10 quick tips to creating beautiful photographs

(this entry was posted earlier this week on San Diego Deals and Steals.

I thought I would share it here too. xoxo)

if there were one question that I am asked more often than any other, it would be,

"how do I take better pictures of my children?"

I understand that each child is different.

some love the camera.

others, not so much.

although, be it that I photograph children every week that I have never met prior to our session,
(Corey Villicana Photography)

 I have come up with a good little list of ideas to help you better capture your child in a photograph.

here they are.

1.)  Carry your camera with you at all times. There are so many different opportunities throughout a typical day, to capture an amazing image. Children in particular are generally unaware of their actions and their physical mannerisms, so an expression or a gesture that they use once, may never be used exactly the same again. The most authentic images are those that are captured in the moment, not recreated afterwords.

2.)  Shoot closer than you might feel necessary. One of my favorite shots, is the close up, super detailed image. For instance, instead of photographing a child's entire body, focus your lense only on what it is that they might be doing, holding etc... and really make a statement with your image.

3.) If given the opportunity photograph against a colored or textured backdrop. My eyes are always scanning for any pop of color that I can use in my photography. The subject of your image will automatically stand out.

4.) Frame your subject in the view finder of your camera, creating a "full frame shot." 

Corner to corner image, no wasted space.

5.) Allow your subject feel as comfortable as possible. Take a realized approach to photographing, as opposed to an aggressive approach. The very best images seem to come once the subject is relaxed and enjoying themselves. Almost forgetting about the camera capturing their every move.

6.) Good lighting is essential. Photograph in the early morning or in the evening, just prior to sunset. If photographing mid day when the sun is high in the sky, try to photograph is shaded areas, without direct harsh sunlight.

7.) Experiment. Try photographing the same subject from different view points. I love to get down on a child's eye level to photograph. Seeing the world from a small child's perspective is quite different from the way we adults see the world that surrounds us.

8.) Photograph without a flash. As you become more comfortable with your camera and further your knowledge of photography, you will learn how to almost never have to photograph using a flash. Using the natural light that is provided to you, either that of the sun or surrounding light fixtures should be more than enough light and will add to the authenticity of the photograph.

9.)Take a handfull of photographs of the same image. If I know that I have all of the elements for an incredibly beautiful photograph, I'll take the same photograph a multitude of times, to ensure that I will get one that I really love. Facial expressions change from one second to the next. It's fun to capture more than one, and have options as to which you end up using.

 10.) Have fun! The art of photography is one that allows it's artist the ability to create something all their own. Enjoy the process, and you'll be amazed with what you can capture! 

xoxo Corey