One of the most exciting things about photography is how the use of light, perspective, and color can actually make a person, scene, or object look completely different.

POSING & LIGHTING TIPS

• Photography is actually painting with light.

• Quality and position of light can make the difference between a common and great shot.

• One of the most exciting things about photography is how the use of light, perspective, and color can actually make a person, scene, or object look completely different.

• The use of the basics, equipment, props, environment, and composition can add or take away from a shot.

POSING & COMPOSITION

* Relax subjects as much as possible before and during shooting - (Praise Often)

• Light quality & position, camera angle & pose, colors & props can change the look and mood of subject & shot. Use these tools to enhance positive features, and neutralize negative features.

• IF IT BENDS, BEND IT! (fingers, elbows, wrists, knees, etc.)

• Turn and Angle body slightly.

• Check and correct posture, adjust clothing problems, etc.

• Weight on front foot can look more slimming.

• Demonstrate pose rather than just direct.

• Use the rule of thirds, "S", "V", diamond & diagonals to add interest to composition.

• Keep couples and groups close enough to keep depth-of-field even.

• Keep a connection between people, urge to get close.

• When shooting children get down to their level, shoot (F8).

• At Weddings and family shoots get the shots involving children done first.

• Set lights, then angle subject or change camera angle when ever possible.

• Give people something to do, if can't relax.

• Combine sitting and standing, different levels, in groups.

• Shoot double chins high camera angle & have subject slightly bring face up & toward.

• Coordinate colors whenever possible, backgrounds, clothing, props.

LIGHTNING

• Glasses can be tipped forward, shot high, or bounce lights to reduce glare,

• Narrow lighting (shadow side toward camera) is more slimming.

• Broad lighting and cross lighting is good for allowing subject movement.

• Use Background or Halo light to separate subject from background.

• Dark background will absorb light & light background will reflect light.

• Lights set to side and down will drop shadows out of camera range.

• Light High Key Evenly 2 stops over main on background and set camera for subject.

• Use soft lighting for ( woman & children )and to give skin smooth appearance (low light ratio).

• Side & hard lighting will bring out texture.

• Use reflectors or fill flash to bring down contrast (set flash 1 stop under ambient exposure).

• Using bounce flash, add bounce card to throw light under eyes.

• Always get catch lights in those Eyes.

• Watch out for squint factor outside, blink with flash.

• Shoot in open shade in bright sunlight when ever possible (watch out for hot spots).

• Early morning, early evening, and hazy sun are the most pleasing outside.

• Timing is everything, sometimes patience and waiting is the key to a perfect shot

ALWAYS CROP IN CAMERA TO ALLOW FOR DIFFERENT DIMENSION PRINTS

• Watch for that beautiful golden light, and different mood factors.

• Use a tripod and use those slow speeds in lowlight situations when possible.