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.

Left and Right Coast

We took advantage of ridiculously awesome fall weather here in the Charlotte area, and set up another outdoor photo session. This is one of many we’ve booked this fall. Two sisters separated by just about every mile across this country got together for a visit, and requested this photoshoot to document the occasion. It is so awesome to be able to capture moments like these in peoples’ lives.

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I’ll definitely add this to my list of spots for future portrait sessions, and the lesson here is that exotic (or studio) locations are easy to dream about. Sometimes, though, you’ll find a really great backdrop right under your nose.

Mom and Baby in Natural Light

Last week I was asked to photograph this beautiful 2 week old baby at the family’s home in Charlotte. This photo of her mom holding her is one of my favorite images I’ve made.  Maybe it’s because her expression reminds me of my own daughter; maybe it’s the natural light; maybe it’s just a sweet portrait of a baby with her mom.

Engagement Portrait (photo by kilby)

Are you searching for a creative Valentine’s Day gift?  Wanna do something different this year?

For less than the price of a dozen roses, you can have a Valentine’s Day gift that won’t wilt in a few days. Why not book a special photo session with your sweetheart, spouse, partner, bestie, homie, friend, family, boyfriend, girlfriend, baby, special someone, soul mate or kindred spirit to commemorate the year?

We’re offering a Valentine’s Day gift photo session that includes a 1/2 hour shoot and 2 5×7 prints for $99.  Book your engagement portrait session, family photo shoot or whatever kind of photos you’d like from now through February to take advantage of this offer.  When you schedule your shoot, we’ll send you a gift certificate that you can print out to include in a card or whatever you’ve dreamed up.

Click over for a little more info, and to submit a request.  Fill out the form, and we’ll get in touch to put you on the schedule.

Please Note: Additional session time and prints can be purchased separately. A small travel fee may apply for customers outside the Charlotte/Fort Mill area.  If you have questions, feel free to add a comment below.

This weekend, I was honored to capture some photographs of Jake & Nicole’s now 3 week old baby boy.  We’ve come full-circle.  A few weeks ago we were strolling through Fort Mill, SC shooting their maternity portraits.  They’re proud parents with a handsome boy, and even though he won’t remember any of it he did great!

I shot these photos with my D300, 60mm/f2.8 and 2 SB-28dx flashes at the family’s home. One flash was on the camera. The other I positioned in random spots around the room, triggering it with my Pocket Wizard remotes. I’ve come to love the Nikkor 60mm Micro lens for portraits. The lens’ sharpness is perfect, and the macro focusing capability allows for tight, intimate people pictures.  See a few more at Facebook.

New Family Portrait

Beautiful family and awesome friends at Kure Beach, NC.