Questions answered

Firstly thanks for the feedback, its great to hear your views on the blog. Its also great to get questions and i'll gladly answer them. Please keep them coming in along with the feedback

Here are Two questions recently asked, one via the blog one from out coaching

"How can I take good portraits. All the photo's I take especially of my girls are not so great"

Very good question and an in depth answer would take a while. However i'll try a more brief answer and i'll happily expand on this at a later date.

If were talking portraits where the subject is looking at you there are a few things to try. Firstly, make sure the eyes are in focus. This sounds obvious but its very important as this is the focal point of the portrait. Secondly, consider the light. If bright sunlight then squinting will be going on, this isn't great. If too dark then you can see the features of the subject. If you have time, use some spot/desk lamps and try to avoid the flash to start with. The flash is a great tool but it may not produce the best results just yet (it can later). Thirdly, compose the image. Try not to have the subject bang in the middle of the frame. move to one side or take the image from higher with the subject looking up. Make sure the background isn't too "busy" also, this will distract.

Try with different expressions, this makes the whole thing fun, which it should be. Let me know how you get on. PS - Kids are not the easiest subject, stay patient.

"I live in a place where there are good landscapes. I can't seem to take images which really show it off in all its beauty"

This is a common question many ask. Again there is a long in depth answer and luckily this question was asked during a camera walk. The answer was explained and we ended up getting some good shots with a few changes. I'll stay brief for the blog for now.

Firstly, Light. I'll say this a lot and that because its probably the most important part of photography. If you have a fantastic scene wait until the light is good or interesting. This isn't always sunrise or sunset, but can be a moody cloudy day, early morning mist or as a storm is rolling it. This can add drama and mystery. Use the weather and it will enhance the image. Even just waiting 5, 10, 20 minutes in the same location can dramatically change the scene. With landscapes its about patience and perserverance. Sometimes you'll have to visit the same spot many times before the scene is exciting. Once you capture it, its worth the wait and effort.

 Secondly, add something in the foreground as a picture can be "distant" without. We've all seen those beach images with the driftwood, and that's whats needed sometimes for a good foreground subject. If no driftwood then a boat on the beach, or a fallen tree, a fence for the more inland landscapes. Sometimes something as boring as a bench can add to a landscape. Its not always about the landscape but sharing where you are taking the image from and capturing the "feel".

Hope this helps answer your questions a little. Thanks again and keep them coming

Richard