This article shares some pointers for taking great photos at Christmas time. Also tips for features when buying a new camera.
Don't forget if you are wanting a new camera for Christmas to pop in and see Nicholas and the team at Retravision. (Don't forget to tell them that we sent you)
Just Say CHEESE!
By Kelly Mondora
Through years of experience and plenty of trial and error, I’ve developed some tips to help you capture great candid shots, regardless of the age of the subject.
Behind the Camera
First, you need to relax. If you’re not comfortable, your subject won’t be either. Be patient and “go with the flow.” Some of the best images you obtain may be the ones you did not expect to get. Keep these suggestions in mind as you set up your shots.
Don’t always pose your subject. Sometimes the best images are taken by “hidden cameras.”
Use the rule of thirds. This simply involves imagining lines dividing an image like a tic-tac-toe board. Place the subject at any of the four intersecting points to make a more compelling shot.
Change your angle. Don’t be afraid to get down low or up high with your subject. Different angles add uniqueness and flow to your images.
In the Light
An image is only as good as its lighting. Light can cause shadows, squinting eyes, or shots that are too bright. Here are a few simple tricks to obtaining good lighting.
When outdoors, find shade. The shade of a tree can help you to avoid harsh light or bright sun. If shade is not available, a photographic diffuser (placed between the subject and the sun) can remedy the situation immediately.
Use natural light. Light from a north window can make a great soft and diffused light source. Be sure to position your subject off to the side of the window, yet close enough so that the light evenly wraps around the face. If the light is not strong enough to evenly wrap, use a reflector to help fill in shadows.
Consider studio lighting. Natural light is tricky—you never know what it’s going to do and how often it’s going to change. Studio lighting really puts you in control of your lighting and ensures it will be done right every time. For anyone with no experience in using studio lighting, Photo Basics now offers a great home studio starter kit that comes with everything you need at a reasonable price.
Point and Click
We often get asked: “I want to buy a good digital camera; how powerful does it need to be and what features should it have?” Here are some general pointers of what to look for.
Speed. Frustration sets in quickly when you miss a great shot because your camera is too slow. Before you purchase a camera, try it out in the store to see how fast it starts up and how much lag there is between hitting the shutter release and getting the shot.
Image stabilization. With digital zoom lenses, camera shake is common, resulting in blurry images. Look for a camera with image stabilization, which reduces this effect.
Screen size. The larger your LCD screen, the better you can see your photo.
Pixels and megapixels. Cameras are often categorized by their resolution or megapixel count. In general, the more pixels in an image, the larger you can print the picture without sacrificing quality. Here is a general rule of thumb: 2 MP=4x6, 3 MP=5x7, and 5 MP=8x10.
Instead of dreading having to sort through lots of “so-so” photos, you could be sorting through quality shots! There’s more to good photography than just saying “cheese.” Following these few helpful hints can get you on your way to obtaining amazing images that can lead to equally amazing scrapbooks.
Kelly Mondora has 10 years of experience in the photographic industry.
Adapted from "Just Say Cheese," Scrapbook Retailer magazine April/May 2007.
We have this great organiser in stock. There have been limited numbers delivered to Australia. So if you would like this under your Christmas tree, hurry in and have a look.
Bec has used the making memories photo decor O to make a photo frame for her Christmas photo. 
. Or they could make the perfect Kris Kringle.
New magazine has arrived. This months mag has a bonus Rebekka Erickson DVD showing great off the page ideas.
How funky are these rasberry coloured All My Memories handbags. We also have wallets in this colour and styles.
