PHOTO TIPS
1. Take focused pictures.
 Slightly push the shutter – the camera will focus – then fully release the shutter
 Hold the camera steady
 “Squeeze” the shutter release (don’t “hit” it as it will cause camera shake)
 brace your body against objects to keep camera steady
2. Get close
 Zoom in
 Subject matter should fill 80% of the frame
3. Include a variety of close up’s, medium and long range shots
4. Use the Rule of Thirds
 Place focal points (centers of interest) on the intersection of the 1/3 rd lines
Bike is a focal point.
Good use of space. It
intersects the 1/3rd
lines.
http://soma.sbcc.edu/users/Smith/Images/rule_of_thirds_200_2.jpg

Don’t place the face in the center of the frame (eliminate too much sky or ceiling)
Not a good use of space. Face
centered, too much space above and
around head. No focal point at the
intersections of the 1/3rd lines.
http://www.thephotographyexperience.com/images/RuleOfThirds-1.jpg
5. Try framing the photo vertically and horizontally.
6. Try a new point of view.
 Shoot from the ground.(worm’s eye view)
 Shoot looking down on the subject matter (bird’s eye view)
 Shoot at eye level for a strong connection to the subject matter.
 Angle the camera.
 Move around!
7. Don’t amputate!
 Don’t crop (cut off) at natural joints – neck, elbows, wrists, waist, knees, ankles
 Cut the subject matter between these joints – e.g. include head and shoulders in
portrait shots by cutting off at the chest level
8. Eliminate distracting backgrounds
 Ask yourself if what you see in the background enhances the picture or not
 Move around or try new angles to get the background you desire
9. Avoid unnatural, staged or posed shots
 Take candid shots
 Talk to your subject matter, make them feel relaxed
10. Leave room for the subject matter to move.
http://www.glenrocphotography.com/myteam
11. Look for ways to lead the viewer’s eye to the focal point.
Train is the focal point. Lines from the
track lead the viewer into the picture right
to the train.
http://www.martynbane.co.uk/images/Australia/Newport%20Junction%202002%20%201.jpg
12. Photograph the “stars” of the event as well as the audience reactions.
 Use your pictures to tell the story (bring the view to the event)
 Look for emotional impact of the event
13. Record the 5W’s (who, what, when, where and why) of each photo.
Resources:
Friesens, Getting’Organized workbook, p. 30
Friesens, Curriculum Binder, p. R-49-3
Canada Yearbook Services, Yearbook Essentials, p. 43-47