Wondering how to take better photos? I got you! I’ve assembled some of my best tips on how now only to take better photos but what to do with them once you’ve taken them.

These tips an be applied to everything from a basic Iphone photo to a DSLR or mirrorless camera. I’ve been asked to do a more in-depth blog on a DSLR/mirrorless camera shooting techniques, so look for that in the future. For now, check out some of these simple steps to up your photography game!

How to take better photos:

1. Clear the clutter: It makes a bigger difference than you can image. Whether you are taking a photo of your sweet baby, a group of kids, or even a piece of art in your home you love. Clear the surroundings. Remove anything that is smaller than a tennis ball. Look for junk, trash, or anything super unsightly and put it to the side for now. If you are outside, steer clear of all the junk or even tons of business in a yard. More on what makes a good location here.
2. Watch your color palette: If you are taking photos of your family or people in general and you have the option to plan ahead, stick to a few soft colors and don’t go matchy matchy. Read this for more on outfit tips. Also, watch your surroundings for color. If you are all wearing shades of blue, note that if the sky is blue behind you, your subjects will blend in and not pop off the background. Same goes for any other subject. If you want a good photo of something in your home, say a pretty plant- and you have a bright orange book in the background- move that.
3. Shoot into the direction of the sun: If you shoot away from the sun (unless its super cloudy) chances are what you are taking photos of will be so over exposed that you won’t be able to see it. If it is super sunny, move into open shade and shoot in the same direction. Lighting is everything in photography.
4. Happy people: Seems easy right? But, for real. If people are your subject, don’t take photos of people when they are hangry, or exhausted, or just not feeling it. It will show in your images. (And they will be mad at you)
5. Composition: Watch how you are cropping your photo in camera. This applies to Professional cameras and Iphones/phone cameras. Use the rule of thirds. Center your subject, or place your subject on the third of the entire image- left or right. More on this soon.

Once you’ve taken your photos, make sure they are backed up!! If you haven’t already read this on how to make this a seamless process.

There ya have it. Work on those, report back on how it worked for ya and stay tuned for part two soon! Have more specific questions about taking better photos? Send me a message and I’ll be happy to help!

Enjoy some sweet photos of my one year old. I know, he’s the cutest. Kinda obsessed with him.

Looking for more inspo photos? Follow me on IG!