Picture/video tips
I've noticed & occassionally been asked about how to improve the quality of pictures/videos. That in mind, i thought i would share a few tips that i employ to "maximize" the effect of said media. Keep in mind that these are NOT stead-fast rules that have to be employed every time, rather they are things i've learned dduring photography courses & trial & error. Feel free to try them out for yourselves & adjust to suit to your own tastes/needs.
1) Try to ensure the area where you wish to take pics is free of background clutter. The less clutter showing in the frame, the less distractions there are to draw attentionn away from the focus of the pic.
2) Try to ensure ample lighting. Whether you are taking pics indoors or outside, lighting can be crucial as to whether or not you get a great pic or a poor pic.
3) Mirrors : avoid using mirrors, as they tend to kick back the flash & obscure the focal point. If a mirror is to be used to display the reflection, ensure that you "test" the angles & lighting to ensure that you recieve a clear reflection.
4) Colour contrast. Believe it or not, contrast has a HUGE visual impact on pics....it makes the focal point "pop" or stand out as it were. EG: white outfit, dark back ground & vice versa.
5) Props. Any kind of prop may be used in pics/vids, however you must ensure that they do NOT detract from the focal point UNLESS that is the intended affect.
6) Angles. Alot of angles is simply trial & error work. You would be surprised how slight adjustments make the world of difference.
7) Editing: nowadays with technology, alot of editing can be done online.
8) Solo or help : this issue tends to be one of convenience & one of choice. With timers, selfie-sticks, tri-pods, etc. sometimes people prefer to shoot solo. Others prefer the help of a photographer to make it a bit "easier" as it gives a 2nd party first-hand view & allows for minor adjustments to be made to ensure maximum effect before the pic is took.
9) Creativity: sometimes, the introduction of items that would be considered ordinary can be used in such a manner to enhance a pose or setting for a pic. Everyday items can be exploited just about anywhere & when used creatively, can have a surprising impact on the end results.
10) Make-up, hair, etc. Whether you do your own or hire someone to "doll" you up, you must look at yourself in the mirror before-hand prior to taking pics! I've lost count of how much time & effort has been wasted because a "5 o'clock shadow" has ruined what would've been an amazing pic! If you utilize wigs, ensure that they are brushed/combed so that they don't appear to be "ratty-looking" as it will detract from your pic.
11) Try different facial expressions! Have fun when you are doing your shoots!
12) If you are doing a video...ENSURE your volume is ON & TURNED UP! Countless videos lose all their appeal due to low volume accidents! Unless you are shooting a "silent film" always double-check your sound settings & ensure when you upload them that the sound is turned up & set at an acceptible level so that your video's sound can be heard & enjoyed!
1) Try to ensure the area where you wish to take pics is free of background clutter. The less clutter showing in the frame, the less distractions there are to draw attentionn away from the focus of the pic.
2) Try to ensure ample lighting. Whether you are taking pics indoors or outside, lighting can be crucial as to whether or not you get a great pic or a poor pic.
3) Mirrors : avoid using mirrors, as they tend to kick back the flash & obscure the focal point. If a mirror is to be used to display the reflection, ensure that you "test" the angles & lighting to ensure that you recieve a clear reflection.
4) Colour contrast. Believe it or not, contrast has a HUGE visual impact on pics....it makes the focal point "pop" or stand out as it were. EG: white outfit, dark back ground & vice versa.
5) Props. Any kind of prop may be used in pics/vids, however you must ensure that they do NOT detract from the focal point UNLESS that is the intended affect.
6) Angles. Alot of angles is simply trial & error work. You would be surprised how slight adjustments make the world of difference.
7) Editing: nowadays with technology, alot of editing can be done online.
8) Solo or help : this issue tends to be one of convenience & one of choice. With timers, selfie-sticks, tri-pods, etc. sometimes people prefer to shoot solo. Others prefer the help of a photographer to make it a bit "easier" as it gives a 2nd party first-hand view & allows for minor adjustments to be made to ensure maximum effect before the pic is took.
9) Creativity: sometimes, the introduction of items that would be considered ordinary can be used in such a manner to enhance a pose or setting for a pic. Everyday items can be exploited just about anywhere & when used creatively, can have a surprising impact on the end results.
10) Make-up, hair, etc. Whether you do your own or hire someone to "doll" you up, you must look at yourself in the mirror before-hand prior to taking pics! I've lost count of how much time & effort has been wasted because a "5 o'clock shadow" has ruined what would've been an amazing pic! If you utilize wigs, ensure that they are brushed/combed so that they don't appear to be "ratty-looking" as it will detract from your pic.
11) Try different facial expressions! Have fun when you are doing your shoots!
12) If you are doing a video...ENSURE your volume is ON & TURNED UP! Countless videos lose all their appeal due to low volume accidents! Unless you are shooting a "silent film" always double-check your sound settings & ensure when you upload them that the sound is turned up & set at an acceptible level so that your video's sound can be heard & enjoyed!
4 years ago