While some may say that the middle of a sunny day is the best time to photograph outdoors, the opposite is actually true. Taking photos on a cloudy, overcast day eliminates harsh and unattractive shadows in your photos and also creates a softer atmosphere!

 

 

Indoors:

Normally you do need to use your camera’s flash when photographing indoors as you do not have as much natural lighting. Sometimes, however, you may want to create a certain “mood” such as when taking pictures of the birthday honoree and the candles on his birthday cake. It’s important to remember to hold your camera steadily or otherwise your picture will blur as this one did:

 

 

 If at first it doesn’t work, don’t grow discouraged...just keep trying! Your persistence will pay off!

 

 

3. Backgrounds

Take a look at this photo:

 

 

The background is so distracting and cluttered that it seems to be saying, “Look at me! Look at me! Not the subject!” It is much better to use a plain, simple background like this one:

 

 

Notice the difference as the background does not divert attention away from the subject but rather draws attention to it!

4. POV (Point of View)

Getting on your subject’s level is very important! Look at this photo here:

 

 

By being lower than the subject, I gave him an almost goofy look...NOT the effect I was trying to achieve. The photo below is much better and definitely more attractive!

 

 

5. Keep Clicking!

Photography is a wonderful art form that not only lets people capture memories, but also share their creativity as well. The number 1 way to improve your photography skills is to grab your camera and keep on clicking. Don’t forget to have fun!