Capturing the Non-Event

Most of us think about taking pictures at birthday parties and holidays. And whenever something "super-cute" is happening, we are sure to race for the camera, hoping to get it in time. But what about everything else in between? I've noticed that some of my favorite pictures are of everyday things, not necessarily special occasions. Our pictures of "the ordinary" remind me of what was really happening and what life was actually like. So here's a challenge for all of you:

Come up with a list of 10 (or more) normal things that your kids do right now. Then, over the next week, try to get good pictures of those things. If you do this consistently you'll end up with a "photo journal" documenting your family's life. Here are a few regular days of ours from the past few weeks:

The Golden Hour

Photographers call the hour after sunset and the hour before sunset "the golden hour."  Seems like it should be "the golden hours" doesn't it?  Well, let me save you the embarrassment of calling it the wrong thing - it's "the golden hour."  Anyway, together, these two hours are called the golden hour because of the warm orange glow pictures have when taken during these time periods.  It's not the only time you can take pictures outside, but many people (especially landscape photographers) would argue that it is the best.

Not only do the colors look great, but having the sun low in the sky provides good options for lighting.  If the sun is to the left or right of your subject you can get some pleasing shadows that give your image depth and dimension.  If the sun is behind your subject, you can get some neat back-lit effects - glowing hair included.  Having the sun shining directly on the front of your subject is rarely desirable.  Consider the following examples:

Practical Tip: File Number Sequence

Years ago, when I first started using a digital camera, I got so annoyed that I was ending up with dozens of pictures with the same file name (DSC0001 or something similar.)  I couldn't put my pictures into the same folder until I renamed them.  The problem was that every time I cleared off my card, the numbers started over.  Well it turns out that we live in a world where this doesn't have to be a problem.

By simply changing one setting on your camera, you pictures' file names can continue counting up even when you delete your pictures or reformat your card.  Look for a setting called something like "file number sequence," and change it to "on" - or whatever is opposite of the setting that produces the problem.  If you have a Nikon D40 you can find this control in the "Setup Menu" (wrench.)  You won't have to worry about having two files with the same name for the next 9999 pictures.
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Practical Tip: Format Your Memory Card

As digital camera users, we live with possibility that our memory card may become corrupted or unreadable causing us to lose all of our precious images.  I don't think this is something to obsess over, but there are a couple of things you can do to protect your card and keep it performing well.

• Do not delete images on your memory card from your computer.  Many computer programs ask you if you want to delete the images from your card after they are downloaded.  Say no.  Use your camera, not your computer to delete images.
• Use your camera to format your memory card every time you download your images.  Once you've copied all your images from you memory card to your computer (and backed them up, hopefully) then use your camera to "format" the memory card.  This will delete all your images (even protected or locked images) and rebuild the file structure on the card.  This gives your card a clean start every time.  You'll have to look through your camera's menu system to find the format function. D40 users: Menu > Setup Menu (wrench) > format memory card.

I follow these two steps every time I transfer pictures from a memory card to my computer and I've never had any trouble with corrupted or unreadable cards.

Practical Tip: Focus Point

When you are taking pictures of your kids (or any people for that matter,) always focus on the eyes.  Whatever the psychological reason, eyes are important and when they are sharp in a picture, they really draw you in.  This is especially true when you have a shallow depth of field.  Look at the difference:

This one is focused on the eyes

And this one is focused around the tip of the nose.

In both pictures, our eyes are drawn to what is in focus.  The first picture is much more interesting and much more flattering because the eyes are in focus.  Here is another one where the eyes aren't the point of focus.

And here are some with the eyes in focus.

And if you have to choose, the closer eye is usually a better choice.

Travel Photography Tips: Paraguay

I spent the last week with some missionaries in the Chaco region of Paraguay. Here are a few pictures I took and some travel photography tips to go along with them.

1. If you want to take pictures of a person close by, ask permission. I've rarely had people tell me no. This guy seemed flattered. You can typically get better pictures if you aren't trying to disguise the fact that you are taking them.

2. Spend time walking. As you walk you have more time to look around and it's easier to stop and take a picture. Take your time so you can take it all in.

3. In my experience kids love to see pictures of themselves, so show them the pictures you are taking. In poorer areas especially, some kids have never seen themselves on a camera. These boys would jump this string and then huddle around me to see themselves in mid-air (even though I couldn't speak a word of their tribal language.)

4. Whether you are traveling or not, the best time to take pictures on a clear day is when the sun is low in the sky (morning or evening.) Take advantage of what people call "the golden hour."

Practical Tip: Rapid Fire

Lots of times moms see something cute happening so they snap a picture or two and stop, believing they have captured the moment. While one picture may serve to remind you of a cute memory, it may not sufficiently capture or display the cuteness. It's better to have lots of pictures to chose from even if you have to delete some later on.

When there is something worth photographing, take a lot of pictures of that one thing in a row. You've already got your camera out and you aren't paying per picture if you are shooting digital, so take advantage of the opportunity. (This is one great reason to own and use a DSLR.)

Consider the collection from which last week's picture of the week was selected. All of these pictures were taken in 48 seconds.