Props

I'm not a real "proppy" person... is that even a word? I don't usually use many, if any, props.  Some photographers can use props really well... to enhance the photo.  A lot of the time, though, props tend to take a way from the photo.

I did this newborn session of my super adorable niece, Michela, and at the time I thought using this prop was a good idea.  Now I look at it and it just looks like the stuffed cow is either going to eat her or smoosh her.

My suggestion would be to try some shots with props and some without.  Sometimes its hard to tell which ones you are going to love.  Now I'm not saying "never, ever use props."  They can be an awesome addition to many shots.  Experiment and have fun!

Christmas lights

Now that its December and trees will be decorated, I thought it would be timely to share this. I found it on pinterest.com so it isn't my original idea or my photo below but it looks helpful.  It was written by this blogger so check it out if you'd like....

Here's the settings she recommends:  camera settings for a glowing Christmas tree.....the shutter speed down as loooooow as it would go, set the ISO at 100 and the aperture at f/9 so it would all be in focus.

Our tree isn't up yet but I can't wait to try this....

Kids

I think this tip applies whether you are a professional photographer or just taking photos of your own kids.... sometimes a kids is beyond "done." You can keep shooting and try to capture the moment (as seen here), but once the kid gets to this point, any hope for posing or getting them to do what you want is probably lost.  Keep shooting a few more thought... you never know what you might end up with.

Get mom in there!

It is my experience that moms are not in nearly enough photos... usually its because they are behind the camera. When ever I do a family session, or even just take some candids, I really try to get mom in for a few....

And if you're a mom, or you are the one that's always behind the camera, give it to someone else and get in a few.  You and your kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews/friends will thank you!

Centering the subject

It seems natural to most people to want to center their subject... try placing your subject to one side or the other. 

Sometimes moving your subject isn't an option so you may have to change your in camera composition... or if that isn't an option, you can try out some different cropping options when you get your images uploaded to your computer.  Try something different...you will be glad you did!

Positioning

Try this:  find a shot you want to take and take it.  Then move to a different angle and shoot again.  And try another angle... shoot again.  Keep trying this for a few more shots and then compare.  Which angle did you like the best?  Least?  and so on....

Learning to shoot manual

Are you trying to learn how to shoot in manual?  It seems overwhelming at first but once you get it, you won't go back to anything else.  Here's a quick reference guide from Totally Rad! that I saw online.  Totally Rad! has some cool Photoshop and Lightroom tools, but this guide is pretty awesome!  I wish I would've seen this when I was learning manual.  It really helps things make sense!