Photo Tips from Pey-Jing: Tip #11 Cradle Your Camera!

Playing off the last photo tip, I would like to mention one easy way to improve your photographs and lower the blur factor.  Hold your camera tight!  Believe it or not, there is a better way to hold your camera.

It is obvious where your right hand will be.  That is, holding the right side of the camera with the forefinger on the shutter release.  However, your left hand can be positioned in several different areas of your camera.  People often hold their large, clunky cameras in a very awkward position that does not maximize steadiness.  The first few photographs illustrate what I am talking about.

The best way to hold your camera is to cradle it.  By cradling your camera and lens,  holding your camera from the bottom and not the side, you will have a more comfortable feel for long-term shoots and manage to brace your camera in a way that will help you capture sharper images.  The last three photographs demonstrates the correct way to hold a camera.

So get your hands in position for the best possible photographs you can take and shoot away by cradling that camera tight!

Photo Tips from Pey-Jing: Tip #10 Steady Does It

When shooting in low lighting without a flash, it may be convenient to have a tripod to mount your camera on.  However, if that convenience is not available, all is not lost.  There are several tricks you can implement to keep your photographs from the dreaded blur.

The first thing you can do is find somewhere to set your camera to take your shot.  Most likely, you may not have a surface to set your camera on.  So the second resort is finding somewhere to prop your arms, such as a rail or cabinets.  This will help you hold your camera still to capture your shot.  The first photograph below of the House of Blues in Dallas, Texas was taken using the latter technique mentioned.  I propped my Nikon Coolpix on the rail to steady my shot.

As a side note, you want to be careful when you push your shutter release with your forefinger not to move the camera while you are squeezing the shutter.

Another thing you can do is to lean against a wall nearby with your trigger arm leaned against the wall.  The second photograph below was taken by leaning against the doorpost of the entrance to the House of Blues’ restaurant.

If there is absolutely nothing around to prop on or prop against, the last resort is using your own body to prop your arms against by pulling your arms close to your body.  The last photograph shown below was taken using this method because I wanted to have a closer shot of the artwork in the House of Blues at an angle and did not have any anchor handy to prop against.

So in low light situations, have no fear!  Steady does it by finding places to prop your arms or body.  Take multiple shots, and there’s a good chance you may come out with a beautiful, blur-free shot!

Photo Tips from Pey-Jing: Tip #9 Let the Lines Lead

When photographing, look around for lines that may add interest to your photograph.  Using lines is a good way to lead the viewer’s eyes to the intended subject or to emphasize certain objects in your photograph.

Composing lines such as a road or pathway can add depth to your photograph.  Diagonal lines can add energy and make your photograph more dynamic while curved lines can add a soft and elegant touch to the photograph.

You can find lines anywhere.  All you have to do is look and let the lines lead you to a great shot!

Photo Tips from Pey-Jing: Tip #8 Polarize It!

There are tons of filters out there to use on all different occasions.  However, one of the best filters to use for many occasions is the polarizing filter.

So what does the polarizing filter do?  As simply as I can put it, the polarizing filter basically reduces glare or reflection of light on any surface.  It changes how your lens sees light.  You may not think or even see that certain light is reflecting off your subject, but there is.  That is where the polarizing filter comes in handy.  It makes colors look richer and more full.

A polarizing filter changes the color of the sky into a more deep and rich color of blue, rather than the pale blue or smoggy look a normal lens without a filter can produce.  It also reduces glare on water and can even change the color of the water into a more beautiful hue.  Normal objects also reflect light and that light interferes with how vibrant colors can look.  The polarizing filter eliminates that interference and brings out more brilliant and vivid colors in your photographs.

Another benefit of a polarizing filter is that it protects your lens from dirt and grime and can even prevent your lens from breaking if you drop your camera by absorbing the impact.  So give your lenses some good old TLC and polarize it!  You’ll love the difference.

The Ous

In an attempt to follow up on actually taking photos of my family, I started out with my dear husband Kamron and moved on to my cousin, Sophia’s family.  She recently had a baby boy named Ethan James.  He was born September 29, 2009, 20 inches, 7 lbs, 3oz.  He is definitely a cutie pie!  We are all so happy for the new addition to the family.  Here are some photographs of Richard and Sophia’s three children.  They’re adorable!