Here are the 10 tips that I shared on the photography panel at Creative Estates. I loved being included with Laura Winslow and Allison Waken, both great photographers.
At first a little insecure in the fact that I am not a photographer speaking on a photography panel, I quickly got over that realizing that as a blogger, I have been able to use photography to tell a better story. I am so glad I was included with these two talents.
As a last minute effort, we made a little handout for everyone in the session to help illustrate these 10 tips to a better photo. I wanted to share them with you too!
Because everyone is at such different levels in photography, I shared some of the basics tips that anyone at any level could use…fancy camera or not. 
photo credit: Momendeavors (thank you Sara!)
10 Quick Tips for a better photo
1. Get in close to the subject to capture the fine details. Rather than using the zoom on your lens, you should physically move in close to your subject.
2. Try different angles. This will change lighting, shadows, background, etc. The same subject and shooting environment can create completely different pictures.
3. Get down on your subjects level. Works great with animals, children, flowers, etc.
4. Depth of Field! This puts the emphasis on your subject and gives your photos a professional look. Learn your camera settings to create that cool blur effect.
5. Pay attention to lighting. Experiment with backlit and side-lit approaches. You can use poster board and bed sheets to add or reflect light where you need it.
6. Look for silhouettes. Shooting toward the sun may not work for family portraits, but you can create artistic shots with silhouettes and sun flares.
7. Use your background to complement and enhance your subject. Poster board, wrapping paper, craft paper and bed sheets are just a few ways to mix and match your background.
8. Rule of Thirds. This is another simple way to make your photos look more professional.
9. For a good indoor photo at night, bounce your flash. Invest in an external flash that allows you to point the flash toward the ceiling. This purchase will pay for itself over and over.
10. Take TONS of photos. Some of my favorite pictures are random, candid shots from everyday life.
For some reason, I was unable to attend that class. Glad you shared your secrets!
for some reason, I was really bummed out to miss the laughs that came from the room you were in. DO-OVER!!
These are all really, really great tips! The best one for me is the background–I never think to use anything other than the counter. I need to mix it up!
Even the most basic tips are good to hear, even if it’s just a reminder to change it up a bit. Thanks Emily!
Great tips! Wish I could have been at the conference!
I so need to work on my photography skills. It seems like I’m so worn out after doing a project that taking pictures is the last thing I feel like doing. Must discipline myself.
One of these days I want to do a post on what it takes to be a craft blogger. Seriously. There’s a lot to it!
Kami, I had a great weekend learning from everyone. Your photo tips were the best!!! Thank you so much for the cheat sheet and sharing them with us!
Kami! How fun you got to do all this! And what great tips! When’s the next big conference coming to Colorado?!
I know!
Hi Bethany!
I will be involved with this conference next year this same time in SLC, and I would love to have you involved! You are way more qualified than I am!
I will keep you in mind!
Oh that’s awesome! Yes, please do!
So great. Thanks for the quick list. I need these!
Okay, I seriously LOVE your photo tips, Kami!! So awesome! I’ll be referring to it often!
Hi! I included this post in this weeks from my reader round-up. Loved the post and thought it would be super useful to my friends and readers.
Hi Kami!! I just featured this post on my weekly Wednesday’s Wowzers here:
http://oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/2011/04/wednesdays-wowzers-almost-time-for-egg.html
Thanks for the inspiration!
~Alison
These are fabulous tips! Seriously, love.
P.S. I love the redesign, it’s easy on the eyes, just like my Kami.