The Classroom #1

Class is in session! This is the first in a 10 part series on taking better snapshots of your children, pets anything. {hint: CONTEST BELOW! CONTEST BELOW!}

Ok...and we are off!
This weeks lesson is about getting closer....

1) Focus test: Take 4 pictures of your babies eyes, one at 8 feet, 6 feet, 4 feet and 2 feet and see how they look. Doing this will give you an idea of how your camera focuses and how close you can get to your subject. You have to get to know your camera and its strengths and weaknesses! Up close pictures are tricky, but practice makes perfect!

2) Get Close to your subject. Start by cutting the distance between you and your subject in half, then maybe even closer. Yes, the tree behind fido is beautiful, but is your picture of Fido or of the tree? The most important thing you can learn from all this is the distance between you and your subject is very important. Photograph with your heart and soul, fill the viewfinder with what you love!

3) Now...get CLOSER! Find something on your subject you adore, the mouth full of teeth, the little hand, a fuzzy paw, heck a fuzzy paw and a little hand! There are so many "parts" once you get started, you will find its hard to choose. Those of you with new babies, do this with someone else, and take a pic of babies hand in someone else's hand (dad, grandma, heck your own if your camera will take that close) and do that each month. You will be amazed at how that little hand grows!

4) Loosen up and have fun, your subjects know if it stresses you (TRUST ME) and you want them to be relaxed!

5) And the most important tip of the month, find some flattering light. A window, the garage (with the door open - incredible light), below a shaded tree, sunset and get close to that light with your subject. Flattering light creates shadows and what is called "modeling" it gives your subject some dimension. High noon is not flattering! Squinty eyes do not look good on anyone! Those of you that have had outdoor sessions know this (and yes, I will give my tip for that, but thats another month).

PS send me an UP CLOSE image and the best one gets a $25 gift card to target (best- did you follow the directions??). We all could use some Target money!! Send those images over to my email address!{ kelly@khitephotography.com } I am excited to see what you guys do with your camera. This runs till the next issue of "the Classroom" is up (don't worry you will get a newsletter).

Ok! off you go, take some pictures, capture Life's sweetest moments before they are gone! Stay Tuned for October's classroom series which will have some tips for Halloween pictures and an INCREDIBLE contest!!

Happy Shooting!