I guess you know the situation … „Can you take a picture?“ And you’re an amateur photographer and you’re supposed to capture the moment for someone or a group. Thanks to digital technology, you can see the result immediately. In the past, it was not that easy with the rollerball cameras, so you bought a pic in a poke, so to say, and you’ve had some fun surprise when you pick up the pictures after you’ve developed them.
Of course you want to do your job well and I think there are some very simple rules that can be implemented simply and without further knowledge, so without complicated equipment, lighting technology, etc. – simply photographed by mobile phone as most people do.
Dont‘ forget head and feet
I do not know how many times this has happened to me, but the feet are easily lost quickly. Thereby it’s one of the easiest to „catch“ the motive from top to buttom. Since most cell phone cameras also have a zoom, you do not even have to move for it. For fashion or beauty shots, it’s something else, but in this post, I’m simply concerned with the basic standards and it’s just part of making sure the subject is complete.
Background
Anyone standing in front of a bright background will get dark. Many do not pay attention and photograph, for example, from a room into the light. Since the post-processing is complicated, because you can not easily change light-dark later. It makes perfect sense to look for another photo-cookie right away.
The light
Photographing against the sun can bring great effects. But I prefer to leave these to those who understand themselves in the high school of photography and can specifically create effects with it. Normally you will be against the light (high solar radiation) Silhouette. So just swap the positions. Put people against the sun. So you have the sun in the back and the pictures will be great.
Formats
With today’s cell phone cameras you have various options for setting formats. So ask the person who asked you for the photo in which format the photo is needed. If he/she says-it does not matter-at least ask him whether up or down. The squares are best for Instagram. Anyway, the format makes a lot of the overall impression, that’s why it’s important to me.
People photography
Mostly it’s about the people who want to be photographed, otherwise they would not need anyone to ask for a photo. Now I know a number of results from the series – just once-quick-a-photo-made and you are quickly disappointed. It often happens that the person/s is/are quite small on the photo. Of course you can edit and define the final section later. But it loses in resolution, so is loss of quality. Basically, you can fill the picture with the person/s – unless she/he wants the “mountains” behind them also as motive. Another aspect is added: people like to look good on photos – who doesn’t? That’s why you should take pictures from below, it will make your legs longer and the whole picture better. Have a try.
Portraits
Many mobile phone cameras already have this feature, which is usually used poorly. The special and great thing about this feature is, that the face is taken sharp and the background is blurred, which can be wonderful if the face – filling the screen – is at the right distance from the camera (note the instructions on the display) and the background behind the person again with a little distance. This function also works with other themes, for example with the drinks, as you see on the photo:
Good luck!
PS: I guess all the professional photographers will disagree and find lots of lacks. But herewith I just wanted to give some basics and tips to those who just take photos as amateurs. So please forgive me!
