Make Your Subject Pop - Blur the Background with Aperture Priority!

You don't need another camera. The one you have will take pretty nice photos, so don't dwell on that. Now, on top of your camera find the mode dial that says "A" or "Av" - this means Aperture Priority.  Congratulations! You are officially out of green Auto mode. Let's keep going...

Next, your camera should have another dial, either near your thumb or pointer finger. Spin it. This dial should make your f stop (aperture numbers, this is what makes your background more blurry) change. Numbers will be weird, like 5.6, 4.3, 3.5... spin this dial to the SMALLEST number. Think of this way... larger the number (8 for example) will cause for your background AND subject  to be visible clearly. Aperture number of 3.5 on the other hand, will focus on your subject, while blurring out the background. The more extreme the numbers get (larger or smaller), more or less blur will be in the background. This is why professional lenses with numbers of 1.4 or even 1.2 cost up to $2,000. Just for the lens! 

OK, now that we are at the smallest number our lens will go to, keep in mind, this will also give you most shallow are that will stay in focus. Think of it as deli sliced cheese. Which slice you focus on, the rest will be more and more out of focus. Giving you that beautiful portrait POP. If you are using the kit lens that came with your camera, the blur may be more subtle. I would suggest investing in a 50mm 1.8 lens. It is a great starter lens for both landscapes and portraits, and aperture of 1.8 will give you enough light for indoor low light situations, like shooting inside your house.  Best part is,you can find this lens for no more than $150. It is not called Nifty-Fifty for no reason. Let me know if you need any help with finding a perfect lens for you. 

While using this setting, you are telling your camera that the blur is most important thing to you, IT should take care of all the other settings for you. YOU choose the amount of blur with aperture number, and camera does the rest. 

Portrait Mode!

How are you doing so far? Do you have any questions? Just drop me a note at the bottom, I am here to help! Let me tell you a little secret - YOU CAN DO THIS!

Ok, next, let's go over another option you have, it's called a Portrait mode and it's almost like AUTO, but specific for portraits. On your settings dial (same one there green camera for AUTO is, and find a picture of a lady in a hat, or a boy in a baseball hat. By using this mode you will be able to get your kids and friends in focus with a nice blurred background.

If you prefer to use an automated setting, portrait mode if your best bet. 

Say No More to Blurry Photos with Shutter Priority

Have an athlete in your family? A fast moving pet or toddler? Photos you took thus far turn blurry. And I am not talking about that cool motion blur. You need a fast shutter speed! Guess what, you are in luck, your camera can do that. It's a game changer, no joke. 

Start by spinning your main dial to either "S" or "Tv" - called Shutter Priority. Just as it's name implies, you are telling the camera that shutter speed is your priority. What you are saying to your camera is, I want this shutter speed number and camera needs to change all the other settings for you. Next, just like with aperture number, spin the other dial, located by your thumb or pointer finger, and watch the numbers change. Good rule of thumb, I would suggest not going bellow 600 for taking photos of walking toddlers, and a 1000 minimum for running athletes. Higher the number, more freeze of action you will see. Less motion blur. Another thing to keep in mind, lower the number, camera will catch your body movement.

Suggestion, keep you shutter speed number as high as you can, and make sure you support your camera or use a tripod do avoid any hand shake movement. Often, I use my knees, a fence etc to stabilize my camera and reduce the motion blur. 

Solving the Low Light Challenge With ISO Sensitivity

This one is a little tricky. As you know, taking photos in a low light can be a total pain, and in the end you get a terrible image that is too dark and fuzzy. But, you are OK with it since it's too dark in the room where your children are playing or on the stage during their recital, so you call it good. Well, good news is, you don't need to be content with crummy image any more. There is a solution for that!

Changing your ISO sensitivity is the answer. It depends on the type and brand of your camera, there may be a button on the back, or simply go into the menu. The fastest way may be googling or finding "how to change the ISO" on YouTube. There are a ton of tips on there. If your camera offers ISO Sensitivity option - set it. If not, no worries. Set it manually to a high number, maybe start with 800 or higher, and go from there. 

One thing to remember... entry lever cameras usually can not handle too high of ISO. In other words, the higher your number gets, the more fuzz or noise your images will have. Play with it and see what happens.