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I was browsing my old photos the other day when I came to realise how I have a habit of extending one arm and holding the camera towards myself when taking photos.

I have SO MANY of such shots.

As you can tell, I’m one who likes to treasure and keep memories of the time spent with friends and families. But when I shoot, I do like to be IN the picture too. At least in one or two.

Say for example, when my kids and I went on a Sentosa Luge ride, or when we visited a Nature Reserve Park, I could always take photos of just the kids while we’re there. BUT you see, I’d like my kids to remember - many years from that day - that I was WITH them too when they had fun! (and often, it’s either there’s no one else around at the time or it simply is more convenient and faster to just take the photos myself than ask someone else to take the photo FOR us)

[After trying out diving in Bali, and waterplay time at IMM shopping centre's outdoor playground]

I know a LOT of us actually have taken photos this way too, which I call ‘the Extending Arm Self Portrait’ way. Hehe.

And. Since it’s a whole new year, let’s start it with something that we can share together. Something fun.

And with that I’d like to announce to you a new Facebook Group called “The Extending Arm Self Portrait” which I just created, and everyone’s invited to join the group!

It’s a way of encouraging everyone to capture even more moments too - especially with their loved ones.

I’ve uploaded quite a few photos to get things started.

Can’t wait to see everyone’s different styles of ‘The Extending Arm Self Portrait’ shots!

Have fun everyone!

I must say, if you’d like to get a good sun tan, then visit the Marina Barrage in the middle of the day. We all went home a few shades darker having spent some two good hours there last week.

Anyway. Despite the hot afternoon sun, there were quite a few kids who still went and had fun at the waterplay area.

And this is one of the many Wilson happened to capture that day.

I like the shot.

Sometime ago I shared my very first Photography Tips, which was on trying out different camera angles.

And today I’d like to share another one. It’s about positioning our main subject in the frame.

When taking photos, quite a lot of people automatically place the subject in the middle of the picture (see sample photo of Vai above).

But the interesting thing is, when the subject is NOT placed directly in the centre of the frame, the photo can actually be more interesting and dramatic.

Rule of thirds:

I remember hearing the term ‘Rule of thirds‘ for the first time from my husband some eight years ago.

And this was what I learned at the time:

-  Imagine two horizontal lines and two vertical lines dividing the photo into thirds (see image above)

- If your object of interest (eg. a building that stands higher above the rest, or a child’s face in close up shots) is placed on one of the points where the lines intersect, your photo will most likely turn out looking more interesting (read: better and less boring).

Here’re two photos to compare:

[Top photo] Vai is placed right in the middle of the frame

[Above photo] Anya is positioned slightly to the side, ie. off-centre

Verdict : The positioning of the subject makes Vai’s picture looks more plain and less interesting.

…

And here are a few more samples from my photography archive:

- When Anya kissed Vai on the cheek : click HERE to view

- Anya having fun with her water pistol and balloon at Vivo City: click HERE to view

- How Vai might look like if he’s grumpy : click HERE to view

- When Vai happily ‘roared’ to the camera : click HERE to view

…

Please take note though that when you’re placing your main subject off-centre, you may need to ‘lock your focus‘ first (because otherwise your main subject will be totally out of focus, ie. blurred)

In most cases, you may need to focus on the main subject first, press the shutter button half way down (and keep it that way!), move the camera and position the main subject accordingly, and press the shutter button all the way down.

Now. This is just one of the basic principles that I’ve come across. Perhaps you’ve even applied the principle unconsciously when you take photos.

Anyway, the next time you take photos, why not try positioning the main subject at different places in the frame to see the effects you create. Does your photo tell the story better when the main subject is placed at a certain place in the frame? It’d be interesting to check them out yourself.

Happy experimenting!

…

Here’s something which I thought will be fun for the post.

See which of the five shots below that you prefer / tells the story best. Any reason?

[Photo]
Anya and Vai keeping themselves well entertained at a friend’s one-month-old baby’s celebration some two weeks ago. Best wishes to the Chia’s family.

[photo]
Am working on our family’s Christmas card, and took some shots of the kids the other day.

And here’s a little ’sneak peek’! Kids and their silly self!

Underground. North East Line Train Track.

On the move.

…

[photo]
Was on my way to Nuffnang’s office to collect my Canon photo competition prize - a really cute Canon Selphy Printer! And this was what the kids and I saw on our train ride there!

Captured by Wilson

Okay not really.

But our little guy IS fond of all kinds of mic. And he simply couldn’t resist the temptation to check one out at our cousin’s wedding recently!

…

Captured by Wilson.