Are you looking for some simple, easy to read photography tips to help get you going? Our CMpost that is delivered to your inbox every Monday is packed full of great information which includes one easy to read photo tip. CMmentor Megan Cieloha has compiled the top 19 tips from the past year of the newsletter for you to read here. Don’t miss out on any other tips and sign up here!
top 19 photo tips from the cm newsletter
1. Try backlighting a subject indoors. Blowing out the window (or other light source) can provide wonderful subject isolation and is a great way to photograph a “simple” image in what otherwise be a cluttered space.
2. When shooting clients, always make sure to capture a few images that are just for you. Experiment a little with your own creativity in every shoot.
3. Don’t give up on a potential location at first glance. Explore the area for good light and interesting textures. A little space is all you really need to fill the frame.
4. Slow down and take your time before pressing the shutter to create carefully exposed and thoughtfully composed images.
5. When shooting outside, try moving your subject in a circle until you find those big, natural catch lights in their eyes.
6. Believe in your own vision. Don’t worry about trying to compete with others. You are unique and can offer what other people can’t… your art.
7. For portraits, spot meter on the brightest area of your subject’s skin (between 0 and +1, depending on the skin’s luminosity) to achieve perfect exposure.
8. During a family shoot, tell your families to get CLOSE, then to bring it in even tighter, and then have everyone touch at least on person to create a real feeling of connection.
9. When using high ISO, try setting a custom white balance before shooting. Achieving a perfect white balance in-camera will help keep your noise low.
10. Give manual focus a try! Not only will it help you to slow down and really see what is included within the frame, but if you’re struggling with auto-focus issues taking the control of focusing away from the camera just may allow you to fall back in love with your gear.
11. Try to work several shots with a lot of negative space into any set. It will add visual interest to the group of images and give you an opportunity to work on creative composition.
12. Continue shooting when your subjects are taking a little “break.” You will be capturing real, natural moments that you may not be able to record during your more formal shooting time.
13. When composing photos of clients, it is a good idea to keep in mind the possibility of needing to crop for various aspect ratios. A little space around the edges of the frame will leave room for cropping.
14. Give still life a try. When working with inanimate objects you have a chance to intensely focus on light, shadow, composition and perspective.
15. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of things you want to learn, make a list. Then work through your list, one item at a time. As you cross off topics, you will feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment!
16. Never leave home without a camera, whether it be your DSLR, a point and shoot, or even your camera phone! Beautiful moments are waiting to happen and you don’t want to miss them.
17. When was the last time you opened your camera manual? Are you sure you know everything there is to know about your camera? If in doubt, pick it up and read it again… you might be surprised by what strikes you!
18. Tip for sharper images: Learn how to toggle your focal points so you don’t need to recompose your shots after focusing. Recomposing may change the placement of your focal plane and result in less-than-sharp subjects.
19. Struggling with a technical issue? Give yourself a week long assignment: shoot every day with the intention of perfectly executing 10 shots using your chosen skill/setting/technique.
Thank you Megan for compiling these wonderful tips together! Do you receive the CMpost every Monday morning? If not, head on over here to sign up now!
Megan Cieloha, California
Director of CMuniversity | Workshop Instructor
Website | Blog | Pinterest | Instagram | Mentoring | Ask a Pro
Currently located in Lincoln, California with her Air Force pilot husband and two sons, Megan uses her Nikon d700 and various lenses to capture soft, clean, lifestyle photography. When asked about her lifestyle approach she says, “I love to watch my kiddos learn new things and explore the world. I think that my enjoyment in quietly observing them has had a huge influence on the way I see through the lens and ultimately capture the scene in front of me.” Although her past includes spending time in ballet classes and showing Arabian horses, her present consists of being outdoors with her family, Moroccan oil, caramel decaf lattes, an immersion blender, and snack traps. Megan is the instructor for Lighting 201: Mastering Natural Light Indoors.
Read all photography tutorials by Megan Cieloha.
Thanks for compiling these. Very helpful tips!
thanks for putting all these great tips together in one place, megan!
Wow! These are fabulous tips! Thanks so much!
Love these tips and I need to remeber them more!
These are wonderful. Thank you Megan for putting them in a list!
BRILLIANT
Thanks for taking the time to do this, Megan! These are great tips!
Awesome tips and some really great reminders. Thanks Megan! Fun to see some of our own team behind the camera :)
Love these tips!! Thank you so much! I try to always bring my camera for that one time when I will need it!!
What a great reminder!
Fab tips all in one post!
Please know that you are in my prayers indefinitely and will be brought before the Lord in Eucharistic adoration daily. I’m sure He knows and loves you so much – He will be filled with joy to see all your brothers and sisters in faith coming in intercession for you. God be with you….
Love these tips!
Great tips!!
really enjoyed this Megan – will have to employ a lot of these starting today!
Great tips, Megan! Thanks for pulling all of these together into one spot! <3
Cool! #9 has made such a difference in my shooting, especially indoors. I had thought my auto white balance did a decent job, but as soon as I tried a custom white balance (Kelvin for me) I was an instant convert!
Great tips! Thank you!
Wonderful tips!
Excellent tips for digital photography lovers who like to be professional in their photography. I have read many blogs regarding digital photography tips. I felt that this is the most informative one which describes all important basic digital photography tips that makes your pictures the most unique and best photos to see and share.