Composition

I want to try something a little different today. Lots of you are trying to take better pictures, and are interested in photography (since you are reading this.) So I am going to do a few tutorial style posts to give you an idea of some of the things that go through my mind when I click the shutter. With any kind of camera (including your phone camera!) you can take better pictures by choosing your composition. What do I mean by this? Well, what is it that you are taking a picture of? In my case it's often a kid. If it's only a kid I will get in close and fill the frame with them. It might be the expression on their face. If I want a picture of what they are doing, I will include some of the background, but beware, very little of the background is needed to provide context. Next, how am I going to position them within the frame? Oftentimes dead center does not provide for the most interesting picture. Off center and specifically, using the rule of thirds, often works well. What is the rule of thirds? Imagine your rectangle frame and cut it into thirds. (Please excuse my extremely primitive "drawing" here.)

In the example the subject is centered and although an ok picture, it is not as dynamic as the next picture which puts the subject approximately one third of the way into the frame. Especially her eyes (the most important part of the face) are positioned one third of the way from the top of the frame.

I will include a few more comparison's for you and then I want you to try and the rule of thirds for yourself. If you are taking a close up, the eyes naturally fall in approximately the top third of the face, convenient eh?

Knight in Shining Armor

This is kind of random. But my friends' son loves dressing up in whatever he can find to be a superhero. He has been Indiana Jones, Wolverine and Edward Cullen. And on our last visit he was a Knight (in shining football armor.) It's great that he is so willing to be one of our subjects while dressed out for battle. I had fun playing with these pictures to get a sort of antique look.

Bath time

My best friend is also my mentor. She is the one who started me on my journey into photography. This shot is so much like one of hers, it's hard to believe I took it. So I just want to tell her, thanks so much for everything you do for me. You are my inspiration.

Suprise!

In order to update this more often I have set the goal to post at least one picture per week. My standards are kind of low, but I am hoping that such a small feat will make me more likely to stay committed. I'm on another short vacation at my BFFs and I usually take lots of pictures, so here is one from today that makes me smile. This is his "What?" face.

Favorite Boots

My youngest son loves these boots. He forgot them though on his latest camping trip with Dad. I love how the mid-morning sun was falling on them sitting all lonely in the bathroom.

Family of Boys

For me two boys is a lot. But my friend is a Super Mom. She deserves a lot of credit for raising such a great bunch. I love spending time with all of them. Thanks again for having us over, we had a great time!

Country Girls

It was a beautiful afternoon for photos; add two gorgeous little girls and here's what I got. Enjoy.