10 Tips to Help You Capture the Perfect Summer Photograph

You know how when a photographer gets excited about cameras, their normal speech starts to slur into this morphed jumble of numbers and f-stops and speeds, oh my? Just thinking about it makes me shutter (yes, photo pun intended). Well, I have some good news that will keep you from wanting to walk away as soon as you hear the word aperture. It's really not as hard to understand as it seems - once you learn the basics you'll be ready to start setting your own exposures (I swear!). Here are 10 basic photography tips anyone can master:


Photograph in Unexpected Places1. Photograph in Unexpected Places
The supermarket may not seem like a place that's bursting with creativity, but you may be surprised at the results you will get.










Related: 10 tips for taking beautiful photos at sunset




Understanding Shutter Speed2. Understanding Shutter Speed
All the numbers can be confusing at first. Remember, shutter speed is measured in seconds or fractions of seconds. 1/1000 is way faster than 1/60. Use faster shutter speeds to get fast moving subjects in focus.













Place Subjects at Different Levels3. Place Subjects at Different Levels
When getting a group shot, try placing your subjects at different levels to give the image more character.












Every Face Counts4. Every Face Counts
Make sure that when you peek through the viewfinder you can see every smiling face clearly.












Related: 15 ways anyone can decorate with canvas




Focus on the Eyes5. Focus on the Eyes
When photographing a person focus on getting their eyes nice and sharp for a crisp and clean look.










Shoot Towards the Sun6. Shoot Towards the Sun
To add a dramatic effect, like creating a silhouette, you will want to shoot towards the sun. Sunsets and Sunrises tend to give off the perfect amount of light.









Play with Sunlight7. Play with Sunlight
Use the sun flare to your advantage by moving your subject in different positions to get a bright glow.










Related: 10 creative ways to display photos in your home




Creating a Lush Background8. Creating a Lush Background
Since most of us do not have an open field in our backyard keep your eye out for small patches of grass and flowers. If you get low to photograph your subject the small patch will instantly look much bigger.









Use Your Surroundings9. Use Your Surroundings
Keep your eye out for unique patterns in walls or nature to use as interesting backgrounds.










Don't be afraid to ditch color10. Don't be Afraid to Ditch Color
Before you decide to shoot in color or black and white ask yourself if the image story will be improved with color. If it doesn't seem like a key factor you may find the moment is captured best in black and white.









- By Jamie Morrison Curtis
Follow Jamie on Babble

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