8 Techniques for Choosing or Taking Photos
by Ali Edwards
I love to capture those moments we experience from day to day—the bits and pieces of our lives. Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking about the kinds of things you may want to document:
- Commit to taking a full day of photos. Take one photo each hour over the course of a day. Document where you are, what’s happening, what is right in front of you. Don’t dismiss the mundane. This may feel really silly at first but after awhile it becomes more and more normal. You are simply documenting your life.
- Use imperfect photos. I often choose photos that are blurred or off-color—ones that would be deemed imperfect by a professional photographer. My goal when choosing photos is to pick the ones that best tell the story. Sometimes that is the blurry photo. Sometimes that is the photo that shows that backs rather than the faces of my family. I like my photos to be representative of the moment (that includes my skills as a photographer).
- Get up close and far away when taking photos. Each has their own mood and tells their own story. One of the things I love about far away shots is that they showcase the environment of your subject.
- Try looking up and looking down for a different perspective. Having a variety of different options can make you a better storyteller.
- Think about what you would like to know. What do you wish you knew about a family member’s life? What do you wish you could see from your Mother or Father’s past such as when they were a child? What would mean the most to you to see?
- Go for mood. Choose photos that evoke emotion in you. This is your life and your book. Pick ones that speak to you for one reason or another.
- Make sure that YOU are in some of the photos. This means handing over your camera to a friend, child, spouse, stranger or using your camera’s timer (if it has one). You can also take photos of yourself in a mirror (turn off your flash for best results).
- Embrace where you are right now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. And don’t try to be someone else or somewhere else. Document the now... and then if you want to make changes start down that path.
You may also want to check out the following articles for more ideas:
List of Everyday Photos >
Making a Successful Everyday Life Photobook >
