Collegio Online

Issue date: 7/12/07 Section: After Hours

Media Credit: Layout by Kristen VanLeeuwen [Click to enlarge]

Grab a camera, snap a picture. Simple, right?

While many are happy with old standbys like "Guy in Front of Monument," photo professionals at PSU say memorable photos are just a few steps away. All you have to do is keep a few tips in mind.

1. Don't pose everything

"Look for candid moments," said Mike Gullett, who teaches photojournalism at PSU. "Don't always have the subject looking at the camera."

5. Home in

Gullett says a classic rookie mistake is filling the frame with more than the person or thing you're shooting. A good photographer isn't afraid to get up close and personal.

"Fill the frame with the subject," Gullett said. "Get as close as necessary to make the subject fill the viewfinder."

2. Know when to use flash

Flash often shines a harsh light on subjects, and can lead to ugly photos. But Gullett says that flash, when properly used, can make daytime shots pop.

"If you're shooting during the middle of the day with harsh shadows or in the shade, use flash for better results," Gullett said.

4. Clean up clutter

But while photographers' primary concern should be one central subject, they also have to keep the background in mind.

"Watch the background," Gullett said. "Distracting things in the background take away from the subject. Keep the background clean."

3. Change it up

Gullett's final suggestion deals with shape - sometimes photos can be improved simply by turning the camera on its side.

"Shoot vertically when the subject looks best that way," Gullett said.

6. Keep out intruders

Amber Bernard, a junior in communication who recently finished a photojournalism internship at the Morning Sun, says another key to vacation photos is making sure your family is in them.

"If you're doing family pictures, try not to get passers-by in them," Bernard said. "Sometimes, they're walking by, and they'll block one of the family members."
Gullett's last tip is perhaps the simplest of all: keep your camera on you.
"If you're not going to take your camera with you, lock it in the trunk," Gullett said. "But don't ever say, 'I wish I had my camera.'"

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