Over the summer I’m going to post a series of photography tips, tricks, inspiration and ideas for amateurs, beginners, pros.. well.. for whoever’s looking for some fun ways to perk up your pictures. I’d love to see you try these ideas out .. Don’t be shy, show me your work in the comments!
Today: Framing your shots
I love love love getting creative with different ways to frame my subjects during a session. A fun and unique idea is to look for ways to really use and take advantage of the environment you’re working in. Hide behind a tree, play with leaves, flowers and other greenery, look at the angles of a building and use it to frame your subject. Let your creativity and imagination run wild 😀
Here I found the perfect tree branch to frame the family. Its always a great idea to arrive 30min early to the location you’re going to photograph and make mental notes on where you’d like to shoot. Check for great spots and see where the light is and how its going to change during your session.
Get things like flowers or leafs infront of your lens, between you and your subject, to make a cool statement. I believe this was shot at 1.8F with my Sigma 50mm ART. This is SO much more interesting than if I would’ve just had mom and the little girl in the shot, right? Below I have the flowers in focus and just asked mom and daughter to face each other. I think every photographer need to shoot something for themselves, not just the client, during every session. Something unique, fun and new.
In this one I had mom and dad step in between the branches of some trees and I actually pulled down on one of the branches to get the leafs where I needed them for a unique framing. You can also pick up leafs from the ground and hold them infront of your lens. Try different angles from the top, bottom, in the corner.etc.
Look around. Where can you frame your subject and with what? This one I didn’t even notice until I had ‘posed’ mom and dad and backed up a few steps. WOAH, perfect frame!
Get low to the ground and use flowers, grass.etc. to add some dimension and interest to your photographs. When I was shooting this I was about 7 months pregnant, and impossible for me to lay flat on my belly LOL. Im crunched down really low to the ground and if a 7 month pregnant lady can do it so can YOU!
Get creative with buildings, walls, trees.etc Take a step back or to the side. It makes it look like all you’re getting is a little peek of whats going on, it adds so much interest to a candid moment.
Now go out and experiment. Share in the comments! I’d love to see your inspiring work!
In my next post Im going to talk about negative space, so dont forget to check back!
xo. Madeleine JL
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Orange County maternity, newborn, children and family photographer, Madeleine JL Photography, provides professional family, children, maternity and newborn photography to the residence of Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles areas. I specialize in lifestyle photo sessions in your home and outdoor newborn, baby, maternity and family portraits. Call or email to book your photo session today madeleineJLphoto@gmail.com // (619) 354-0551 //Facebook // Instagram
