You know what the very best thing about the interwebs is? It’s the ability to meet people from all over the world, and if you are super lucky, you might even get the chance to meet them in person some day. One such person, (who I’ve yet to meet in person, but I promise you it WILL happen) is Amanda of Amanda Schoch Photography. I’m telling you, not only is she an amazing photographer, but she is also funny and kind and so generous of time and talent. Amanda’s specialty is wee ‘uns & families, so if you happen to be in the DC area, you absolutely must look her up to capture your littles.
I was thrilled last month when Amanda asked me to share my 10 Best Instagram tips with her Summer Sixty photo project. You can read that post over on Amanda’s blog.
But even MORE thrilling is that Amanda is visiting with us today and giving us 6 Composition Techniques to Rock Your Instagram! With these simple ideas, you can easily take your Instagram photos to the next level. Enough blabbing from me…let’s turn it over to Amanda!
Hi ya’ll! I love my big girl camera but if I relied on it to capture my family I wouldn’t have many pictures. I just can’t keep it with me all the time. It’s big and was a bit of an investment to buy so while we are out running around and living life, my camera is usually neatly tucked away in my camera bag waiting for a “major event.” Between those major events, when my camera gets to come out for a play, is life. The in-between moments. And with two growing boys, it’s those moments I don’t want to forget. In those moments I reach for my trusty sidekick, my iPhone.
Michaela already talked a little bit about the limitations so today I thought I’d share some tips to rock your camera phone and up your Instagram game.
- Change your perspective: I love to get down low with my kids and see things from their height. If they are sitting having a quiet moment I’ll get down low to capture it at their eye level instead of from above. The image will be more intimate and put you in the moment with them.
- Try center composition: There is a basic composition rule in photography that you are suppose to divide your image into three equal sections and put your subject on one of the lines of thirds. With square photographs the rule of thirds doesn’t make as big an impact. Square photos are great for a strong center composition. Place your subject right smack in the middle of your image.
- Leading Lines: Leading lines are lines that lead your viewers eyes right to your subject. They are a natural way to direct your viewer to see your image as you intend.
- Use negative space: Want to give something small, big prominence? By using a lot of blank open space you elevate the importance of your subject and bring visual interest to your image.
- Get Creative with light: I love me a little bit of sunflare. It’s like a little burst of happiness! The best way to get that awesome sunflare is to take the picture when the sun is low in the sky and is partially obstructed by an object.
- Use color: Color evokes emotion. When I’m feeling happy and optimistic I gravitate to bring colors: yellows and pinks and oranges. If I’m in the need of a little bit of peace you’ll find me snapping away at blues and greens. You can use color to help your viewer a glimpse into your soul.
Last but definitely not least, don’t be scared to break the rules. Have fun. Look for beauty in unexpected places. Photograph what makes your heart happy! And head on over and give me a follow at https://instagram.com/amanda_schoch/ I promise to follow you back and we can become Instagram buddies!
Thanks so much to Michaela for inviting me to spend some time with you today! Got questions? Go ahead and ask away in the comments. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Amanda is the owner and creative eye behind Amanda Schoch Photography located in Silver Spring, MD and serving the Washington, DC area. She specializes in newborn and family photography and focuses on capturing that special family connection that her clients want to remember forever. See what she’s up to on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you so much for visiting with us today Amanda and sharing these 6 Composition Techniques with us!! Let’s give Amanda some love and feel free to ask any questions you may have!
be joyful,
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