Setting Up the Shot
Choose a Subject
Two basic categories of photographic subjects are people and things. Here are a few tips for each.
Photos of people can add a personal touch to your website. In Photography Field Guide: People and Portraits, Robert Caputo of National Geographic reiterates advice you’ve already read in this guide: don’t be afraid to get closer to your subjects. Whether you’re shooting a portrait, a group photo, or a candid in the classroom or lab, fill the frame with your subject. Not only does this better showcase the people, but it also helps cut down on distracting background clutter.
Background is also important in shots of objects. It’s easy to become so focused on the item you’re shooting that you don’t notice the yawning student or empty soda can in the background. As with shots of people, try to get close to your inanimate subjects too. Additionally, look for interesting angles that show off the item in an unexpected way. Objects, unlike people, won’t get frustrated when you ask for “just one more shot,” so take your time getting the best photo.
Landscapes, on the other hand, ought to be shot from a little farther away. Take a step back and capture more of the scene than you think you’ll need; this will allow for better horizontal zooming later on, especially if you use the photo as a header image.
Photos of people can add a personal touch to your website. In Photography Field Guide: People and Portraits, Robert Caputo of National Geographic reiterates advice you’ve already read in this guide: don’t be afraid to get closer to your subjects. Whether you’re shooting a portrait, a group photo, or a candid in the classroom or lab, fill the frame with your subject. Not only does this better showcase the people, but it also helps cut down on distracting background clutter.
Background is also important in shots of objects. It’s easy to become so focused on the item you’re shooting that you don’t notice the yawning student or empty soda can in the background. As with shots of people, try to get close to your inanimate subjects too. Additionally, look for interesting angles that show off the item in an unexpected way. Objects, unlike people, won’t get frustrated when you ask for “just one more shot,” so take your time getting the best photo.
Landscapes, on the other hand, ought to be shot from a little farther away. Take a step back and capture more of the scene than you think you’ll need; this will allow for better horizontal zooming later on, especially if you use the photo as a header image.
Check the Camera
Before snapping your photo, double check that the camera is ready. Wipe off the lens with a soft, clean cloth – it collects a lot of gunk riding around in your pocket! Make sure all the settings are adjusted the way you want them, and ensure that you’re using the back-facing camera. The front-facing camera, if you have one, generally has much lower resolution and will produce lower-quality photos.
Zoom and Flash: Just Say No
“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” This adage applies to several features of your cell phone camera, notably flash and digital zoom.
Instead of using the built-in flash, which can wash out photos and cause the dreaded red-eye effect, work with your environment to improve the lighting. If you’re outside, look for a sunnier spot or have your subjects face a different direction. Note that the hours just after sunrise and just before sunset are called the “golden hours” because the indirect sunlight makes for beautiful photos; an overcast day is also great for reducing shadows. If you’re inside, turn on more or different lights to appropriately illuminate the shot.
When you pinch to zoom on your phone camera, you can immediately see the image quality lessen. Digital zoom might seem like a great way to get in closer to your subject, but the far better option is to actually step closer! If that’s not an option, you can crop the photo after taking it – either on your phone or on a computer. This will result in a higher-quality image that will look much better on your website.
Instead of using the built-in flash, which can wash out photos and cause the dreaded red-eye effect, work with your environment to improve the lighting. If you’re outside, look for a sunnier spot or have your subjects face a different direction. Note that the hours just after sunrise and just before sunset are called the “golden hours” because the indirect sunlight makes for beautiful photos; an overcast day is also great for reducing shadows. If you’re inside, turn on more or different lights to appropriately illuminate the shot.
When you pinch to zoom on your phone camera, you can immediately see the image quality lessen. Digital zoom might seem like a great way to get in closer to your subject, but the far better option is to actually step closer! If that’s not an option, you can crop the photo after taking it – either on your phone or on a computer. This will result in a higher-quality image that will look much better on your website.
Rule of Thirds
A tried and true guideline for setting up your photo is the rule of thirds. Imagine a tic-tac-toe board over the viewscreen, or turn on the “grid” feature if your camera has one. The main focus of the photograph, the part you want viewers to look at first, should be at one of the four gridline intersections. If your photo includes any sort of horizon line, position it along one of the two horizontal gridlines. This is an easy way to make your photos look more professional.