Follow these 5 simple steps to improve your photos!

For every good photo I take, there is a reel of awkward photos that never see the light of day. I think the odds are usually one in twenty. Honestly, it depends on the day.

I am happy to help you with the tips I use, but in no way do I consider myself an expert. I have been around the block and I still take unplanned detours. Here’s what I have learned!

Rule No. 1 - The Rule of Thirds

To make my life easier, I use the grid on my iPhone to help me with this. You’ll also notice that there is usually a grid over your photo before you post to Instagram. It’s a tool that is set to help you with the placement of subjects and objects in your photos.

Everyone has their own style and preferences, but universally if your photo is divided into three parts, it’s composition can have aesthetic appeal.

Find Your Muse

Inspiration and research always make a photo session easier for me. It’s good to have a vision of what you want so you can direct the shoot, even when you are the subject and not the photographer.

You can determine the setting, props, and poses in advance!

Who & where matters!

A lot of people assume that I love being in front of the camera. Honestly, I find being in front of and behind a camera very stressful. Anyone with a preconceived notion of my camera skills makes me feel extra nervous if I’m not familiar with them. In practice, I have developed a theory that people smile brighter and feel more comfortable around a familiar photographer.

My favorite photographers are close friends and family members who have a lot of patience.

I also find it super intimidating to take photos in front of an audience. My favorite environment is a controlled setting that isn’t too crowded. It’s a lot easier to pose freely and focus on capturing the shot.

Photos Are Weather Dependent

I love a good sunny photo, but it can be harder to take photos at high noon and in harsh sunlight.

Most people will tell you the best weather for photos is overcast or golden hour, and good use of shade.

I am usually up for the challenge of taking photos at noon because it helps me maintain the colorful vibe I adore.

To navigate taking a photo in super sunny weather, I try and find shade to cover my face or pose in a way that casts a shadow in the right places.

Golden hour should be everyone’s favorite hour. It’s my favorite time of day and the lighting flatters everyone.

You can also create a halo if you pose facing away from the sun and maneuver to angle the sun behind your subjects head/body. Or it will hit you just right and make your skin glow.

When it comes to landscapes, which is not my forté, I recommend using the same tips. However, I think the lighting for landscape photos can vary a lot more.

Experiment & Have Fun!

Challenge yourself to try new things, especially the ones that make you a little nervous. The only way to improve is to attempt new levels of difficulty.

I challenged myself by doing the Accidentally Wes Anderson Series.

It can be really hard to find inspiration in your own backyard when everyone is taking photos in Europe. I went around my neighborhood and thought, these colorful homes could be anywhere! If I want to be a Wes Anderson character, I can reinvent myself with monochromatic schemes and historical homes.

It’s okay to take bad photos. Most people I know have had “phases.” I think I am in one right now!

Keep snapping those photos, but avoid a comparison trap. You don’t really want to make replicas of the photos that are on your vision board. Just as singers have to find their own voice, you have to establish your own signature. Embrace that your photos are different. Rethink the photos that inspire you. Most of all, remember to have fun!