Photofocus

Photo by Scott Bourne – Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs Creative Commons

I got such positive response to my new “For what it’s worth” series yesterday that I decided to do another one right away.

These are simple things that I believe have helped me be a better photographer, but that I didn’t learn until later in my career. In each case, I wish I’d have learned them earlier so I am passing them on to you in case you might be receptive to things that I missed. Here’s today’s load.

1. The lower the camera angle, the more dramatic the photo and the more power given to the subject.

2. Expression outsells perfection in portraiture every time. Concentrate on getting a good (real) expression from your portrait subjects and IF you screw something else up, it won’t matter. The friends and the family will buy the shot with a good expression that is technically imperfect over the one that has a phony expression but is technically correct every single time.

3. When you arrive at a new location, leave the camera behind and scout first, shoot second. Too often photographers shoot from the first spot they see and photograph the first thing that happens to walk, run, fly, etc., by the viewfinder. A few minutes surveying the situation almost always offers a better chance for a better shot.

Take it for what it’s worth. I hope it helps. (And yes the portrait here was made as a joke or more appropriately as a hyperbolic illustration of my point on expressions.)

_______
This Post Sponsored by:
Viewbug – Fun Photo Contests
EPSON® Signature Worthy®. High-quality fine art papers. Learn more at PROIMAGING.EPSON.COM
Kelby Training – Use code KTSBA12 to save $20
Ice Society – Save $115 Promo Code: Bourne