I am working on improving my portrait photography skills and Miss Isabelle graciously agreed to model for me this past Tuesday morning.(See? It's not another shameless Gramma Cupcake bragging post, it's about improving your portrait photography skills!)
Anyway.
Each time I practice, I learn a bit more of what I am doing wrong and it is exciting to see ways of improving my skills with this. Even though she was getting over her first cold, sweet Miss Isabelle was such a good sport all the same. And, hopefully she will be back over for another session in just a week or two when she is fully over her cold so I can work on this photography thing some more.
I am by no stretch of the imagination a pro at this, just somebody's Gramma, trying to get better with my picture taking skills, but here are a few tips that I have learned from trial and error so far...(learn from my mistakes here, people.)Take the tips for what they are.
*For outdoor shots, don't photograph directly in the sun. It's just too bright. Glaring. Make sure you, with your camera, and your model are in the shade, at least for the most part. (See the grass in the picture above? Some sun, some shade? You want the subject of the picture in the shade fully, or there are too many visual distractions in the picture..just my opinion here.)
*Close ups are nice, but the photo doesn't have to be a close up to start with. Cropping it in after wards works really great, and you may end up with two shots from the same photo that you like both ways, like here:
*Be organized and prepared when photographing babies and little children...(actually, I guess it's good to be organized when photographing anyone.) The time frame is kind of short, since they aren't always thrilled to keep posing and being repositioned for you for hours on end. Check out the area in which you'll be taking the pictures. Look through the camera viewfinder at the area before the subject arrives to get the are a set up if you're doing this shoot outdoors, as I was. Then you see if it's too sunny, or has too much going on in the background.
*Have fun! Just take the shots you can, and then gather up your model (and her mama!) and go out to lunch. It worked for me!
I just realized, she looks like an Isabelle. I imagine an Isabelle as a brunette.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | May 16, 2009 at 12:21 AM
I know you didnt post this to be a bragging "Gramma Cupcake", but I'll tell you anyway...she's beautiful!!!! Lucky you!
Posted by: Robin | May 16, 2009 at 03:59 AM
What a beautiful child. I think with all the pictures you will be taking for your Grandma's brag book, you will definitely improve your photo skills. What a wonderful blog. Thanks for the tips.
Debra
Posted by: Wagonwife | May 16, 2009 at 05:22 AM
With a model like that every shot can't be anything other than beautiful! Look at those precious lil lips and cheeks!
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Debbie
Posted by: Jadehollow | May 16, 2009 at 06:27 AM
She's so adorable. I love her little smocked romper...so pretty!
Posted by: cindy~my romantic home | May 16, 2009 at 06:29 AM
Isabella is a beauty already & your photos are great. Thanks for the pointers! Sue :)
Posted by: Sue | May 16, 2009 at 07:51 AM
What a beautiful little angel! Thanks for the pointers. For some astonishing children's photography, go to the following link. This young mom of six is amazing!
It didn't allow a copy and paste but here it is:
resolved2worship@xanga.com
Posted by: Linden | May 16, 2009 at 08:22 AM
These photos are great and your model is extraordinary! These pictures will be so precious as she grows up. I have some of my daughter that I cherish now.(she turns 40 this year!)Hope lunch was good!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | May 16, 2009 at 08:27 AM
PRECIOUS photos!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | May 16, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Such a cutie!
Posted by: Rochelle Gaukel | May 16, 2009 at 02:44 PM
It's so refreshing seeing a baby dressed like a sweet beautiful baby! I haven't seen baby girls in smocked little outfits since my girls were little...ok my youngest baby is now 24 yrs old. You did sneak in a little darling grandbaby post and we're enjoying it. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Kathy
Posted by: kathy | May 16, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Isabelle is so beautiful how could you get a bad shot?! Love her little outfit, too. She's just precious, Tracey.
Posted by: Bambi | May 16, 2009 at 05:50 PM
She's adorable! Thanks for the tips! Just in time...Bella's due this week! Thanks again for the flags...they were a hit at the shower! I finally got the shower pics up on my blog! You're the best!
Blessings!
Patti
Posted by: Delighted Heart | May 17, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I have just spent some time catching up on your past posts that I missed reading because I just started a new job with Pottery Barn's call center three weeks ago. The learning curve in terms of computer skills was exhaustingly a huge challenge for me. It sounds like you have had quite a few challenges of your own. Life certainly has a way of keeping us on our toes! I do admire your passion and willingness to consider change. You have quite a way of expressing yourself with your writing and I have missed having the time to read your blog lately. I really look forward to reading your future posts now that I am over the hump at work.
Posted by: Kathy | May 17, 2009 at 06:24 PM
I just saw this post.
What beautiful pictures...your grandaughter is precious! Love the smocked dress.
mary
Posted by: mary | June 06, 2009 at 01:53 PM