Frustrated with your camera? Never getting the “perfect” image? Try these 5 quick photography tips and see your photography improve in less than one week!

1. Learn to frame “in-camera”. Frames are everywhere, try incorporating them in your photos. In your house alone, I can name several … doorways, staircases, windows, gates, etc. Get creative. Framing can add purpose to your photos, drawing the viewer directly to the subject. Place your child in a doorway and see the difference vs just standing in the living room.
2. Find the light. Be sure your subject has light in their eyes! This is what makes eyes pop in photos, making them look truly alive. Ideally light should be in both eyes, even if some of the face is in shadow. Try placing your child beside a window with in-direct sunlight (no harsh beams coming through). Turn their body towards the window and have him move until you see the light in his eyes.
3. Remove the clutter. So many great photos that are posted on Facebook and Instagram these days could be so much better if we just stopped and observed for a minute. I’m not suggesting have your house perfectly clean before picking up your camera. However, if your child is playing on the floor and there’s gorgeous light coming through the window, be aware of the big red ball or the diaper bag in the background. Take a moment to remove the clutter from the photo and then go back to taking the picture. Most likely your child will still be playing and you will have improved your photo greatly!
4. Gain some perspective. Photographing your child from above will make their head look disproportionate (think giant head, small body). Try photographing your child from eye level. Get down on the ground if needed. This will give your images a glimpse from a child’s perspective.
5. For the love of photography, please stop teaching your kids to say “cheese”. Whomever started this trend needs a good talking to. We all know the look when our kid sees the camera come out and stops dead in their tracks to give us that goofy “cheeeeeeeese” face. Ugh, not again! Instead encourage your children to a challenge. Ask them to show you how high they can jump or to blow the biggest bubble ever. Or try the “bet you can’t ______” approach. Kids love to prove their parents wrong.

I’m hoping you find these 5 quick photography tips helpful! Give them a try and don’t forget to have fun with it. Share your images with us by hashtagging #JenniMaroneyPhotoTips on Facebook and Instagram and we’ll do our best to give you some feedback. Don’t be shy, everyone has to start somewhere.
Have a wonderful weekend with your family and your camera!
xo, Jenni
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