Sometimes Straight Is Too Common!

Okay....so if you are looking for a post about sexual orientation, you'll be sorely disappointed. If you are one of the pervs who came to my site after googling "guinea pig porn", take a hike....unless you want to learn how to take better photos of your precious guinea pigs....then stay.....eeekkk...now I even scared myself. Sorry!

This is, however, the third installment of Corey's photography tips. The first and second have been well received, and I am anxious to see if anyone has tried using the different techniques. Please be sure to point me in the right direction if you post any of your photo attempts.

This time around I will be discussing two different techniques. First, I'd like to point out a little concept I use to add a little bit of funk, or whimsy to my photos. Usually, along with centering our subjects, most people when taking a photo aims the camera straight on, and makes sure to get the subject completely level. In most cases, having the subject leveled in your photo doesn't take anything AWAY from your photo, but by simply adding a slight tilt, you can add interest. Somehow it can take a normal photo, and make it just a little more artful. The important thing to remember is to use it in moderation. If you over tilt, it can distort the image. Tilting can be done with the camera or in photo editing.

Here are some examples using some recent photos I took of Sugar in the snow.

This is the photo as I took it:



Here it is adding a tilt:



Adding a tilt in the other direction:



It is important to note that all three photos are acceptable. It is all a matter of taste. Playing with your photos helps you get an understanding of what you like, and how simple little things can impact your results. Which of the photos above speaks to you the most? Can you articulate why? Personally, I like the second crop the best. I appreciate how the tilt opened up the space in the far top corner of the photo to allow my eye to follow where Sugar Bear was looking. Can you see that?

Here is another example where the tilt is almost minuscule, but I feel it adds a tad bit of whimsy. The first one shows it how I took it.



This one I added a small tilt:



You tell me....which do you prefer, or does it not change a thing for you? It really is a matter of taste, but I wanted to throw this idea out there, so that some of you might start playing more with the photos you take. I have learned so much from playing with the camera, and my editing software.

Here are a few pics I took while using the camera itself to tilt the scene:





The second idea I wanted to discuss today is more of a thought process than a technique really. I challenge you, when taking photos of your children to really try to capture part of the experience that you most want to remember. Think about your child, and who they are, then try to capture photos that speak to that. Is you child wild, and crazy? or quiet and contemplative? Is your child silly or serious? Do you want to document something about your child that is forever changing so that you can look back and see the growth? When you really think about these things while taking photos you'll find that the result might portray more of your child than usual.

When taking photos of sugar, I usually try to capture something that emphasizes her curls at the nape of her neck. Sugar's hair has been an issue in our lives, and it is something that I enjoy documenting. (if you click on that link, you might need a potty break before reading it) In "real life", I enjoy standing behind her, admiring her beauty, and taking in the world as she sees it. It is important to me to capture this when taking photographs of her.



Sugar Bear is an explorer, and she is constantly looking for new and different things to point out to me. I always try to capture her curiosity.





She is fun and willing to try new things. If I miss something she did, I encourage her to do it again. Sometimes she does...sometimes she doesn't, but it is worth the effort.



Just stop and think, "What do I want to remember about my child at this moment in their lives?" and try to capture it the best you can. Take photos of their hands holding their favorite toy:


Don't want to ever forget the delicious baby fat? Then take a pic:



What about the favorite Shoes:



Or the hat she wore 24/7 for months:






Just keep snapping....and start playing. You might be surprised at what photos turn out to be your favorites. This is favorite of mine that uses the tilt technique, and showcases her hair at that age. To me...the tilt emphasizes the wind. It is almost like she had to lean into the wind:




Let's review:
1. Move in close.
2. Get down at their level.
3. Don't be too centered.
4. Play with tilt.
5. Showcase who they are.

Above all. HAVE FUN!