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Minutes Matter

Take Your Best Shot!

A digital camera has become an essential tool for everyone in this industry. This month we will discuss the art of taking great photographs. While there are times you may want to hire a professional photographer, the majority of the time you take your own photographs. Therefore, it is necessary that you attain the skills, knowledge and tools that will produce professional results.

First, let's discuss digital cameras. There are many choices when it comes to choosing a digital camera. I don't necessarily have a favorite brand; what matters to me most is how it feels in my hand and the number of megapixels. I want 4 megapixels or higher, I prefer a 5 megapixel. I also like the added benefit of taking movie clips; you might as well take full advantage of this business purchase. If you are trying to achieve excellent photography for your portfolio consider purchasing a camera that has the ability of adding an external flash. You can add an external flash to any camera that has a hot-shoe; check the owner's manual for your camera for the flash model number that will work with your camera. A normal flash on a camera will not always be enough light to fill large rooms which results in a dark photograph.

For the very serious photographers you can step up to the SLR digital cameras but get ready to pay the price. SLR cameras offer the advantage of detachable lens like many 35mm cameras. When purchasing a SLR camera you purchase the camera body and the lens separately. The advantage for our industry is the option of purchasing a good wide-angle lens when room shots are desired.

If you would like to see and hear more about digital photography take my class "Take Your Best Shot" at the CHFI Conference in Phoenix - March 2006.

Here are a few tips to shoot by:

Basic Photography Tips
- Purchase at least one extra battery; older batteries drain quickly.
- Purchase new batteries - when your camera takes too many seconds to process the photo. (Keep the old batteries as back up & put a dot of nail polish on the new batteries to differentiate between the two.)
- When taking photographs of windows - Always meter off the glass before snapping the shot to prevent a backlight problem. The biggest problem in taking photographs of window treatments is the extreme amount of light coming in the window, this is known as backlighting. Follow the three simple steps below to control the amount of light coming in the window.
  - Move camera off of glass and onto treatment.
  - Press shutter button down halfway to lock auto focus & exposure setting.
  - Reposition camera, centering shot, and snap the photograph.
- Hold very still as you snap the shot to prevent camera shake, otherwise know as a blurry photo.
- Make sure camera is set to take photographs in High Resolution with Compressed file size.
Tips When You Are on the Job Site Measuring
- Take room shots for an instant recollection of the client's room.
- Take close-up shots of what could be mounting or installation problems.
- Take a photo of every window; remember these are free.
- Take photos of accessories when you are trying to match colors; print these on high quality photo paper. The color match is usually very good.
- Print window and room shots on regular copy paper with a color printer.
Tips When Designing on a Photograph With Studio
- Stand directly in front of a window when you are planning to design on the photo with Studio.
- Move small objects away from window to make it easier when designing on a photo with Studio.
Tips When Taking Photographs for Your Portfolio
- Remove distracting objects from shooting view. It is easier to clean the shoot up before you snap the photo then to have to clean it up later with a photo editing software.
- To achieve perfection, don't just snap and go; take time to center the shot vertically and horizontally. Look through the view finder and study exactly what will be captured in that split second when you press that button. Dress bedding and window treatments, an uneven shade or a drapery panel's lead edge that is showing lining is very distracting in a photograph.
- Zoom in; no need to include much ceiling or floor, it's usually not that interesting and it's better to have a closer shot of point of interest.
- Take a couple close up shots of the detail work.
- Take several shots to make sure you have captured the best possible shot. Digital photographs don't cost a penny so snap away.
- Take photographs during the day, night shots give an appearance of a black hole. The only exception would be when there is an interesting view outside maybe a metropolitan city with lots of lights.
- Add extra lighting, if possible. (Lights on stands can be purchased at your local camera store.)

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