PHOTO 101: Tips & Tricks (Shoot Through)

You might often wonder how come your shots don't look as good as a professionals. I've been told by many people "If I had a camera like yours, I could get that shot, too." I love this comment, as if I have nothing to do with it. Yes, the lens (not the camera) has something to do with it, but in the hands of a novice that something will never happen. Here is a tip to help your shots look more professional. Shoot through things... anything. What I mean by this is try to have something in the foreground, close to you that is in the frame. You might not think to crouch behind a bush to get some of the leaves in the shot while focusing on your subject. Try it. You will like what you see. Use whatever is in the foreground to help frame the subject. If you are shooting a building, think of framing it with a huge, larger than life human to one side. If you are shooting some kids, maybe one kid is laughing hysterically in the foreground completely out of focus and you are focused on the other kid making a face in the background. The below examples should help you see what I mean. There are so many options when you start shooting through things, so let your mind run wild!

Title: Ring in Ring

Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IIn, Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Shutter Speed: 1/30 sec., Aperature: f/5.0, ISO: 100
Date Shot: July 20, 2008

Title: Through the Tuba

Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IIn, Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec., Aperature: f/4.0, ISO: 250, Focal Length: 105mm
Lighting: Ambient (Natural)
Date Shot: July 20, 2008

Title: Untitled

Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IIn, Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec., Aperature: f/8.0, ISO: 100, Focal Length: 105mm
Lighting: Ambient (Natural)
Date Shot: July 12, 2008

Title: Untitled
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IIn, Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Shutter Speed: 1/80 sec., Aperature: f/5.0, ISO: 400, Focal Length: 58mm
Lighting: Ambient (Natural)
Date Shot: September 22, 2006


Title: Stolen Glance
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IIn, Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS
Shutter Speed: 1/30 sec., Aperature: f/5.0, ISO: 320, Focal Length: 105mm
Lighting: Ambient (Natural)
Date Shot: July 8, 2006