Tips for Better Photo Memories
This article was published some eight years ago. The tips given are still valid and might be helpful for your photo taking this time of year.
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I was going through several photo albums the other day of my children. It’s hard to believe they have children of their own. The photos bring back a lot of memories but here are five things I’ve learned over the years that would do differently. I would:
1. Take Nature Shots at a Different Angle – We can all appreciate the shots where we stand and click off a shot of beautiful scenery. But why not take it a step further? Kneel down to the level that your children or forest critters see the scene. Look up and catch the sun peeking through the trees. Tilt the camera slightly to capture a more dynamic view. It is surprising what nature shows you, even for something as ordinary as trees.
2. Get a Picture of the Sign –
Make it a point to capture a directional sign somewhere along the trip. A trailhead sign, an entrance sign, a “Welcome to . . .”, whatever! Just snap a picture. It will come in handy later when trying to identify the where and what of other photos. Imagine having a record of every trail you and your family have ever hiked!
3. Capture actually hiking – When we go hiking, why do we forget to take pictures of us, the hikers, actually hiking? Instead it’s typically a posed, static shot of the hikers (if you even got shots of people at all). So, walk ahead and get the family moving along the trail. Or stay behind and get them hiking away from you. If it’s a place that’s particularly steep, capture your family trudging up the hill (you’ll get a nice breather). Or coming down off a summit. Whatever the case, just capture movement.
4. Snap a close-up shot of nature -While panoramic shots are great (Fred does an especial great job at them), there’s also beauty in the finer parts of nature. Maybe it’s the spring flowers that just started to bloom or the roots of a fallen tree. Perhaps it’s some interesting moss or an unusual rock. Get close and capture a close-up of a little piece of nature. I would suggest you take your clue from the children in your group. Someday I would like to get a photo of a grandchild’s hand barely touching a wildflower or a tree’s bark.
5. Make sure YOU are in at least one picture– I mean it. Hand that camera to someone else. It’s SO important to capture ourselves in family moments. While you may hate seeing yourself in pictures, you can bet your children will love it. So, ask someone (your spouse, one of your children, a stranger) to take your picture too.
