Photography 101

Looking through this blog, I'd say its obvious that I'm no photographer. I am so envious of bloggers who can take gorgeous shots that really make you feel like you're right there experiencing the picture. I just point and shoot. But I'm working on it. To that end, here are some tips I've learned so far:

1. Make bad photos black and white to make them look artsy and poignant. 

Cant you just feel the struggle of the working man?

2. Have fun with mirrors. (Especially if no one is looking)

Aside from Dad looking silly, the paint colors came out really well!

Mom is very excited about her color choices.

3. Play with perspective

This angle makes it look like he's going to topple over!

Or it could have been the fact that I was supposed to be holding the ladder steady.

4. Try to capture the lines and colors that make ordinary things interesting

With the new wall colors, the turquoise booths look really great.
I take back everything I ever said about hating turquoise.

These are beer taps. This photo would be way cooler if amber streams
of ale were pouring out of each- all "Be our guest" style.

 5.  Or skip that step and take photos of interesting subjects

Like how nice the walls look with the new paint!

Or wine glasses. I'm always interested in more wine. 

6. Frame your subject

Who on earth is that happy washing windows?

7.  Capture candid expressions

"I  want to feel like I'm right there inhaling paint fumes with you!"

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand you capture the moment when someone
realizes they got paint on their pants.

8. Follow the rule of thirds 

I feel so fancy when I talk about the rule of thirds. It basically just means that if you divide your picture into a grid of 9 equal boxes, the focus should be on the intersections because our brains like threes or something. But I promise you, talk about the rule of thirds and you'll feel like Annie Liebovitz.

Nailed it.

Does this count as toes in the sand? No?

9. Get out the way

I get this one all the time. Apparently, when people are sanding, painting, and moving heavy things, they don't like a camera fiend getting underfoot to capture the action. German Mike has resorted to yelling "The paparazzi is here!" every time I walk in. (At least I think that is what he is saying. He could be saying "I want pepperoni pizza and a beer!" or maybe  "I bring macaroni and fear"- who knows.) But its cool. I'm principled. I stick to my journalistic integrity and bring the real story to the people- even if I risk getting trampled. 

"Oh, did you need me to move?"

We also brought in extra muscles from New York this weekend.

10. When all else fails, take a selfie. 

Who doesn't love a selfie?

You can choose the most flattering angles!

We'll have other updates this week- things are really coming together! While there is still a lot to do, I have some cool things to share. Stay tuned!

Love Love Love Team Mojito!