Back to becoming a Personal Paparazzi

Quick Tips and tutorials

Simple guidance to help you take great shots and keep your ratings high.

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Use natural light

Position your subject facing the light source, not away from it
Avoid shooting directly into the sun: it creates harsh shadows
Overcast days are great: soft, even light with no harsh shadows
Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) produces warm, flattering light

Framing and composition

Use the rule of thirds: place your subject off-center for a more dynamic shot
Leave some space in the direction your subject is looking
Include interesting backgrounds that tell the story of the location
Vary your shots. Take at least one shot of each of three poses, in landscape. You might also try wide, medium, and close-up angles

Phone camera best practices

Clean your lens before every session: smudges ruin sharpness
Tap the screen to focus on your subject before shooting
Use Portrait mode for flattering close-ups when available
Hold steady or brace against something to avoid blur

Working with clients

Greet them warmly: a relaxed client takes better photos
Give simple, clear directions: “Turn slightly left” or “Chin down a little”
A session is nine photos and one short video, so check each frame before you move on: there is no spare
Let them know when you're done and confirm they're happy before leaving

The short video

Move slowly and smoothly: jerky motion is hard to watch
Pan across the scene or walk slowly toward the subject
Keep it 10 to 20 seconds: short and cinematic beats long and shaky
Make sure audio isn't distracting: wind noise can ruin a clip