5 simple steps to take better photos at home

How many times do you scroll through social media wondering “how does their house look like its from a show on HGTV all the time”? I have a secret, its not like that in real life! But really, that’s not a secret these days is it? We are all smarter than that.

Regardless, its not rocket science to improve your at home photos with a few tips that take no time at all. iPhone cameras are great these days, but photography is about so much more. Lighting, posing, composition, shutter speed, aperture, ISO… have I lost you yet?!

Exactly, that’s why I’ve come up with these fast, free, easy to apply tips for you!

Five tips for taking better photos at home:

1.       Find a room with the most windows, or 1 big window. The more natural light the better.

2.       Open blinds or pull back drapes! Yes, this sounds obvious, but when you’re in a room every day you may not even realize the drapes are covering all your natural light.

3.       Once you have enough natural light turn off indoor lights. Competing lights cast tones into your photo that are no Bueno.

4.       Find or create a clean background. See that clutter? Take your arm and in one swoop shove it all out of the way! Ok, that’s how I do it. You can declutter how you please. But for real, find a clean wall or background- the lighter the color the better and shoot away.

5.       Be aware of shadows. If you find the perfect spot for your subject then realize you are casting a shadow, shuffle your feet/body in another direction until you have soft, even light on your subject.

*Disclaimer: I avoid all photography even with these tips at high noon. That harsh sun beating into your living room isn’t worth the fight- ever! (Free tip #6)

There you have it. You are now well on your way to being your own Instagram model, or making your real life home look like a dream! That’s more of a joke, but you will be impressing your friends in no time!  

Show me your before and after’s by tagging me @lindsayjarrellphoto