By Betty Albert
ITWPA Member
Light is your best friend. Use it wisely. Flat, midday light won’t bring about the warmer, more saturated tones of early evening. Where is your key light coming from? Placing a person to the side of that key light will put a more complimentary shade on the face than facing into the sun; early and evening light is best for landscape and other scenes, as well, working shadows into the mix.
Want to photograph people, pets, and children as you travel? Nothing is more delightful than a child at play, or a kitten musing over a ball of twine. The lesson here is to have them doing something, not posing for the camera. Posing makes little ones cry. Entertain them in some way first and make them your friend.
There is a long shot in every close-up. Learn to see the larger picture, perhaps from a different angle, when enjoying those close encounters, and vice versa.
Can’t get access to that building or historic spot? Join a professional organization like ITWPA; proper credentials often take the edge off a security guard’s reluctance.
I’ve missed many a shot simply because I didn’t have my camera with me. Wherever you go, there you are. Look for the shot and be prepared to take it.
A rainforest is never as dramatic as it is when you put a person in it. Add people in that interesting boat, on that stretch of sand, or on top of that tower to accentuate its size, height, mass, whatever. That park bench with four locals can say more about Italy than 1,000 words.
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