographs of your subject from different angles. (And avoid white or bright backgrounds)
Do you have any photography tips you’d like to share?
Great tips! I am still learning but I have found natural light is always best.
Definitely! I was a flash person for a long time till I discovered the beauty in natural light. Now there is no turning back!!
Thanks for the tips. I’m always trying to improve my photography skills.
Great tips – I love the photo of the bird squawking at the other one! One of my tips is to have a simple background you can use when taking photos of inanimate objects in the home.
That’s my favorite photograph too. Reminded me of a nagging wife. Lol!
I love those photos, Marina! I am working at trying to improve my photos too. My best tip is not use direct sunlight.
That’s a great tip Pam!
great tips. i use my flash when i have NO other options!! you got some cool shots, too!!
True! And then I go and try to edit the pic to ensure it doesn’t look overexposed!!
Awesome tips! I love how clear and beautiful your photos turned out!
Thank you Meagan 🙂
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your tips. I’m always looking for ways to improve and your post sure helped me get some more tips. Loved the picture with the birds..too cute. Thanks for sharing
These are great tips. I have really been trying to work on this lately. I now try to take pics outdoors as much as possible and I also have a lightbox for inside.
I’ve been contemplating getting a lightbox, actually making one. Heard this is a highly recommended must-have for indoor shots.
I’ve been working on trying to remember to get down to the subject’s level like you said. No muscle memory with that yet!
I remember when it’s kids but otherwise feel way too shy to move around in front of adult subjects!
All of these are awesome tips, and you are doing a great job with your “little” camera. The shot of the birds squawking at one another? Awesome! It was great getting to meet you!
Thanks Jennifer. That’s actually my favorite photograph too. It was great getting to chat with you. I hope I get to know you a little more…the time at SW was way too short. 🙂
I agree with avoiding flash. I use to think that flash was good until I got myself a nice DSLR camera. When I take pictures of food, I always try to take my plate of food outside during the afternoon to get the best light possible for my picture.
I love the tips and I love love love your photographs! Thank you for the awesome post! <3
thank you for the great tips! I am always trying to improve my photos!
Great tips! I’m sharing. Another tip I have is to fill the frame – which relates to your earlier tip about removing background clutter.
Marina it was great to meet you! Nice summary of the photo tips.
Thanks for the tips, I’m always looking for ways to improve my pictures!
Nice shots. I can tell you were paying close attention.
I definitely paid close attention during the main session but you know how focused I was on the Photo Walk. (My daughter became the sole focus! ;>) My 7 year old, on the other hand, took some pretty neat pics during the Walk.
Oh wow! I could really use these tips, I’ve been really trying to learn and understand photography lately…. but nothing is clicking! These photos are seriously outstanding! Thank you for sharing!
Getting on the subjects level is always a great shot!
Great tips! I recently got a new camera and it takes really good outdoor photos, but not so much indoors. Pinning this to save!