Summer is finally here! Sunshine, trips to the beach, days at the pool, and trying your best to capture every moment in between. Whether you consider yourself to be artistic or not, you want to snap those sweet moments! And as much as I would love to go on every vacation with you, that’s not an option.

So - how can you improve your quick snaps this summer?

1. The Rule of Thirds

   Sound hard and like some crazy photographer term? It’s actually pretty simple! The rule of thirds is a compositional rule. You know those lines that show up on your iPhone camera when you turn on a certain setting? That’s the rule of thirds.

   Basically it’s a mental (sometimes physical) grid that breaks up your photo into thirds. 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines that create 4 intersecting points. (didn’t think you’d have to use math did you?) Lining your subject up with one of those points or lines creates a well composed photo! This can apply to a horizontal image or vertical.

   So for example, when you’re taking a photo of someones face, it’s best to line it up on the rule of thirds. Their eyes with the top third, nose in the middle, mouth/chin on the bottom third. I’ve put some examples below. It can apply to landscapes, portraits, really anything. Even painting…but I won’t get into that now. #thephotographerwhopaints

2. Frame your Subject

Chances are there’s going to be a million things going on around you when you take that photo. Going along with the rule of thirds, make sure your subject is in focus and framed. Foreground is a great way to play with this! The unprofessional version of the word foreground is the blurred out stuff in front of the picture. It can actually help frame your subject!

Practice using the things around you to help draw the viewer to your subject. Use a beachball for color, a flower, even sun glare to point your eyes towards your subject. You could even get your kids involved, letting them find things to use in the foreground.

Another easy way to frame your subject is the vignette setting. You can find this on really any editing app or software. With just a little adjusting, your subject can go from alone on a landscape to dramatically framed. Instagram also has focus adjusters in the editing tab that can be helpful.

Here are a few examples of foreground and vignette!

3. Be Intentional

The whole reason you want to capture that moment is because it has meaning and you want to remember it. So be intentional. Something I’ve had to learn as a photographer, married to a “non photographer,” is that sometimes just enjoying the moment is best! With that being said, this is my career and I highly encourage capturing moments. SO be intentional and choose those moments well. Maybe take the first 5 minutes you’re at the pool and snap a few photos, then take the rest of the time to swim with your kiddos and leave your phone.

By being intentional about the moments you capture and using the “rules” above, you’ll be able to take pictures you’re proud of. It won’t take a million selfies to get the right one, maybe only 25. ;)

Like I said above, you can even get the kids involved! Using you imagination and creative side of your brain (because everyone is creative in their own way) is something missed out on too often in this generation. Be present, be intentional, and have fun!

I hope these few little “rules” help you take more images you’re happy with this summer! Get creative and remember to have fun!!

Be sure to tag me in any photos you take using these suggestions! #malloryjophototips