How to take photos at roadside attractions (like Paul&Babe)
Posted: February 14th, 2012 | Author: Julie | Filed under: Downtown, Lake Bemidji, Waterfront | No Comments »
What’s wrong with this picture?
Hello! No really, that is me. I know you can’t really see my face, but trust me, it’s me.
If you are down by the waterfront for any amount of time, especially in the summer you will see it over and over and over. People huddled at the feet of Paul Bunyan or Babe his Blue Ox and saying cheese while the one with the camera fumbles with the buttons, trying to get a shot. But did you know for all of these years you (and thousands of others) have been doing it incorrectly?
What? You say. Surely Not! You exclaim.
But, YES, I say. Indeed you are. Jon Heller and I (of First Light Photography/Jon Heller Photography)
have a quick lesson for you.
1) If your intent is to see your subject along with the roadside attraction then have the people stand in the foreground near you with the focus being them and keep the statues in the back.
Like this:
This photo is not the finished result, rather it is showing you where the people in your photo should be placed. It feels awkward to be that far away from the statues, but you will see in he next pic that the end result is favorable.
2)The camera person steps up closer to the people posing (basically at the curb in this case)
for a final result like this:
See the difference?
3) Trust us
You still see the attraction (P&B) but now you can see the person as well.
If you want a picture of Paul and Babe take one. If you want a picture to show how tall he is compared to your 2 yr old, let the tike run up and hug his legs. But if you are trying to show off friends and family follow these steps.
Now you know!
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