I still consider myself a newbie blogger with my nine month old blog, but if there is one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s that high quality, interesting photography can really elevate a blog. And it doesn’t matter if you have a point and shoot digital camera or a DSLR with a handful of interchangeable lenses, there are plenty of tips to help anyone with any camera improve their photography techniques. I’ve asked one of my good friends, Haley to model for me to show you a variety of elements of composition.
To improve the quality of your photographs, think about lighting and composition. Incorporating these techniques into your outfit photos will them become stronger and more compelling images.
Perspective
Same location, different angle with camera. The first of these two is the strongest. It’s cut off a bit here, but you can view the image by clicking on it to get to flickr to see the whole image. The lines in the first photo draw your eye to focus of the picture: Haley.
Repetition
The repeating columns add more interest
Depth of Field
Whether it’s a wide shot with lots of details in focus or a detailed shot with the background compressed, depth of field can add a lot to a photo. I prefer to shoot details with a short depth of field.
Symmetry
I centered Haley in the center of the doors. I don’t normally do a lot with symmetry, but it was actually a lot of fun to incorporate these different elements into my photography. It’s something different for readers to look at as well instead of the same shot over and over again.
Space
For me, this can be tricky. I wish I didn’t cut her off so much in the second image, but it’s all about trying and seeing what works and having fun with outfit shots.
Framing
I’m a huge fan of framing. You can frame anyone using anything. In this case, I stood on the side of a door and asked Haley to stand on the outside. I like the lines on the windows and wanted to frame her within them.
You can also play around with color, texture and lines. The example images for perspective is also a great example of utilizing lines.
One of the best ways to get beautiful images is playing with light. You can use natural light (what’s coming through your window or shooting outside), available light (your lamps and other sources of light that aren’t natural) or artificial light (using an sort of lighting kit.) Natural light is my absolute favorite. Most of my outfit shots are taken outside and if they are taken inside, I utilize window light. This is all personal preference of course. My advice with light would be to not take photos in direct sunlight. It’s harsh and unflattering. If you must shoot on a super sunny day, find some shade or shoot earlier in the morning or later in the evening before the sun reaches its peak in the sky.
Taking a variety of shots is just as important as the shots themselves. Make sure you take full body shots, portraits and detail shots of interesting pieces of your clothing.
And if it’s a moment captured, it’s ok if it’s not technically sound or following any rules. Sometimes, it’s just important to capture the fun stuff.
If anyone has specific questions, feel free to email me at kerbuski@gmail.com. I’d be more than happy to help! A lot of you may already know most of this, but hopefully it was useful for a couple people!
what lens are you using??
this is an awesome, informative post! once my new (lightweight) tripod arrives, i can't wait to take my pics outdoors with your tips in my pocket 😉
Very cool post and cute picture at the end!
I'm doing a giveaway!
http://the-not-so-secret-loves-of-bri.blogspot.com/
Great post. Thanks for the tips 🙂
Great post! Thanks.
http://andohsofancy.blogspot.com
Brilliant post Andrea, thank you!
I'm a firm believer that composition & lighting are one of the (if not THE) most important things when taking pictures. My coworker has a super fancy DSLR (with assorted lenses), but his pictures are a drag to look at! It doesn't matter that they are excellent quality when they are completely boring and uninspired.
I love your examples here, the first and the last shots are my favourites 🙂 thanks so much for the inspiration, I'll be sure to try out some of your suggestions during my vacation next week!
we dont all have a photographer following us around, but this post was excellent, I'll try to incorperate these things with me and my tripod haha 🙂
Thanks for the info! I wish I had someone taking pictures for me now.
Thanks for the tips! I got some great ideas for photos in my blog.. What lens are you using anyway?
these are beautiful images!! and amazing tips!! i only use a point and shoot.. but this can still apply to them! 😀 AWesome! thanks!
Animated Confessions
Love this Andrea…thanks for the tips..I have a canon Digi Rebel and a Nikon D…….I use the rebel more…..:)
Statements in Fashion
These tips are helpful!
I'm one of the unlucky bloggers that must take her own shots, so reading tips from you, after seeing your photos (and how you take photos!) is very helpful.
I'm working on stepping my game up 🙂
Suze
Love, love, love this post! I just bought my first DSLR and have been spending lots of time learning the ins and outs. Such good info in here and great photos! One of my favorite things about this whole blogging/photography thing is the inspiration I am gaining from others!
Awesome!Very helpful for all us newbies out there. Even though my point and shoot camera will never take as nice a pictures as yours!
This was super helpful! Thanks for posting it. As a new blogger myself (as well as a new photographer) any tips and tricks are super appreciated. Do you have any tips if you're using a tripod to take your photos as opposed to having a photographer?
Who makes those fabulous green mary janes?
thank you for the information! super helpful! xoxo!
Your blog is only nine months old?!? Wow amazing!
I love this post great photographs and tips! Thanks so much!
xoxo, jaz
fashionstatement101.blogspot.com
i'm glad you posted this. i've actually been looking for a way to make my outfit shots a bit more interesting. can't wait to try these tips out.
Personality of Meh
This is definitely good info. Sadlyyyyyyyyyyyy I would need to teach my BOYFRIEND these tips 😉
For him, it's "snap snap snap ok are we done now?" which results in a bunch of blurry photos. Silly rabbit.
awesome post! i'm always looking for ways to improve my photography (on both a general and outfit-shot level) and these tips were so good! I love pretty much every shot and can't wait to try them out in my own outfit shots. thanks so much!
Betty Noir
You use a tripod for most of yours, right? My problem is always getting the focus right. Does that just come more naturally with practice?
great pictures! The last one is so cute :] Love the hat!
http://www.style1509.blogspot.com
Live.Laugh.Love.
what a great post! thank you!
and her shoes are adorable 🙂
http://www.informalthing.blogspot.com
this is so great! thanks for sharing andrea! I'm always in awe of your shots and now i like having some of your secrets! 😉
xo
Love this post!
I need to break out of my whitewall pictures, but currently that's all I can do 🙁
Thanks for all the awesome tips!
Awesome! What kind of camera do you have? I'm really interested in photography and I love this little lesson!
Very interesting! But I'm content with my pictures already if there is enough sunlight so I don't have to use a flash.
I really like your style and your blog! Going to follow.
I'm very glad that you've put this out there. My visual merch teacher has been drilling this into my head for weeks!
Thanks for sharing.
xo
nice!!!i love the last spontanious pic where as you say you capture the fun of it!!
also lovely shoes!!
http://fashionablylonely.blogspot.com/
kind of wish you could take my outfit pics, hahaha. Even though I've learned a lot of these tips in HS photo classes, I didn't really see how to apply it. This helped!~
beautiful photos!
This post is really helpful for newbie photo enthusiasts like me!!!
http://deathbyplatforms.blogspot.com/
love this post!! awesome advice, thanks 🙂
Such a great post!
I am a rookie photographer and this really helps.
Any tips for using a tripod?
XO Veronica
http://fashi0npassi0n.blogspot.com
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