- Overcast Lighting is the Best Lighting
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Nothing makes a photographer happier than a rainy day. Overcast lighting diffuses the light around your subject, making it even and well distributed. This gives you the opportunity to photograph them without the added complications of shadows and highlights.
- Avoid Backlight
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If you do have to shoot on a sunny day, avoid backlighting your subjects. This means that unless you are going for the dramatic half-shadowed look, your subjects should always be facing the light. I know it will hurt their eyes, but it’s worth it.
- Know Your Camera Settings
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Weather your shooting on a Canon, Nikon or your iPhone, one of the most important things about photography is knowing and exploring the different settings on your camera and being able to put them into practice. Experiment with aperture, shutter speed and ISO until you are comfortable adjusting each of them and you will become way more comfortable photographing in unfamiliar settings.
- Always Take Test Shots
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Before you even attempt photographing your subject, take test shots. These help you find out where the lighting is best, what settings you should be on and if your camera is working properly. Nothing is more embarrassing than taking a photo with your camera accidentally set on a timer; test shots can help you avoid these small embarrassments.
- Shoot from Above
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When photographing a subject, especially if you’re taking pushup pics in the stadium, always shoot from above. It’s scientifically proven that we are more attractive from an upwards angle, so even standing on your tiptoes to get a few inches above your subject can make a huge difference.
- Don’t Use Flash
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Don’t get me wrong – sometimes flash is necessary – but more often than not it will make your subject look unnatural. Avoid flash when you can, especially shooting indoors, to achieve a more natural and candid vibe in your photos.
- Keep the Background Clean
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Especially when shooting portraits or more professional subjects, it is important to keep the background muted and clear of any distractions. You want your subject to be the primary focus, not the blurry figures in the background.
- Don’t Over Filter
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For the love of God, Do. Not. Use. Instagram. Filters. Invest in an app like VSCO that provides dozens of more options that can take your photo to the next level while keeping it natural.
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