“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”
― Henri Cartier-Bresson

It’s really hard to get that PERFECT picture!  But if you know a few simple tricks & tips, you’ll get a little closer.  Below is a list of 7 things to watch out for when trying to get the perfect shot…

1 – Photo bombers

You know the drill, you’re at your child’s play, about to snap a picture of your kid and just as you push the shutter button a crazy teenage boy jumps into the background of your photo and totally bombs it!  Watch for photo bombers in big crowds.

2 – Trees

Trees are a great addition to any photo, depending where they are placed in the composition.  If you want your subject to stand by the tree, place them next to the tree, not directly in front of it.  Having a big trunk coming out of their head can look terribly awkward!  That goes for anything in the background that can appear to growing out of someone’s head.

3 – Awkward backgrounds

You need to update your profile picture and happen to be in the bathroom fixing your hair. You snap your own “selfie” and love the photo!  Later looking back you realize that the bathroom hand dryer and feminine napkin dispenser also made it into your image.  Uh-oh!  Trash that one!  Especially if your a guy!!!

4 – Don’t shoot from low angles

Unless you really love the look of double chins, hold your camera above your eye level when shooting yourself, or above your subject’s eye level.  This helps to thin out the face of the subject whereas shooting from below the chin puts more emphasis on the extra baggage commonly referred to as a “double chin”.

5 – Avoid shooting in direct sun

Contrary to popular belief, shooting in the direct sunlight isn’t the ideal place for lighting.  It causes your subjects to squint and also creates harsh shadows under their eyes, nose and chin.  Instead, look for a shady spot that is still evenly and well lit.  Your subject will have a nice evenly lit face and much less squinting.  Way more appealing and professional-looking picture!

6 – Hold the camera still

Especially if you are shooting in low light situations, it’s important to hold the camera very still when shooting.  Any movement from your hands can cause your photo to turn out blurry.

7 – Avoid dark situations

When you shoot in a low light situation and your not using a flash, your shutter speed will slow way down in order to get enough light on the subject.  That slow shutter speed can be the reason for blurry photos.  Always choose the most well lit area possible for the best quality picture!