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Happy New Year CoffeeShop friends!
2013 is in full swing and we're off and running with a fresh start, a renewed spirit, and an open road of opportunity.
I’ve long given up the tradition of make resolutions, but I do have goals for this year. And if you're anything like me you may have spent the past few weeks dreaming and planning for how to achieve your own goals this year.
Because you're here, I'm guessing that those goals might just be photography related?
Better photos?
Edited photos?
More photos?
Printed photos?
Am I right?
Whatever your dreams are behind the lens this year I want to help you on your journey in 2013.
When the calendar turned over and my new year began, I had just come off of my first successful 365 project.
I actually didn’t make any photography goals for 2013 because I was afraid to commit to something new, and I was in need of a photo break.
But, in life we don't get a breaks (especially if you’re a busy mama like me!) and I feared cutting myself off from a photography project altogether would stop the photos from being taken, period.
Luckily, a new friend emailed me about a week into the new year with her own plans to begin a low pressure, mama centered, Project 52 journey called Project 52: Stay Awake. The project is all about setting the intention to be actively engaged in our lives and the lives of our children and documenting the madness and magic of everyday life through writing and photography.
Bingo!
The lifestyle day to day shots are the ones I always struggle with and are the reason why I’m excited to pick up a Project 52 this year.
If you’re also looking to focus your lens in on day to day life this year, here are some of the tips I’ve found to be really helpful for capturing those candid lifestyle images.
1) Move…A lot…
When I take lifestyle photos I am usually looking for a variety of images to fill albums or coffee table books. Moving around keeps my photos fresh and different which leads me too...
2) Change your Perspective
While you’re whizzing around don’t forget to change your vantage point. Stand on furniture, lay on the ground, use creative focusing techniques, zoom in, zoom out. If all your photos look that same there is a problem. Try to make each shot different and unique!
3) Don't stage, rearrange
It’s funny the emails I get from people telling me my house is so clean. I have to laugh because they are only seeing what I’ve chosen to focus in on. Usually I’ve moved a pile of clutter to the other end of the room, or I’ve completely avoided that sink of dirty dishes to get the shot I have in mind.
4) Edit in black and white
This holds especially true for photos in your home. It’s amazing how black and white edits can focus your eye in on the most important part of the photo...the people! You won’t even realize that bright green frog humidifier is in the frame when you’ve edited out the color. Try Rita’s Velvet Ash action for this, it’s my new favorite!!
5) Hand off the camera - get YOU in the photos
Don’t forget to pass the camera off to another family member and get in those photos too. Don’t worry about the pounds you want to shed, the bad hair day you’re having, or the yoga pants you’ve been wearing all day long. Years from now you’re children aren’t going to see those things. They’re simply going to be happy they have photos of YOU with them too.
Hopefully these five tips will help you with capturing LIFE in 2013. Get out your calendar now and work in 20 minutes this week to try out some of these tips. Or join me for Project 52: Stay Awake, it's not to late. Last week's prompt 'Set a Daily Intention' is the perfect place for you to jump right in!
Until next time.
Happy snapping!
xo.
Beryl Ayn Young is a wife, mama, teacher, and photographer who offers photography lessons to nourish the mind, body, and soul over on her personal blog. Beryl believes in lifelong learning, photographic healing, & a glass half full perspective. She teaches e-courses and and provides photo coaching aimed at teaching you how to improve your camera skills and cherish life’s journey. Connect with Beryl over on Facebook or Twitter, she'd love to meet you!
This is the best idea! I have to admit, I don't ever really think about photographing the 'normal' part of my daily routine. It is just so mundane why would I want to remember it forever. However, that being said, there really is a charm in those little things. When my toddler helps me in the kitchen or wants to fold clothes. I need to try this. Thank you so much for posting this. :-D
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