From Picture-Taking for Moms and Dads by Ron Nichols

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Related Resources • Researching Old Photographs • Photo Tinting with Color Examples

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1. Get Close

By far, the biggest mistake most photographers make is not getting close enough. By getting close to your subjects and filling the frame with only the most important information, your photos will be much better. 

2. Don't hit the bull's-eye.

To improve the dynamics of your photographs, avoid placing the subject in the center of the frame. Centering your subject makes for an uninteresting, static picture.

3. Slow down, shoot more.

Rather than rushing in and taking hurried snapshots, take the time to get in close, carefully compose the scene, and wait for the right moment to make your picture. Once you’re there, shoot several frames of the situation as it unfolds. "Film is cheap," Nichols says, "especially when you're recording priceless memories."

4. Explore all of the angles.

Sometimes, a change in perspective (like shooting down from a higher angle) can help eliminate distracting backgrounds, telephone poles or other obstacles that might otherwise negatively affect your photograph.

5. Focus on the eyes.

For most portraits, you’ll want to have the subject looking directly at the camera. It's an honest and direct approach, and there’s nothing like looking into the eyes of our friends and loved ones, even when it’s "just" a picture.

6. Shoot during the "golden hours."

Try to shoot within an hour after sunrise and inside of an hour before sunset for the best results. During these times, the light is warm and soft, lending a beautiful quality to the photograph.

7. Shoot on overcast days.

The light created on overcast days is wonderful for shooting almost any situation, especially portraits or some scenics. There are no harsh shadows, and the intensity of the film is increased, making the colors in your prints and slides look better.

8. Avoid using direct flash.

Direct camera flash causes flat lighting and red-eye, but by using higher speed film (ISO 400 or greater) you may not need a flash at all.

9. Use window light.

Take indoor portraits near a north-facing window. Soft light from a north-facing window can be a beautiful source for portraits. On an overcast day, any window will do.

10. Avoid shooting at midday.

It makes sense that if the first and last light of day are the best times to shoot photographs, one should avoid taking pictures in the middle of the day in bright sunlight. Midday light creates less-than-appealing skin tones, muted colors, and harsh shadows on faces.

Comments from Rebecca:

Great scrapbook pages are easy to make with great photographs. This book will answer all those nagging questions that so many of us amateur photographers seem to have. Not only does Ron handle each of the subjects listed above in greater detail, but he also tackles common quandaries such as: What type of film to use? How do I make the lighting in my pictures look like the pro's? How do I take great shots of scenery? Before you shoot another roll of film, pick up Ron's book. You will be so glad you did!

Happy Scrappin'
Rebecca

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