When your family has photos made at school or in a photo studio, you are limited in your chances to get it right. Sometimes, the school photographer couldn't make the 4-year-old smile the way his mother can. Sometimes, a few half-blinking winces ruin a Christmas photo. And sometimes you're just having a bad hair day. Whatever the reason, taking pictures at home is an economical way to produce photos that can be better and more creative.
Instructions
- 1
Select the camera you want to use. Most cameras purchased in the past decade can take relatively decent home photos, if you keep a few features in mind. Higher resolution cameras take pictures with more detail, but even a disposable camera can take nice pictures if there is proper lighting. For best results, use a digital SLR camera, allowing you the ability to change lenses and adjust focus within a much better range than other cameras. If you are only looking to take pictures at home, opt for a digital camera with the best resolution. You don't need a high zoom power.
2
Purchase film if you are using a film camera. Buy 400 speed film if you are an amateur; this is the best choice because it provides better pictures even with lower light. Kodak Royal Gold is a good selection because it has warm tones, mimicking the effect of the sun's hue on one's skin. Try black-and-white film if you want a more artsy look. Kodak T400CN is a good choice because most labs will process it without added cost.
3Select a backdrop for your photos. Use a photo canvas if you have one or hang a bed sheet on the wall. Select a black or darker backdrop if you would like more contrast or a dramatic effect in your pictures. Hang a white or light colored background to have the least hassle. Avoid skin tones for the backdrop. Throw the sheet in the dryer or try dampening it and scrunching it a bit with your hands to wrinkle it. Wrinkles help give texture in the background. Hang your backdrop on a bar or tape it to the wall with duct tape. If you want full length pictures, use another sheet of the same color to spread the sheet onto the floor as well, making sure that you do not see the corner where the floor meets the wall. The sheet should be curved in that area.
4Locate a soft light in your home. It might be a powerful lamp with a light shade or an actual photography light. If you don't have a light, find a large window or doorway that opens to light. Avoid strong direct light because it produces too many shadows. You can also try taking pictures in the garage. Open the garage, and hang your backdrop where there is no direct sunlight. Just a little is enough. If you are using a light, position the light at a 45-degree angle from your subject.
5Find a reflector. A reflector is just a large object that will reflect some incoming light onto the subject's face. You can use a full-length mirror or a large piece of white Styrofoam. At the very least, use a large white sheet or the glossy side of a poster board.
6Position the subject a few feet from the backdrop. The subject can stand or sit on a stool. Experiment with a variety of poses. If you have children, give them some toys and just let them play in order to produce natural photos. If you want truly composed shots, chat with your subjects and make them laugh for you (not for the camera). That will put them in a good mood for more natural smiles in the photos. Remind your subject that she does not have to always look at the camera. Experiment with different expressions and poses.
7Reflect light on the subject before taking pictures. You might need a helper or a camera that has a remote start. Standing on the opposite side of the light source, reflect light from about 45 degrees away from the subject on the other side. If you see any shadows on the subject, use the reflector to "bounce" light onto the subject and fill in those spots. Often, the reflector is a bit under the level of those areas. Pay careful attention to shadows under hats and eyes.
8Begin taking pictures. Avoid the flash. If you have a camera that has a fast shutter speed or is not film, take many pictures at a time. You can choose the good ones later. If you have a digital camera, check the pictures every so often. If you see shadows you don't like, use the reflector more heavily. If you don't see enough light, move the subject closer to the lights or the lights closer to the subject.
When your family has photos made at school or in a photo studio, you are limited in your chances to get it right. Sometimes, the school photographer couldn't make the 4-year-old smile the way his mother can. Sometimes, a few half-blinking winces ruin a Christmas photo. And sometimes you're just having a bad hair day. Whatever the reason, taking pictures at home is an economical way to produce photos that can be better and more creative.
Instructions
- 1
Select the camera you want to use. Most cameras purchased in the past decade can take relatively decent home photos, if you keep a few features in mind. Higher resolution cameras take pictures with more detail, but even a disposable camera can take nice pictures if there is proper lighting. For best results, use a digital SLR camera, allowing you the ability to change lenses and adjust focus within a much better range than other cameras. If you are only looking to take pictures at home, opt for a digital camera with the best resolution. You don't need a high zoom power.
2Purchase film if you are using a film camera. Buy 400 speed film if you are an amateur; this is the best choice because it provides better pictures even with lower light. Kodak Royal Gold is a good selection because it has warm tones, mimicking the effect of the sun's hue on one's skin. Try black-and-white film if you want a more artsy look. Kodak T400CN is a good choice because most labs will process it without added cost.
3Select a backdrop for your photos. Use a photo canvas if you have one or hang a bed sheet on the wall. Select a black or darker backdrop if you would like more contrast or a dramatic effect in your pictures. Hang a white or light colored background to have the least hassle. Avoid skin tones for the backdrop. Throw the sheet in the dryer or try dampening it and scrunching it a bit with your hands to wrinkle it. Wrinkles help give texture in the background. Hang your backdrop on a bar or tape it to the wall with duct tape. If you want full length pictures, use another sheet of the same color to spread the sheet onto the floor as well, making sure that you do not see the corner where the floor meets the wall. The sheet should be curved in that area.
4Locate a soft light in your home. It might be a powerful lamp with a light shade or an actual photography light. If you don't have a light, find a large window or doorway that opens to light. Avoid strong direct light because it produces too many shadows. You can also try taking pictures in the garage. Open the garage, and hang your backdrop where there is no direct sunlight. Just a little is enough. If you are using a light, position the light at a 45-degree angle from your subject.
5Find a reflector. A reflector is just a large object that will reflect some incoming light onto the subject's face. You can use a full-length mirror or a large piece of white Styrofoam. At the very least, use a large white sheet or the glossy side of a poster board.
6Position the subject a few feet from the backdrop. The subject can stand or sit on a stool. Experiment with a variety of poses. If you have children, give them some toys and just let them play in order to produce natural photos. If you want truly composed shots, chat with your subjects and make them laugh for you (not for the camera). That will put them in a good mood for more natural smiles in the photos. Remind your subject that she does not have to always look at the camera. Experiment with different expressions and poses.
7Reflect light on the subject before taking pictures. You might need a helper or a camera that has a remote start. Standing on the opposite side of the light source, reflect light from about 45 degrees away from the subject on the other side. If you see any shadows on the subject, use the reflector to "bounce" light onto the subject and fill in those spots. Often, the reflector is a bit under the level of those areas. Pay careful attention to shadows under hats and eyes.
8Begin taking pictures. Avoid the flash. If you have a camera that has a fast shutter speed or is not film, take many pictures at a time. You can choose the good ones later. If you have a digital camera, check the pictures every so often. If you see shadows you don't like, use the reflector more heavily. If you don't see enough light, move the subject closer to the lights or the lights closer to the subject.
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