... Read moreOh my goodness, I totally feel you! Taking good pictures is so much harder than it looks on social media, right? I used to get so frustrated seeing all those perfect shots while my camera roll was full of blurry messes and awkward poses. It's like, I want to capture those precious moments, but they always end up getting 'deleted' because they just don't do the memory justice!
After countless attempts and a lot of trial and error (and many, many 'deleted' photos!), I’ve picked up a few things that have really helped me improve my photo game, especially when trying to snap those lively moments, like my little one with a 'gift box' by the 'Christmas trees' 'outdoors at night'.
First off, lighting is everything, and it's particularly tricky 'outdoors at night'. I used to just point and shoot, but now I try to find the best light source, even if it’s just the glow from the 'Christmas trees'. Sometimes, using the flash gently can help, or even just positioning your subject closer to a light source. If it’s too dark, the camera struggles, and everything comes out grainy or 'blurry'.
Secondly, for those active, 'moving quickly' subjects like kids, burst mode is your best friend. I learned this the hard way! Instead of one shot, hold down the shutter button and let your phone or camera take a rapid series of pictures. This significantly increases your chances of getting at least one clear, in-focus shot amidst all the 'motion'. You can always 'SWIPE' through and delete the blurry ones later, but at least you’ll have options!
Another common reason for 'blurry' pictures, especially of kids, is movement. Try to set a faster shutter speed if your camera allows, or use action modes on your phone. Even trying to predict where your subject will be and pre-focusing can make a huge difference.
Finally, don't be afraid to embrace the candid! Not every picture needs to be perfectly posed. Some of my favorite memories are in the slightly imperfect, 'unfiltered' shots that capture genuine emotion. It’s okay to have a whole folder of 'deleted' photos for every good one you keep. The goal is to capture the memory, and sometimes that means accepting a bit of artistic blur or less-than-perfect lighting. What truly matters is the story behind the picture. So next time you're struggling, remember you're not alone, and with a few tweaks, you can definitely improve your photo-taking skills!
The best ways for me to get a pic of my kids is by recording and then going back and screenshotting the good parts 😂