Cats are weird.

{the results of a lazy Sunday morning, a lazy cat, and lazy photographer using her phone instead of the DSLR}

Portraits

{Taking photos of people can be intimidating - both for the photographer and the person being photographed! So I thought I'd give you some of my favourite portrait tips learnt from various photographers over the past!}

1. | Keep it simple. 

The more complex your background is, the harder it is to focus on the subject. Lighting applies here, too - use natural light where possible, and if you do use artificial light, keep it simple and as few lights as possible.

2. | Fill the frame

This doesn't necessarily mean taking up the entire photo with a person's face, but definitely try and keep the extra space around your subject minimal, unless it's a far-off shot you're going for. If you want space around your subject, try shooting on a third (see above photo) to create balance.

3. | Try different angles.

Don't always stick to the same predictable photo angles! Break up your usual habits and take turns shooting in landscape, portrait, slightly below the eye line, slightly above the eye line, etc. There's no limits to creativity here!

4. | Use catchlights

A "catchlight" is simply the highlight of a light source reflected off the surface of the eye. This highlight adds depth and dimension to the eye, and gives the eyes life in a portrait. See the catchlights in the photo below? If you're finding that there aren't any catchlights because of the lighting, you can take a piece of white paper and ask the subject to hold it below their face (out of sight, of course!).

5. | Relax :)

If you're stressing out, chances are that your subject is going to be stressed, too! Don't try and force a photo - the best smiles are always the most natural ones. Try and make the person you're photographing feel comfortable in front of the camera; if it's a child, then ask them to look through the lens and see the picture reflecting back at them - anything to distract them from the fact that you are actually taking a photo of them! As soon as they're not afraid of the camera, half your battle is won already. 

I really hope you guys enjoyed this post! Do you have any tips for portrait photography? Feel free to share them below in the comments section!

Preview

{There's post on portrait photography coming up soon!}

Please feel free to vote on the poll and tell me what you think of the new blog layout - ideas for improvements are welcome and greatly appreciated! 

Thanks so much, everyone!

Eloise

April Photography Challenge | My photos

A/N: Finally, the post you've been waiting for! I have to admit that since I wasn't 'officially' doing the April photo challenge myself, I didn't manage to take all the photos that were on the list. :( But not to worry, I will get around to taking them eventually. In the meantime, I'm really hoping you enjoy looking at the ones I did take! 

Assignment 2 | Smile

Assignment 3 | Green

{I love the bokeh in this photo!}

Assignment 5 | A promise God showed you

{Confession: this wasn't taken on April 5th, but I found these lone blossoms on our cherry tree the other day and I felt it was such an incredible demonstration on God's amazing love for you and for me! How He longs to create beauty in our lives - and even though sometimes we have to go through a tough 'winter' period in our lives, spring will come and with it, so much of His beauty and grace!}

Assignment 6 | 5pm

Assignment 7 | Someone you talked to today

{My amazing friend from across the country came to visit me! So we took a picture on my phone :P}

Assignment 8 | A family member

{This is my precious mother. My sister curled her hair 'specially for the occasion}

Assignment 9 | Delicious

{Self control: stopping to take a photo of something very delicious before eating it!}

Assignment 12 | Clouds

{I love the way these clouds are lit up by the sun behind them}

Assignment 14 | Shoes

{Cowgirl boots}

Assignment 15 | Music

{Okay, so the hands-playing-piano photo is a little bit cliché. But still awesomely fun to take pictures of!}

Assignment 16 | Key

Assignment 17 | Time

Assignment 18 | Fruit

{This photo isn't a hundred percent in focus *sad face* but I just couldn't resist this heart shaped lemon when I saw it at a friend's place!}

Assignment 19 | Breakfast

{I'm pretty sure I had more than just coffee for breakfast - but mmm, it was so good!}

Assignment 20 | An animal

Assignment 23 | Sunlight

Assignment 24 | Bokeh 

{Who knew that frost on a trampoline makes such beautiful bokeh?}

Assignment 27 | Laugh

{My beautiful little sister}

Assignment 28 | Inspiration

{This}

I will try and get the rest of the photos up very soon! Oh, and friends, it would be amazing if you critiqued my photos for me! You don't have to tackle them all at once but I would love it if you could at least pick one photo that you liked/disliked and tell me your opinion. And don't be afraid to be harsh - I know my photography could use some improvement! So that would be incredible - thanking you in advance. :-)

PS. What do you think of my new blog look?