How To Take Awesome Photos With a Not-So-Awesome Camera

Deidre Clark, founder of Kuumba Community Art

Writer, photographer, and visual artist Deidre Clark is determined to make her hometown of Birmingham, Ala., a better place and she’s striving to do so in part with Kuumba Community Art, a program seeking to increase art awareness and appreciation by teaching children how to express themselves through photography and art.

Earlier this summer Clark organized an exhibition of the photography of students in her spring camp. Looking at the amazing work you’d be shocked to learn the pictures had been taken by pre-teen and teen boys. You’d also be surprised that the pictures were taken with a basic shoot-and-point camera, not an expensive DSLR device.

If you’re looking to take better photos for your blog, but you don’t have the money for a fancy new camera, heed Clark’s advice on snapping pictures.

Slow down. “Often we just want to hurry and get the picture so we don’t miss the moment,” Clark says. “But, it’s a good idea to slow down and look at what’s in your viewfinder.”

Move! “Don’t be afraid to make a photo from as many different angles as you can,” Clark advises. “An interesting point of view makes a great story, a great conversation and can make or break your photo. I tell my students to always consider a photo from the front, back, top, bottom, left and right.”

Pick a side. “Don’t always place the subject of your photograph at the center,” Clark says. “Placing your subject to the left or right of your frame is another way to make your photo more interesting.”

Remember that light is everything. “When making a photograph consider the quality of light. Is it soft or is it harsh? Early morning and late evening provides amazing light. I always say a photo of a garbage can will be amazing with the right light.”

Think outside the box. “Make photographs of unconventional things. I read about a photography challenge that encouraged the photographer to make a photo of a fork 100 times.”

Remember this, Clark says, “The thing that really makes a good photo is its composition and light. You can have great photo without buying a $5000 camera.”

For more information on Kuumba Community Art and how you can help, visit kuumbacommunityart.com.

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