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All content copyright 2005-2008 Carin Johanna Walsh
Take Better People Pictures
with your digital camera
    Photography is a numbers game -- the more photos you take, the more
    likely you'll wind up with that exceptional shot (thank goodness for digital
    cameras!) If you just snapped a picture at that perfect photo opp...take three
    more...zoom in/out, flash on/off, change angles -- it may surprise you which
    photo turns out to be the keeper (delete the others).

    Move in close. You'll be amazed at the difference moving closer to the
    subject will make. If the flash is washing out your subject, try backing away
    and instead use your zoom to bring the picture in close.

    Try a 3/4 view of the shoulders with just the face turned to the camera -- it's
    usually more flattering than shooting straight on.

    Think you don't need to use the flash on a bright, sunny day? That's exactly
    when you need it most -- to eliminate those harsh shadows caused by the
    bright light above.

    Don't require they "say cheese". Everyone loves a joyful smile, but candid
    shots that capture a natural moment are the ones we tend to cherish years
    later.

    Shoot photos of children quickly and take lots of them. Kids aren't patient
    folks, so don't slow down the process by reviewing your pictures as you
    shoot. Take as many shots as the child will tolerate. You can edit photos
    later.

    When photographing children, get down on their level. Bend or kneel
    when necessary. Shooting at the subject's eye level is always more
    flattering than shooting down from above. (The same goes for seated adults
    and pets.)

    Check the viewfinder carefully for distracting backgrounds. Sometimes
    our eyes are so focused on the cute face we're photographing that we
    neglect to notice what's behind them (which can wind up looking like it's
    protruding from their head.) If your camera has a portrait setting (most
    digital cameras do) use it -- it will nicely blur everything beyond the face
    you've focused on.

    Take crisp action shots. Digital cameras can be slow to process moving
    images and photos often appear blurred. Many digital cameras are
    equipped with a "burst mode" to make up for this. Learn to use it -- you'll be
    amazed at the clarity.

    Insist on family togetherness! When shooting more than one person,
    squish those people closer than is natural -- forget personal space! Then fill
    the frame with people (not the back of the couch or the pictures on the wall
    or the lovely rose bush). We want to see faces!
Pencil Portraits by Carin
where every face is a
work of art
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provided by Carin Johanna Walsh