13. Hold your camera properly -Cradle the lens with your hand under the lens. Helps keep it steady so your photos are not blurry by accident. Also, helps keep the camera secure in the event someone bumps into your arm. I found this helpful guide online – check it out!

14. Limit your palette – Limit the number of colors that appear in your photo unless you are photographing hot air balloons or other colorful events.

Here is an example of the birthday girl wearing a colorful dress – notice I placed her in front of a large tree trunk to give a neutral background – she “pops” off the page!

15. Be patient – Keep taking photos. You’ll get better with practice. Look at your photos critically to determine how you could have made it better (in the camera, not Instagram filters!)
If you ever want a critique of your images, just let me know. I’m here to help!

16. Break the rules – Know the rules first and then break them. Have fun. Experiment. Learn from your mistakes.

I hope you have enjoyed these tips and have put at least some of them into practice. I would love to see what you’ve been photographing. Share with me here or send them to me by email: gretchen@gretchenbphotography.com