Practical Photo Principles by Edinburgh professional, Rachel Hein
Edinburgh professional photographer- Rachel Hein’s- blueprint for creating beautiful images in your daily life.
Rachel Hein has shared with us her guiding photography principles that we all can put into practice to upgrade our daily snaps to beautiful images.
In this series I - Jo Tennant- have asked my professional photography peers for their everyday principles for better photos that anyone can use with no technical knowledge or expensive camera kit needed - to help us to take the kind of photos that beautifully document our lives.
Rachel’s 8 photo pointers
1/ Get closer and think about framing
The one thing I see all the time is people standing miles away from their subject! Get in closer and think about how you’re framing your subject.
Use your feet, not the zoom! If you’re using your phone, don’t be afraid to use portrait mode. (You’ll still need to move closer because phone cameras have a wide angle lens.)
“If you’re using your phone, get closer and don’t be afraid to use portrait mode.”
2/ Think about the light
Photography is all about light. Always consider the light when taking a photo. For instance, if your subjects have their backs to a window, a quick switch to face the light can make a significant difference to your photo. It only takes a second!
Contrary to popular opinion, bright sunshine is not the portrait photographer’s friend. Look for pockets of open shade and if you can, move your subject away from very bright sunlight, which can create harsh, unflattering shadows.
“Whether you’re using your phone or a camera, don’t just point and click - take a moment to think about your light source. Good light will make your picture sing.”
3/ Don’t be afraid to experiment
There is no limit to how many photos you can take (one of the joys of digital!) so you have absolutely nothing to lose by getting creative and trying something new. Try playing around with framing and composition and think about taking photos from different angles.
“Try playing around with framing and composition”
4/ Try not to focus on the obvious
Sometimes details or an unexpected angle can tell you so much more than a regular portrait. This shot pretty much sums up what it is to be a camera shy teenager!
“An unexpected angle on camera shy teens”
5/ Focus in on the details
If you’re photographing children, get in a little closer and focus on that beautiful smile, or you might want to capture a close-up of a special toy or the way their hair falls a certain way. It’s likely that these little details are the things you’ll want to remember as they grow up.
“Quite often, it’s the little details that you’ll want to remember when they grow up.”
6/ Consider your composition
There are many, many ‘rules’ and techniques of composition. Look for interesting lines and angles when you’re taking a photo but don’t be intimidated - go with what feels right to you and have fun with it!
“Look for interesting lines and angles when you’re taking a photo.”
7/ Keep an eye on your background
When you’re photographing people, it can be easy just to focus entirely on them and miss what’s going on behind them. Take a moment to have a look at the background, is there anything that could be moved, or could you frame your subject differently to eliminate the visual distractions?
8/ Enjoy the moment?
This is probably my most important one: Before you reach for your phone or camera, stop and think about why you’re taking the photo. Would it be better to just enjoy the moment instead of trying to record it?
About Rachel
Rachel Hein has been a professional photographer for over ten years and works with couples, families and brands. She loves creating images but her real passion is for people.
Rachel is Yorkshire born and bred but fell in love with Edinburgh many years ago and has lived in the city since 2003. When she's not with clients you’ll find her outdoors – heading out on her bike or to the hills in the family camper van.
If you’re in Edinburgh and need portraits - do give her a shout!
Also in this series
Kenny Gordon’s tips - showcasing advice on wild weather, getting up early and just asking!
Mike Guest’s advice - featuring his glorious water and surf work - his advice focuses on joy, photographing friends and seizing the moment.
Or begin at the very beginning of this series- join James Robertson’s photo strategies in his ultracycling work - looking at different kinds of portraiture, the importance of patience and lateral thinking!