Parade Preparation

by | Jul 5, 2013 | Tips & Tricks, Updates & Opportunities | 0 comments

I jumped at the opportunity to play patriotic songs on the harmonica with other instrumentalists on the 4th of July float yesterday, so I didn’t get to take any pictures during the actual parade. However, I did get to take a few shots during preparation. What a ton of fun it is to be working along side other families with the Family Encouragement Foundation to remind America that as goes the family, so goes the nation.”

How to capture natural expressions

The most important thing to keep in mind for taking pictures of events like this is to get people to look at the camera or do some fun expression for you. You can still make some great shots of objects and activity, but to really capture the spirit of a lively event like this, you have to engage your subjects. Sometimes people naturally smile at the camera as soon as I point it in their direction, but I must say this is an exception to the rule. When I see a nice composition, I usually compose the shot, make sure my settings are just right, and then peek around the camera to call the subjects name, joyfully asking them to smile at the camera. When they do, it takes but a second to tweak the composition, ensure accurate focus and release the shutter once or twice. The quicker you can take the picture after the person smiles at the camera, the more natural and genuine the expression.

0514_Culpeper-Virginia-USA_Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 45 mm, 1-1250 sec at f - 4.0, ISO 400

Get each article as soon as it goes live!

Recommended Ebook

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Send the next blog post straight to your email inbox!

Thank you for subscribing!