Category: Tips

5 Tips to taking better iPhone photos

4/5/2020

These days I take about 95% of my personal photos on my iPhone. It's the most convenient camera to use at a moments notice, and with 2 small kids, convenience is key. ;) With the quality of smartphone cameras the possibilities are endless with what you can capture in your everyday life. Here are some tips for understanding how to create better images with the camera that is always with you...

1. Keep it Simple.

Shot with: iPhone X // iPhone 6 // iPhone 5

Less is more in my opinion. Too many details can be unnecessary in a photo. When you are taking a photo, check to make sure there are no distracting elements in your shot. If you can't physically remove unwanted objects from your photo just reposition yourself or move closer to crop them out of the frame.

Here is my current view as I write this blog post. :) When I simply stood up and shot from above, it cropped out all the unnecessary stuff in the background AND is a much more flattering angle.

Shot with iPhone X

2. Try different Angles.

Along those same lines of keeping it simple, sometimes just changing your angle or moving in closer to your subject can drastically improve the shot. Next time you take a photo try several different positions (up close, far away, down low, rotate to a new spot) before deciding on a final image.

Shot with: iPhone X

3. Pay attention to lighting.

It's a good rule of thumb to make sure that your subject is in even light, especially if you are photographing people. You can see the photo on the left looks speckled and uneven on our faces and clothes from the sunlight. It was an easy fix to just shift a few inches to get out of the spotty sunlight into the shade.

Shot with iPhone 6

4. Think about composition.

The 'Rule of Thirds' says that the focal point or subject should be located at one of the 4 intersections on the grid. I definitely think this is a rule that can be broken. But if you are wanting to make an image more interesting try placing your subject at one of those 4 points. You can turn your grid on in your iPhone camera settings. (settings > camera > grid)

Shot with iPhone X

Another compositional element to watch for is the horizon line. Making sure it is straight can dramatically help the aesthetic of your photo.

Shot with: iPhone 5

5. Edit your photos!

Most of the elements I discuss above can actually be fixed with editing! Nobody is perfect and trying to catch every technicality in the moment can be difficult. Especially when you first start applying them. Cropping, straightening and fixing exposure (lighting) can help you turn a good photo into something great.

Shot with iPhone 5

There are so many great apps you can use to edit your photos on your iPhone, but some of my favorites are: Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, & VSCO. Using presets is an easy way to edit your photos on the fly. You can purchase my custom presets HERE.

Shot with iPhone X

Please leave a comment below if you found this post helpful!

Adrian's Mobile Presets

$49.00 $39.00

BUY NOW

0 Comments

Style Tips for your Family Session

9/6/2019

0 Comments

Now that Summer is coming to an end it's time to start planning for all things Fall. That includes your family photo session. After booking, the hardest step is probably coming up with a wardrobe for your entire family. I've come up with a few pointers and some inspiration to get you going on selecting what to wear.

1. To get the flow going with wardrobe for your family, start with one outfit that you really like. From there, build from it for everyone else.

2. Coordinating not matching. Wearing the same exact color shirt, pants, shoes, etc. is not very appealing in photos. Coordinating color is what really brings wardrobe together. I usually choose two to three main colors of wardrobe, and maybe one or two accent colors. Also, mixing different patterns/fabrics is great.

3. Steer clear of fluorescents. Fluorescent colors tend to color cast on faces, necks and hair. I always recommend neutrals or versions of primary colors. If your session is outdoors in a 'green' area, I would also avoid wearing green so you don't blend into the background.

4.. Stay away from wearing too many heavy, dark colors. Too much black or navy will detract from the light that reflects back on to your faces.

5. Layers and accessories can add dimension and depth. Hats, cardigans, headbands, jewelry, and jackets are all great ways to add to your wardrobe!

6. Wear what you feel good in! Comfort is key. If you aren’t comfortable in what you’ve chosen for pictures, it will probably show. I want you to naturally interact with your family during your session and if you are constantly tugging at your clothing or feel the need to remember to "suck in" it might take away from those sweet in-between candid moments.

7. Buy and try on early. Have your kids (and everyone in the family) try on any new articles of clothing in advance, in case anything is too tight or uncomfortable. This will help avoid any last minute outfit battles. I suggest moving around and sitting down in your outfit to test out the comfort. ;)

Kids

1. Dress your kiddos in clothes that fit, not with room to grow. Even if your child may only wear the outfit for a few months, it will look much better than putting them in something that they still need to grow into. Go a size smaller in jackets, cardigans or blazers. A too-big jean jacket, blazer, sweat shirt, sweater or hoodie will not be flattering.

2. Shoes. Stay away from athletic shoes, Disney character shoes, flip flops, crocs. My recommendation for shoes are boots, leather sandals, Converse, Toms, Mary Janes, and barefoot is always an adorable option, especially with babies.

3. Remember, coordinating your children's outfits is key. Not matching.

4. I do suggest that all girls wear bike shorts, bloomers, tights or some type matching shorts under their dresses. This goes for all ages. They will be moving and sitting a lot and this looks so much better than exposed diapers or underwear.

Pinterest Board

Check out my Pinterest board for some great inspiration...

Shop these Links

Click below to see some pieces I love that I think would look great in a Fall family session!

**This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.**

0 Comments

How to prepare for your Newborn Session

8/31/2017

1 Comment

There is so much that goes into preparing for your new baby to arrive and setting up your newborn photo session should be as stress-free as possible! Below I've outlined a few things to help you prepare for your baby's first photo shoot:

When to book your newborn session…

The best time to photograph a newborn baby is when they are under 5 weeks of age. You can contact me at any time during your pregnancy to give me an estimated due date, I will then make a tentative booking and when you arrive home from the hospital with your brand new baby you can contact me to arrange a suitable time and day for your session.

Where will your session be held…

Your newborn session will take place in your home. Most parents prefer the comfort of staying at home with their new, little one. This way I am able to capture images in a natural and comfortable environment as well as the nursery you spent so much time putting together. Staying at home also takes the stress out of packing up everything you would need.

Outfits / Props...
I have a collection of swaddle blankets, a basket and a few accessories that I will have on hand. It is up to you to have any hair bows, hats, toys, sentimental items, or monogrammed pieces ready that you would like to have photographed. These additional items are NOT necessary, but it is always fun to incorporate personal items that you provide. We can have a beautiful/successful session, strictly with the props I provide.

The less we need to change the baby's outfit the better. Sometimes a lot of outfit changes can upset the baby. I usually recommend having 1 outfit or gown that you like, on hand. We will likely start with them swaddled then switch to a gown if you have one.

a few more tips...

Try to feed and change your little one right before your session begins. This will ensure they are relaxed and comfortable from the get go.

It is so easy for parents to feel anxious leading up to and during a photo session. Babies can sense this so the more calm you are the more calm your baby will be. ;) I know this is much easier said than done but just take a deep breath and relax. Enjoy this awesome time and don't sweat the small stuff. Babies will be fussy or need to feed during a session and this is perfectly fine!

It is great if you have the nursery cleaned up and arranged before-hand. I like to take photos in the crib so make sure the crib sheet is fresh. I also like to shoot in rooms with the best natural window light. Making sure to de-clutter or clean in those rooms will make for much cleaner, beautiful photos. No pressure for perfection! Just clearing out trash or random articles lying around will help so much!

Things to remove from the nursery: Diaper pail, diaper cream, baby monitor (if possible), nursing pillow, baby bouncer/swing, and basically anything you wouldn't want showing up in the background of your photos. :)

If you are nursing I would recommend wearing something that is easy to nurse in or have a bottle on hand just in case we do need to stop for a feeding. Speaking of wardrobe, make sure you are comfortable moving around, sitting and holding baby in whatever you choose to wear.