PSA: This post won't contain a tip, per se. Just a bit of explaining. So don't get your hopes up.
The reason I started doing these tips was just to help people get to know their point and shoot camera a bit better. I've had friends say to me "I need a better camera" when in fact their camera was perfectly functional, they just needed to learn how to use what they have.
There are others who have spent more time explaining f/stops (which is the same thing as aperture, Michelle) and shutter speeds. I don't believe I can control those on my point and shoot camera, so I'm not going to go into it here. Sorry to disappoint.
In fact, another photo friend of mine has recently commented that she's getting "swamped" with questions from people who get a nice camera, then basically want her to teach them how to use it. I'll be frank: I don't have that kind of time to explain to everyone how to use their camera.
But, I am willing to point you in the direction of resources. You can check out some great tips HERE. I admit I'm a *little* uncomfortable posting this because she basically encourages everyone to become a photographer. I'm afraid this will eventually put me out of a job because the mommies with a camera will eventually see no need for me. :(
But there are good tips. And many of the photos she shows are made with professional quality lenses. As in the lens costs between $400-$1,500 (prices for lenses with f/2.8, f/1.4 or f/1.2). Basically, a lower "f-stop" means the background will be more blurry/out of focus and make the subject of the photo "pop out" more (see above photo).
But if you want to learn how to better photograph your kids, there are some really great photo tips like this. And if you have a SLR (camera where you can remove the lens and attach other lenses), you might want to ask for something from here for your birthday, Christmas or Mother's Day. If you only want to get one, I'd suggest "beyond the green box" which basically refers to the green box which means the camera will do all of the thinking and selecting for you.
I will end by saying just because someone has a flashy camera does NOT make them a good photographer. Being a good photographer is about the "eye" and the "vision." Honestly, some people are what I call "visual people" and others are not. And that's OK.
What I AM saying, though, is a visual person doesn't necessarily need to break the bank to make fantastic images. In fact, the image below was made with my little point and shoot camera:
I will also say that even if you have a great eye, I would still encourage you to think about having professional photos taken every year or so. This is because if YOU are the one taking the photos, you will be conspicuously absent from them. And, if you don't want to drop more than $400 on a really good lens, take at least half of that and invest it into quality family portraits.
Oh, and one last comment, PLEASE DO NOT TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SAY CHEESE!!!!!!!!!! Because 1) they end up making a bit of a strange face and look like they're gritting their teeth at you when they smile (I promise they do, just look at little 5 year old boys who smile. They look pained). and because 2) it's annoying. I was once photographing a family with 5 little kids. The "cheeeeeese" chorus was like fingernails on a blackboard. So JUST SAY NO TO CHEESE!!!!!! Seriously. Please. I beg of you.
7 comments:
Thanks for your posts! You definitely give us amateurs some helpful hints!
You are so right about the need for professional pics. They are just a totally different view of your kids than you capture on your own. Someday, when we have a little more wiggle room in our budget, I would LOVE to hire you to take some pics of our family. You've definitely got an eye for photography. It is truly a gift.
I must've gotten a good camera (without fully knowing it) back in '03 when we bought our Olympus. It has an A/S/M setting where you can manually dork with the aperture, shutter speed, or both. I'm just now (thanks to your hints) starting to realize that I can utilize that setting!
Again thanks!
oh, and I am totally geeking out with the Me Ra Koh blog. There is SO much I have to learn about taking pictures!
Thanks for your kind, kind words, Michelle!
Glad this is helping a *little* ... like I said, I don't have time to spend explaining it all out .... besides, Me Ra does a really good job. I just hope she doesn't put me OUT of a job!
Once you learn to use your manual settings (or even when to use them), you'll love them!
Ha! Cheese is one of Adelle's first words. I promise that after I take one "cheese" picture, I'll take a non-cheese picture so that I have a normal face ;)
Erin, don't you have a cat named "cheese" ... so it is OK. I can live with that.
I'm down with the P&S too.
No manual modes (exposure comp only).
http://jpjblog.com/?p=311
I also get the "wow, you must have a great camera" comment a lot, which I try to let hurt my feelings.
Learning to compose takes a lot of practice and patience.
I do think a lot of people can benefit from a "how to use your p&s" tutorial without ruining pro business though. Stuff like fill flash, basic metering, and, of course, basic composition go a long way to making for better vacation photos.
Ok, so what would be an appropriate word to get my family to have picture-worthy expressions on their faces? We don't usually say cheese, but I must admit that when I say "hey, smile" they sort of get a blank look. And to be honest, I remember not knowing how to smile as a kid - it made my dad so mad when he tried to take pictures. It is as if kids can't remember how - so bizzare.
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