How To Get That Perfect Shot – My Favourite Photos of 2015

I’ve always enjoyed photography. It’s an art form that I’ve had an interest in since I was a kid. There is something about capturing a touching moment, fun times, incredible landscapes or unbelievable happenings that really resonates with me.

The actual camera itself fascinates me too. How a relatively simple little machine can produce such beautiful art is incredible. Some great examples below from the Time Magazine annual photography contest can attest to this.

Now, I’m no Richard Avedon, but I don’t think I’m a terrible photographer either. I’ve picked up some tips along the way that have really taken my photography from run of the mill, to “better” than run of the mill.

Here are a few of my favourite photos that I have taken of the past year and how I took them, and what makes me love them. Enjoy!

1. The shot below was taken at a fashion show with low lighting. I used a 50mm lens here on my Canon Rebel T5i (which was recently stolen!!!). I tried to capture Andrea walking down the runway in the best light possible, which meant me blocking the view of front row spectators. Whatever you can do to get that perfect shot, right? In hindsight, I wish the subject was less exposed so that we could better see her cute outfit, and less focus on the two bums next to her!

2. Here is a shot from the fantastic Sketch restaurant in London, England – possibly one of my favourite shots ever. With the beautiful colours on the ceiling, goose egg-shaped stalls, giant nest in the centre…it was a veritable feast for the eyes. This photo was taken with my iPhone 6+ set on “HDR”. I crouched down a little to ensure I got the nest and as much of the pretty ceiling as possible.

3. Here I am at the National Capital Race Weekend in Ottawa last May. I was on the sidelines (shameful!) with my sister. This little cutie was anxiously awaiting her dad to cross the finish line. Here, I had my Canon T5i with the standard 18-55mm lens. This was a little bit of a fluke. I was trying to capture motion, and then noticed her and her adorable sunglasses and took the picture. Her mom was staring at me the whole time and I thought to myself: “Oh jeez. I better get her permission.” I also enhanced this shot using the VSCO app.

4. Here we have two graffiti artists at work creating a giant mural at the Ottawa International Music Conference. I snapped this using my Canon T5i with a 50mm lens to soften everything while capturing the sharpness of colours. I’m not great with a 50mm lens. Most of my shots with this lens turn out blurry if I don’t have perfect light. Still, I found this to be a really interesting picture. I just wish I didn’t cut off their legs! The human eye is always drawn to missing limbs in pictures.  Sigh.

5. One of my favourite shots of 2015 taken in London, England with my iPhone 6+. No filters – all me! This storefront was so beautiful and colourful, I just had to take a picture. With the architectural interest, bright green plants contrasting with the canary yellow and royal blue? Too good to pass up.

6. This is my friend Jenny’s neighbourhood located outside of London in Maidenhead. She lives on the Thames across from this gorgeous English tudor. This part of the Thames is dotted with willow trees, lindens, oaks and maples, all in the midst of growing their leaves for summer. I love everything about this photo. I used a vintage filter on it which funnily enough, enhanced the greens in the shot. Taken with my iPhone 6+.

7. You all know why I love this pic. The shoes!! I was practically lying on the ground of the Makers Space North where the Ottawa International Music Conference was taking place. Since I had great light behind me and I was lying perfect still using a 50mm lens, the shot turned out crisply with fabulous colour definition. YAY!

8. Another one taken last year, and one of my favourite shots of all time. My beautiful sister Erika sitting on a boulder at the end of my street. It’s Thanksgiving Day, it was warm and beautiful, we had the giggles, her hair looked awesome, she was wearing the most fabulous colour and we had that “golden hour”.  Amazing. Taken with my Canon T5i set on AV to blur that background nicely.

9. Now, I wouldn’t normally include a photo of myself, but I really liked how this turned out! My hair was good, the crazy pink lipstick popped, the red berries in the snowy background were lovely, and I loved the “graphicness” of the houndstooth coat and turtleneck. My friend Emilie actually took this with my brand new Canon T6i using the standard 18-55mm lens. This camera is the updated version of the T5i. I’m really loving it. Emilie captured this moment by crouching down and angling the camera upwards – a proven way to capture a flattering full body shot (which I cropped – haha). I touched up the photo using Adobe Lightroom to enhance all of the colours.

 

And that wraps up my favourite photographs that I took last year. Now that I’m done choosing these pics, I’m going to treat myself to a photobook.  Got any photography tips? Let me know in the comments! Always eager to learn!

Stay stylish,