Picture Perfect
Have you ever experienced camera envy? You know the feeling – you’re on vacation, happily recording your memories on a simple point-and-shoot when suddenly “Mr. My-Camera-is-Bigger-than-Yours” steps up beside you and starts pulling out all sorts of fancy lenses, tripods and the like. Well, not to worry! Whether you have a disposable camera, a fixed-lens point-and-shoot or all the latest in digital photographic equipment, great vacation pictures are within your reach.
The key is in carefully composing your images and making the most of whatever camera equipment you have. As Austrian photographer Ernst Haas once said, “Leica, schmeica. The camera doesn’t make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to see.” So, with a nod to Ernst Haas, here are some tips that will help you “see” better the next time you’re out taking pictures:
Go for the Gold: Professional photographers call the periods one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset the “golden hours.” When the sun is low in the sky it magnifies the desert colors and casts dramatic shadows and a warm glow on the landscape.
Turn Around: As the light changes, it affects everything it touches. If you have your back to the sunrise in order to capture the morning light on the mountains, turn around and look at the scene behind you – you might just catch a stand of teddy bear cholla glowing as their spines are backlit by the rising sun.
Think Big: Use the wide-angle setting on your camera to capture breathtaking panoramic images of the desert’s mountain ranges, arroyos and valleys.
Get Down: On your subject’s level, that is. If you’re photographing children, animals, low-growing cactus or other small subjects, getting down on their level captures a more personal and powerful image.
Move in Close: Use your camera’s macro or “flower” setting to create impactful close-ups of cactus blooms, insects, small animal tracks – whatever minute detail catches your eye.
Check the Background: Before shooting, examine the background carefully in the viewfinder. A cluttered background will detract from your subject. If you are shooting people, be sure to check for trees, poles and other objects “sprouting” from your subject’s head.
Fire Up the Flash: When shooting people outdoors, even in full sunlight, using the flash will fill in small shadows and brighten faces. Using the flash also allows your subjects to avoid facing directly into the sun to light their faces (no more squinting!).
Have Fun: With the advent of digital cameras, it’s easier than ever to experiment with different angles, lighting conditions and subjects, so don’t be afraid to have fun with your photography. If a shot doesn’t come out the way you hoped it would, just delete it and make room for the next one!
