Hey y’all! We’re back for Part 3 of this fun series, Oh Shoot! It’s Summer!, where I’m helping you turn ordinary moments into extraordinary photos. There’s so much goodness (including TONS of photography resources PLUS free art prints PLUS a giveaway announcement!), so let’s jump right in, shall we?
When cell phone cameras were invented and became mainstream, the selfie was born. While I’m not a huge fan of duck faces and sillyness like that, I do realize the importance of including myself in my photos.
Our photos are a record of our lives, and most of the time, moms end up snapping all the pictures but don’t get in as many photos as we should. Our kids and grandkids will be the ones flipping through photo albums, and how sad will it be if we’re left out of every moment?
Before we get into the tips this week, I have some good stuff to share with you that will take everything I’m covering in this 4-part series to the next level!
When I started getting into photography several years ago, I spent countless hours and more money than I care to admit soaking up as much as I could learn about improving my photography. It’s become one of my passions, and I love the constant desire to improve my skills.
Beginning today, and only lasting for a very limited time, you can snag a HUGE bundle of photography ebooks to help you imporove your photography skills, without spending tons of money! (How’s less than $40 sound?)
Here are just a few of the ebooks you’ll recieve in the beginner bundle:
- Beginner Photography for Nikon & Canon users
- The Unexpected Everyday
- Powerful Imagery: The Photographer’s Insight
- Seeing the Light: Making the Most of Available Light and Minimal Equipment
- iPhone Only Photography
- Shooting in Manual Mode
- PLUS 12 more!
FREEBIES!!!!
Who doesn’t love free stuff, right? You know those 8×10 art prints I’ve been sharing with you each week? Here. I’ll remind you:
Everyone who orders this awesome ebook bundle from me gets all 4 of these gorgeous art prints for FREE! Here’s how:
- Check out the ebook bundle HERE.
- Choose either the Beginner, Intermediate, or Professional bundle.
- ***IMPORTANT*** Forward your order confirmation to me at sweetteagrace@gmail.com
- One June 30th, the day after this ebook bundle sale ends, I’ll contact you to find out if you want the art prints with or without the quotes on them, and to get your mailing address.
- You will receive all 4 8×10 images in the mail, ready to frame and display!
PLUS, you’ll receive 10 additional entries in a Photography Prize Pack Giveaway that will go live next week, Monday, June 29th (which is also the LAST DAY of this ebook bundle sale, so hurry up!).
Now, let’s get to some photography tips!
Take a Selfie
Being in the pictures you take doesn’t have to always translate to a “selfie” – you know, holding the camera way out in front of you, craning your neck to make sure you actually make it into the frame, then snapping the picture. You are the instrument, as Ansel Adams says:
It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument.
It’s important for our kids that we make a point of stepping in front of the lens as often as we can.
USE A TRIPOD OR A BUDDY
The image on the left was taken by my daughter in our backyard. I take a picture of my hubby & I every year on our anniversary, and I was having trouble getting the shot I wanted because I didn’t yet have a tripod. Marley came out and snapped this one for me, and it’s one of my favorites!
The one on the right was taken by me, on the beach at sunset, using a tripod. You can use the timer feature on your camera, or grab a wireless remote, like the one I have. I found it on Amazon for about $10 and it’s helped me create countless fabulous images like this one!
SHOW YOUR PERSONALITY
I attempted a 365 project a few years ago and decided to have a little fun and show off my personality in these images. The super cute photo on the left is still one my all time favorites. My daughter had that shower curtain in her bathroom, so I threw on my heels and took a fun picture! (The back story: I had just come in from doing yard work and had on grungy shorts and a t-shirt, and no make-up, but the idea hit me and I took the pic!)
Marley and I were spending a day at Stone Mountain Park for the picture on the right. I wanted a jumping picture, so we jumped and jumped and jumped until we finally got one worth keeping. It was so much fun, though! The picture isn’t too great, but the memories of that day make me laugh!
SNAP A SERIES
Marley and I take a mom/daughter trip at least once a year. We were in Helen, GA, a few years back, sitting outside on a restaurant’s patio having lunch. She started making silly faces so I grabbed the camera and aimed it right at us. I love the series of images that were captured that day – just us being us.
It serves as a reminder for her, when she gets older, that she had a mom who wasn’t afraid to have fun with her.
STOP WORRYING & JUST GET IN THE SHOT
Y’all, this is probably the best tip I can give when it comes to including yourself in pictures. You have to stop worrying about what you look like, or how you view yourself, and just get in front of the camera with the people you love.
I can’t constantly worry about what I might look like – if I might gain a few pounds, or not have make-up on, or maybe my hair isn’t quite right.
I want these memories documented. I want to see myself enjoying my life with my people. Life isn’t always picture perfect, so we need to erase the idea that we need it to be before we can capture it. Just get in the shot!! And be happy with the moments captured!
NOW WHAT?
#1 – Snap some photos with different perspectives and share them on Instagram or Twitter using #OhShootItsSummer2015 and be sure to tag me @sweetteagrace – or share them on my Facebook page or through email!
#2 – Pin this post and be sure to come back every Monday through June 29th (Just pin that image right down here:)
#3 – Take advantage of the Ultimage Photography Bundle I mentioned above & start taking better photos right now!
#4 – ***IMPORTANT*** Forward your order confirmation to me at sweetteagrace@gmail.com so you can get your 4 FREE 8×10 art prints PLUS 10 bonus entries in the Photography Prize Pack Giveaway that goes live next week!
To check out Week 1 & 2 – Perspective & Nature – click HERE.
