Often memories from your past girlfriend getaways are best relived through the photos taken during the trip. Nothing could get you more psyched for the next “great adventure” than reliving the past ones in your photo albums. Unfortunately, most people would say that a good percentage of their photos could have turned out better “only if…” So, how does one go about getting the best shot? Professional photographer Jason Hahn offers some great tips.
1. Know your camera!
· Sure it doesn’t sound exciting, but knowing when to use what functions at what time can make the difference between a perfect shot and a very fuzzy blob of who-knows what. When the shot comes you don’t want to be fidgeting around with the buttons. It should be more second nature (which comes with practice).
· Check equipment in advance: make sure batteries are charged/have back ups, check lenses for scratches, make sure film is not outdated and make sure you have plenty of memory/film for the trip.
· Get used to your shutter lag (time it takes for the photo to be taken after you’ve pushed the button). It will help you to include this time when anticipating the shot.
2. Think about lighting.
· Avoid noontime shots. It creates more shadows on your subjects’ face and isn’t as complimentary. The best hours for photos is approximately the first hour after sunrise and when the sun is setting. This is the time when the sun’s rays are reflecting more horizontally, thus decreasing the amount of shadows and making the subject look more natural and fresh.
· Always shoot with the sun on your back or, in other words, point your shadow at the subject.
· Evening shots are always difficulty because there’s, typically, not enough lighting and requires another light source for best quality shots.
3. Think about your environment
· Water use: Don’t drop it – of course! Make sure you have a clean cloth to wipe away any splash or other light water exposure. Hahn states salt water is death to a camera, so if a little water gets on it, you’ll want to clean it away immediately to prevent corrosion. Use a polarizing filter for your lens to decrease the extreme brightness from sunrays for shots off of the water. For underwater use, he offers the suggestion of getting special housings for your camera, which are now more affordable. If deep sea diving, you will need a flash, but for snorkeling, generally, there is enough light provided by the sun.
· If you are trying to take a photo through glass, place your camera’s lens against it to eliminate distortion.
4. “Pre-visualize.” You should get an idea of what you want the shot to look like. It will help you not only anticipate it, but also figure out the particulars; like, how you should stand, what settings you need, lighting, etc.
5. Change your angle. Often the best shots aren’t the ones you made standing and pointing and shooting the camera. They’re the ones where you changed your elevation; you got lower or elevated yourself for a different view. Jason also offers to get eye-level with the subject/object to make the photo more engaging. Hahn’s key advise for group shots is to take them from with the camera held at waist level of the subjects, this will avoid the photo from being disproportionate.
6. Check the frame. Before you click, make a mental note to stop and check the edges of the frame for any distracting elements, such as a pole or light switch that your subject is near. Usually, a small move of the camera or shift in stance of the subject/object can clear the background, ridding the picture from distractions.
7. Be patient and wait for the right shot. Don’t rush it or you’ll end up with someone blinking or the unknowing object moving, thus missing the “perfect shot”. Jason points out that, “The trick is to freeze the second that really captures the “decisive moment” of action, mood, and composition.”
8. Pay attention to space. Don’t always take pictures without background or vice versa. Hahn remarks, “If someone is looking to the left, give them space in the frame on the left to look in to. Giving your subjects space to be alive will make your photos come alive.”
9. Focus on your subject. Make sure the focus lock was set on your subject and not the background or something else that is further or closer. This will prevent from blurred images or distortions.
10. Choose the right film. The higher the number (400 vs. 200), the faster the shutter speed, meaning that the film exposed for a shorter period of time. This is great for bright settings and action photos; however, if you are in a museum where flash is not allowed or trying to get pictures of fireworks at night, you will need a slower shutter speed to allow longer exposure. (For digital cameras, this applies to the night or museum setting). Slower shutter speeds also require a steady hand, so remember to brace the camera against a stationary object, although the best bet is a tripod.
Other pointers are: don’t forget to snap shots of yourself (self-timers can help with that), with a digital camera you can do on-the-spot deleting thus saving only the keepers. Last, but not least, practice, have fun and share your memories (upload them to an electronic album like Kodak Gallery or Snapfish so others can order prints and download them for keepsakes).
For more information on Jason Hahn, to view or purchase some of his work or to ask him questions, check out his website (and gorgeous photos) at www.JasonHahn.com.
