I field a lot of questions from people always wanting to know how they can get better photos with their point-and-shoot cameras in everyday situations. Here are three things I’ve found myself telling people over and over. To illustrate, I’ve included some recent images from our portrait sessions in Charlotte, NC.
(All images are © Kilby/VisionPhotos.com)

1. Use your flash.

Modern cameras are capable of adjusting flash output to keep from overexposing your image. I’ve found that using fill flash in snapshots is crucial… even in daylight situations. Fill flash eliminates harsh shadows, and underexposed faces that you’ll often get when taking pictures outside. Set the flash on your camera to “On”, not “Auto”. Then experiment with a combination of photographs with and without flash and in frontlit and backlit situations. It won’t take long to figure out how your camera interprets scenes, and how you can take better pictures.

2. Fill frame with subject.

Most of the time the reason you’re shooting photos of your kids is to see your kids. So fill the camera’s viewfinder with an adorable face or two, and your snapshots will become dynamic, emotional images. Take a look at the “Pink Hoodie” photo below, and imagine how much LESS of an impact those beautiful eyes would have if they were far away.

3. Don’t force pose.

Take photos while kids are playing or doing something they love. On shoots that we book, we love to let kids be kids. We try to incorporate toys, hobbies and playgrounds so that kids won’t feel like they’re being forced into something lame. Take advantage of the energy and excitement that naturally buzzes around children to create meaningful images. You’ll find photos of pure joy much more enjoyable to look at than pictures of sad and stiff little tikes being forced to sit still.

I just installed the FxCamera app on my Droid, and took a little time to play with it. The app has 4 main image effects that you can select before snapping a photo: toy camera, polandroid, fisheye, symmetry, and Andy Warholizer. I like the first 2. The others are slightly on the cheesy side for me, but your mileage may vary. I mean we are talking about a mobile phone camera app here… it ain’t rocket science. It’s just a fun way to throw a little creativity down while I’m between real photo shoots.

Get all the info here.

Some friends & I are setting up a photo workshop on the 16th. Looking to do a little creative collaboration and portfolio padding. Our location was gonna be a sweet junkyard in Charlotte. But it fell through, so we’re scrambling (a little) to get something else worked out. Got 5 photogs, 5 models, and a couple MUA/hair folks on the hook. So stay tuned for pics from that if it all gets together.

This shot is from a Mixx Master’s Lounge live concert taping. I was on the floor near the stage, and watched the studio lights for a few minutes. I picked up their rhythm and was able to capture this just as the rear spot light landed on the singer.

I shot staff portraits for Lifepointe Church in Charlotte. This group shot didn’t come out the way I hoped. I shot from the 3rd floor of a parking deck at Ayrsley while the group stood at ground level. Overcast sky made for even light, but I threw a little extra down on them with a diffused SB28dx. I think I could have worked this angle a little better. I’ve got some ideas to re-shoot this if I can get everybody back together again.