Taking Better Pictures with composition (Wedding Photographer Dayton Ohio)

When I was younger, I wanted to take pictures of everything--my friends, family, special moments. And, of course, I wanted every picture to be perfect. I bought expensive film, used expensive printing paper, and, let’s not forget, I practiced like crazy. Today I use expensive equipment, expensive printing paper...and I still practice like a crazy lady. Even though technology is changing, one thing remains the same: The rules of the game. Those rules can become stale to even the most highly acclaimed photographers if they do not practice. The best part is everyone knows good composition when they see it. The problem is most do not think about it when they look through the view finder of their camera. Following are some quick tips about composition:



1. PATTERNS - Any pattern will do, breaking up the pattern with a subject can be a real eye popper too!

2. TEXTURE - Texture can have the effect of making a picture look 3D which really makes it come alive.

3. SYMMETRY - A symmetrical shot is a great way to lead the eye to meet your subject. Symmetry can be a very powerful tool.

4. DEPTH OF FIELD - Probably one of my favorites, depth of field can help you isolate your subject by blurring out the foreground or background. You need to understand your camera in manual mode to use this tool to its best advantage.

5. LINES - Lines are really great to use when framing your subject--ensure the line is not shooting out of someone’s head.

The brick pattern and lines lead you into the image and the depth of field really isolates the woman in this image!

Now that I have told you about composition, your job is to get out there and practice finding these tools and using them to your advantage to really make your images pop. Try not to use them all at once and have fun!
Would you like an in-depth post on one of these composition tools or a post on lighting? Let us know in the comments below!

I need your opinion ladies!

Let us say that CharityKPhotography were going to give away a mini session to one lucky lady. Let us also say that the photographer over at Charity K Photography wanted your advice on which mini session you preferred. Would you help us out? The options are -

Boudoir Session

Trash the Dress Session ( We don't have to actually trash your dress)

Engagement Session

Leave it in the comments or over on our facebook page, and thanks for the help! As always a Saturday post wouldn't be complete without a picture.

FREE Photo Editor

It is a lazy Saturday in the office editing pictures and slurping on green tea when I came across an idea... I bet everybody wants to have super cool pictures with their own style attached like a swagger signature. Then it hit me, Charity you must do a post on this. So here is a 5 minute read on free editing software. It doesn’t matter if you just learned to use the computer or you rock out with your D50 on the weekends because I have a little swagger for every level.

Personally I use Photoshop and love it, but it is expensive and takes years to understand. Those of you who like things on auto I have your back, and for those who like to get your hands dirty I have something for you too.


Flickr – (Auto)A wonderful FREE sharing site that allows you to upload and edit your picture, they have some really cool effects to make your pictures unique.


Picasa – (Auto) This is a FREE site for those who want the pictures on their computer organized, also containing some neat effects for your pictures.


Gimp- (Dirty Hard) This is a FREE photo editing tool for those photo enthusiasts out there. If you spend hours at the computer playing with pictures, this one is for you.


Applications- (Auto) Get on your phone and search for ap’s to spruce up the pictures you take with your phone.  Try picsay for Droid or Best Camera for IPhones.



Tips for all editing warriors:


Save the original image because if not that negative is forever altered.


My secret recipe; less is more, I believe that flaws create character and help tell a persons story.


Photography is an art and so is the editing, so don’t forget to express yourself.

If you have questions or information to add please leave a comment, we would love to hear your thoughts. I am in no way saying that the information in this post is the best way to do things, they are just my ideas that I wanted to share with those who might be interested. And because a Saturday post wouldn’t be complete without a picture, enjoy!

Paul and April get married

April had the most amazing wedding day weather I have ever seen, hands down.  The temperature was perfect, the leaves were turning a nice gold color, and the light, oh the light!  

    

Her roses were simply amazing, and I just loved the pearls she wore.

Matt found this bell in the church courtyard and rocked out this shot! Seriously how creative his my husband, I feel so proud!

 April spent the morning getting ready at the Church of the Cross. 

 When we were ready for pictures we went across the street to this great little park full of trees and wonderful back light. 

Did I mention how much I loved this bouquet, so simple and elegant.

These guys were so much fun!

I don't know why maybe because it is so honest but I just love this shot of April hidding in the coat closet with her father   right before the I do's.

 We took April and Paul to Lincoln Park for some more pictures and remember the perfect light? Well it followed us there, too!

  April looked so amazing and Paul was dashing as always.

 The reception was held at the Presidential and the room was so charming and warm! We decided to play with some off camera flash and had so much fun with these. 

April, Paul, you were such a delight to spend the day with, thank you for letting us share it with you and your family.

Tony and Nikki Tie the Knot.

It was noon when we arrived where Nikki was getting ready and the house was buzzing. Nikki greeted us with a warm smile and that is honestly how the entire day felt, like a big warm smile. Nikki and Tony surrounded themselves with close family and great friends on the day of their wedding. It was a celebration with loads of laughter, lots of tears and heartfelt singing. I mean what else can you expect Tony is Italian and let's admit it Italians do things with a certain style.






Her Guess shoes were adorable!



Mandy Barnes made Nikki look extra fierce with hair and makeup!



Candy apples for fall favors what a wonderful idea! Wonderful job making these Tammy Adams!





They were literally singing to each other through the entire first dance. This girl needed a tissue.



 The light was fabulous at Heatherwoode Golf Club that day.



Matt took this one and it is one of my favorites!







Her flowers were so amazing! They came from the Flowerman! Special thanks to Cynid Garofalo for putting those together!



Mad props for Matt who took the picture of them leaning against the tree.



Special thanks to Curtis Jablonski for a fab job at DJ for the night.



Tony, Nikki you both are so beautiful, you make my heart sing. Thank you for letting us be apart of your "warm smile" of a wedding day.

George and Lisa make photographer cry

Daniel's place, the big blue house where all the 'big' parties happened. Definitely, the place to be and this particular night was no exception. Lisa got a call from a friend who explained Daniel was throwing a party for his younger brother George. George saw Lisa arrive and knew one thing: he had to meet and get to know her. He made his way across the crowded room and they began talking...about, well, everything.
Lisa says George had her in stitches all night with one joke after another. George says he couldn't take his eyes away from Lisa. From that night on, they've been inseparable.



George and Lisa were fierce giving me smyeze (smiling with the eyes) and keeping it cool because lets face it they are pretty cool.

Time with Lisa and George was time I spent laughing--seriously, I was lucky to take any pictures at all. I laughed so hard, I was crying.

  George says he still thinks Lisa is nothing short of amazing; she takes his breath away.

Because I love black and white I had to sneak one in.

Okay so seriously where did this couple come from? They are amazing at working the camera.

 Lisa says George keeps her laughing even when times get hard; he keeps her strong with the laughter and love.

When I found this wall it was heaven, great light and Lisa's favorite color. Okay so one more black and white.

George and Lisa, I had so much fun spending the day with you. George, you had me in stitches and Lisa,
well, you took my breath away. With that I will leave you with this last image from our day.

Annaliese (life style and wedding photographer)

On August 27th, weighing 7lbs and at 20 inches, little Annaliese found herself in a much bigger and brighter place surrounded by those too familiar voices showering her with their love and devotion.  I am sure that was the day the great love affair started for her and her family.  For me it was on September 19th--the day she showed up for her session.  Her eyes are a brilliant deep blue that just soak you in and strike a fire in your heart.  Her parents, Tony and Kaleena, say they find themselves falling more and more in love with her as each day passes.  I can't imagine how it could be any other way.  Her big brother, Caleb, made sure to check on her when I made her cry.  Hold on...this was not my fault; she didn't like the poses I tried out with her.  I think Annaliese has made her start as a diva.  She knows how to rock it out all on her own.  She lifts her head and gives me smiling eyes. I can't praise her

enough for owning the light and her audience.  I look towards Annaliese's bright future and hope I will be there for some of those moments  as I snap away.  Without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Miss Annaliese Albertini!