Tips for Great Photographs © Tracey Garvey Photography

Any one can take a great photograph, it is not the camera that creates the photograph it is the vision and creativity of the photographer operating the camera.

Hold Your Camera Correctly Hold the camera steady to avoid unwanted motion or blurry photos (camera shake) Just before you snap the picture, hold your breath and gently squeeze the shutter. (If you jerk the shutter down too quickly, because of the excitement felt in taking the "shot of the century," you'll get it alright... but it will be blurred). Be sure not to cover the flash or the lens on the camera with your hand or fingers.

Be Aware of Your Lighting Direct Sunlight - avoid direct bright sunlight, which will create harsh shadows Shade or Cloudy Day – best for portrait photography because it is a softer light Indoor lighting - Make sure to use the flash Night Time – Make sure to use the flash (Unless You’re Using a Tripod)

Be Aware of Your Background Be aware of any background clutter e.g. garbage cans, traffic signs, light poles Unwanted distractions e.g. cars, animals or other people in your photo Look out for trees or poles sprouting from your subjects head Watch out for stray fingers when doing portraites

Unedited Photo Edited Photo

Get Close To Your Subject Move in close to your subject to fill your picture with the subject and to Show off the details of your subject. Eliminate background distractions. Too many things surrounding your subject will only distract the viewer's eye

Learn About Composition Learn “The Rule of Thirds” – An image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts two equally spaced horizontal & Vertical lines. The important compositional elements of your photo should be placed within these lines. Once you’ve learned that rule have fun and break it!

Learn The Settings on Your Camera Read your camera’s manual Learn what each control button does Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, WB Practice by using your camera in manual mode (if available)

Try A Photo Editing Program Learn how to use a photo editing program Crop Images Colour Enhancing or Correcting Artistic Effects Photo manipulation There are many free options online or you can buy a program such as Adobe Photoshop

Practice, Practice and Practice Take lots of photo’s Learn from your mistakes Shoot from different angles Shoot a variety of subjects Experiment with light Take your camera with you everywhere

Get Creative Try moving your camera, panning, zoom Experiment with your subjects expressions Add props Play with motion Play with light over and under expose your shoot Photography everything and anything

Thank You!

Paradise Valley Photography Club November 12, 2014 Welcome Introductions Tips for Great Photographs Presentation Group Discussion – How do we want the club to run and what do we want to learn December 10, 2014 Do we meet during this month? January 14, 2015 Photo Assignment Winter February 11, 2015 Photo Assignment Portraits March 11, 2015 Photo Assignment Lighting April 8, 2015 Photo Assignment Landscapes May 13, 2015 Photo Assignment Spring June 10, 2015 Photography Show