April, 2010
© Tim Pannell Photography
Here’s a really simple photography tip: try to find a new angle to shoot from.
In the last couple of weeks I’ve seen the same shot over and over again.
A little kid sitting in a chair on green grass, shot from an adult’s perspective.
The adult stands in front of the kid and shoots down on them.
The adult is between 5′ 3″ and 5′ 10″ tall.
They’re nice shots, but I’m amazed at how consistent they are from picture to picture.
The goal isn’t always attainable, but it’s nice when an effort is made to try to be a little different than everyone else.
Look for interesting shapes, light patterns, backgrounds, colors and angles.
Try getting down low with your subject. Shoot at their level.
Try shooting them from behind, you don’t always have to show their face to get a great image.
I did this shot for a client down in Fort Meyers, Florida.
This playground was in a fairly ugly area and the background was really busy with old buildings, bad colors and unkept landscaping.
I wasn’t happy with the location and I was struggling to get something nice that captured the freedom kids feel at the playground.
I shot her from the front and hated it. I shot her from the side and hated it even more.
She wanted to go higher and higher and eventually got to the point where she was really leaning close to upside down at the apex.
I got down pretty low to the ground so I could eliminate the ugly cluttered background.
This let me shoot into the treetops and sky.
Since I wasn’t shooting her face, I was looking more for interesting shapes.
I asked her to have a good time and have as much fun as she could.
Mission accomplished.
© Tim Pannell Photography
One of the best photography tips I can think of is to not over think your shots.
Over thinking leads to overproducing.
Overproducing leads to frustration.
You don’t have to make a big production every time you go to take pictures of your kids.
You do, however want to control the things that you can control.
Just don’t try too hard to control your “subjects.”
Picture a scenario….the less contrived the better.
Pick good angles to shoot from so your background doesn’t detract from your images.
Be sure to shoot when the light is pretty – morning, late afternoon, open shade.
Have your kids and anyone else in the shots wear nice co-ordinated clothes.
Then, when you’ve got everything ready….go out and play.
Give people a basic idea where you want them and have them do their thing.
© TIm Pannell Photography
If you see something you really like give your kids some feedback and have them continue doing what they’re doing.
If it’s not working, don’t let them know it. Give them encouragement until it starts to look right.
Take your time, let the shot evolve. It doesn’t have to be “perfect” right off the bat.
Be playful, make it fun.
Springtime is coming soon…..even if it is snowing here in Utah…..ridiculous!
There are lots and lots of Springtime activities to shoot – gardening, water fights, picnics, playgrounds, parades, barbecues.
Pick something and shoot away.
© Tim Pannell Photography
Another good photography tip – you don’t have to make people look at the camera to get a great shot.
Shoot your kids interacting.
The kids will have fun no matter what their ages.
I take that back….if they’re 17 they won’t have any fun.
If they’re 17, find a different hobby. lol
