Looking for some photography tips and tricks? Here’s some cracking advice on how to capture views and landmarks from the new Jessops store in Southampton. There’s also some helpful guidance from me!
This post is one of two that’s jam packed with valuable photography advice from photography experts at the high street giant.
In public relations and blogging it’s really important to know what makes a good picture and what doesn’t.
Images differ depending on what’s needed from them. Typically shots for press releases, blogs, social media and fashion very wildly.
So first of all my personal advice would be to understand why you’re taking the photograph. Is it to capture a moment, a place or a thing? Or is it to show off a new product, a flat lay or a clothes haul?
Your image helps to bring life to your story, so what story is it that you’re trying to tell? Once you’ve figured out the point of your image and what you’re using it for you can make better decisions about the where what and how you’ll take the image.
It’s not easy getting a good picture and I’ve found these little nuggets have set me on the right path to taking better images.
The first set of top tips are for taking pictures of landscapes and have been kindly provided by the Jessops Academy Team.
I’ve chosen to share these first because as a blogger you’re often going somewhere beautiful to capture the scenery to share with your readers. In the autumn think pumpkin patches, in the summer lavender fields and in winter frosty walks! Classic blogging territory.
Here’s Jessops advice for capturing that perfect view.
Try heading out early (or late)
If you’re wanting to capture an iconic coastal location or landmark on camera, try setting your alarm clock to get up early or linger longer than the masses: you’ll be rewarded with a clearer view, unusual lighting conditions and a new perspective on a frequently-photographed subject.
Use the rule of thirds
Divide your shot into thirds horizontally, and pop the horizon line on either the bottom or the top line, depending on what you want to be the main focus of your shot. This will give you well-proportioned photo with plenty of space to keep the viewer’s eyes intrigued.
Slow it down
Heading down to the water and adjusting your more advanced settings can result in stunning images. You’ll need a tripod to keep your camera steady, and use the timer mode to make sure you don’t rock the camera when pressing the shutter button. A shutter speed of anything between a few seconds and a few minutes will blur out the water.
Try a different point of view
If you’re not standing out from the crowd then chances are your photos won’t either – so try lying down or jumping up on something to get a unique perspective on a location. Using a lot of foreground interest can be a fantastic way to create an unusual shot.
Picture-perfect portraits
Chances are that you’ve brought friends, family or a partner along for the ride, so capture some shots that go beyond the usual. Get your subject to execute some fast paced movements like leaping in the air, jumping in the water or hurtling past along the beach. Then freeze your subject in a pin-sharp photo by using a fast shutter speed; or get creative and try a little panning, where the object remains in focus but the background is blurred out for a picture that gives a real sense of movement.
Be prepared for all weather
The unpredictability of the weather can be a photographer’s worst nightmare, so make sure that whatever happens you’re prepared. If you are lucky to be capturing under sunny weather conditions, adjust shutter speed to a 1/3 to 2/3 of a stop, ensuring you subject stands out even against a bright background. On the other hand, if the day is a little overcast, experiment by over and underexposing the sky in your shot until you get the perfect balance of lighting.
If like me you don’t have a fancy camera then you can still play around using the settings on Android and iPhones.
Blurring can be achieved on an iPhone by using the Portrait Camera setting. If you’re looking to over or under expose with light you can play around with the lighting itself or edit the image with filters and settings after you’ve taken the image.
Part two of this blog post is photography advice from the team leader at Southampton’s Jessops store. His name was Joe and he’s got some more general tips for taking photographs.
Keep your eye out for that next post it’s coming very soon. In the mean time happy snapping!
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