Tips of the week RSS

Want to put your best self forward when doing video chats? This is a time where a lot of us are using video conferencing for work or chatting with family and friends. It’s a great way to stay connected. But are you looking your best while video chatting?  It’s more than putting on a cute outfit. Did you know that the angle of your phone can have a huge impact on the way that you look?  Check your background and clean it up a little so it’s not distracting the people you are chatting with. Nobody wants to see your...

Do you know about file formats for your photos?  Smartphones sure have come a long way. It used to be that only DSLR’s could shoot RAW images, but not anymore.  JPG and RAW are two file formats that your smartphone can shoot in. What’s the difference? JPG is typically the default image format and is processed by default by your phone. You snap the image and the camera edits it to look its best. Most of the time this is fine, but sometimes you want more options. When you shoot in RAW the image holds on to a lot more...

Do you sometimes see streaks or spots of light in your photos? Lens flare tends to get a bad rap because it can be distracting and can even ruin a photo. But wait, it doesn’t have to be that way.  When you shoot directly into the sun, especially when it is low on the horizon, you can end up with spots and streaks that you didn’t plan in your photo. How bout using this to create unique and interesting photos? Yes, play with the sun and use lean flare as a point of interest in your composition.  Compose your shot...

Do you zoom? We’re not talking about the very popular video conferencing platform. Many new phone models are now offering better quality zooms. Even with the top-notch phones, it’s always best to get in as close as you can to your subject.  Zooming can create shake and ultimately leave you with blurry photos. Nobody wants blurry photos! One photo opp where you would use the zoom is if you’re doing wildlife photography. In this case, it’s smart to use a tripod to stabilize your phone and stay as far away from the wildlife as possible. Zoom with your feet when...

Have you ever wondered about abstract photography? It’s a lot of fun! There are many types of photography genres. Do you stick to the same types of photos all the time? Maybe it’s time to switch it up and explore a new niche. Abstract photography is described as photos that are not clearly definable and objects can sometimes be indiscernible. It is one of the most creative forms of photography where basically no rules apply and the photographer uses his or her imagination to create unique photos. You can use props, people, and objects to create your own authentic and...