Ever felt disappointed after taking what seemed like a “phenomenal” portrait or group picture only to find a so-so snapshot after it was downloaded to your computer? Every single photographer has experienced this let down.

But the discouragement is about to end. How? Because the difference between a snapshot and a masterpiece often comes down to what is done before the event and how well the pictures are executed during. Here are eight simple tips that have produced significant results.

PLANNING THE PHOTOGRAPHY POSE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

I. Prepare For The Event

Decide beforehand, WHICH photography poses you would like to capture. Important factors to consider are: who will be there, what is the environment, and the lighting requirements (day or night).

II. Take Numerous Photographs

Take multiple shots of each pose. Regardless of what you say or do, people will close their eyes. And, don’t count on spotting photo problems on the camera’s tiny LCD screen (even on full magnification); which leads to…

III. Check The LCD Screen

Your camera’s LCD screen should only be used to review general framing of the picture, visibility of faces, and the histogram. You can use a fantastic photography pose; arrange everyone perfectly; and, have the photograph “frozen” (subjects are not moving and the camera is steady)… but, when you check the LCD, you see two of your favorite relatives fighting in the background!

IV. Funny Phrases

Have some funny phrases handy to use JUST BEFORE YOU TAKE THE PHOTO. Don’t use them when setting up for the shot. And, don’t use the same phrase ALL THE TIME. Throw in anecdotes, phrases, names, and words that are humorously appropriate to your group. A natural grin looks three times better than “fake-photo-face.”

V. Wide Angle

You will tend to use wide angle more often than telephoto. Pay particular attention to your “end people” (those farthest to the right and the left when viewed through your viewfinder). Here is one fool-proof technique to insure that IF cropping is eventually required for your picture, the end people won’t have to lose a limb.

VI. “Walk Toward The Light”

Every flash has a “flash range,” which defines the range of proper illumination your flash produces. Check your owner’s manual for specifications and do not attempt any photo where subjects are beyond the flash range.

VII. Plan “B”

If you need to be further away than your flash allows, there are four things you can do (not counting “crying”): Increase the ISO; use a tripod with longer exposure times; move to a brighter location; and purchase an external flash unit.

VIII. Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

Avoid shooting directly into mirrors or reflective surfaces with a flash. If an alternate location is impractical, take the picture in such a way that the flash is NOT PERPENDICULAR to the surface, but at an angle, so the flash will not be seen in the picture.

Want more photography tips and to see examples of photography poses? We’ll show you how to create impressive INDOORS as well as OUTDOOR photography poses.