How To Teach Literally Anyone To Take Amazing, High Quality Photos

I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while because over the years, I’ve become a pro at directing family members, bffs, and bfs on how to take great photos on vacays. People often ask if I always have a professional photographer following me at all times, so now I’m going to let you in on all my lil’ secrets and tips.

(But TBH, if you need someone to take photos of you for a paid brand collaboration – I recommend hiring someone if you can.)

Finding someone to help you out with photos isn’t the hard part, teaching them the technicalities is. And although photography can be extremely technical, we don’t need to make it rocket science for those who don’t want to pursue photography as a career. Today I am going to brief you on how you can teach literally anyone to take amazing, high quality photos of you when a tripod are self-timer aren’t an option.

How To Teach Literally Anyone To Take Amazing, High Quality Photos

1. Know your camera and set up the settings beforehand

First things first, you need to adjust the settings on your camera for the other person. You want to make this process as easy as possible. Setting the camera to Auto, or setting up the settings yourself beforehand, is crucial and will save you a lot of failed photos and wasted time.

If you’re using an iPhone, just teach them about tapping the screen for locking the focus.
If using a camera, teach them about the red dots that need to be on the object you want them to focus on.
If the lighting is too difficult, flash is almost always fool proof and crisp.

2. Know your angles & implement

You should know which angles you like before asking someone to take your photo.

Typically, photos taken from below are the most flattering when shooting an outfit because it makes you appear taller and slimmer.
And according to statistics, most people’s “best side” is their left, so keep those two tips in mind:) And if you’re really just having an off day, throw on some sunnies and look away from the camera.

3. Show them some inspiration beforehand

Beforehand, show them some inspiration photos for them to mimic as far as framing. This will make getting “the shot” you have in your head much, much easier for both of you.

4. Burst mode is the safest mode

Natural, aka fake candid photos, are typically best. These moments are captured during those “in between moments” when one is not posing for the camera. You don’t want to photos to look too stiff or posed, so having them taken photos in burst mode, is your best bet. Be natural, let yourself flow.

5. Play music and always have an emergency protein bar on hand

Music helps both parties be more laid back, vibey, and fun. And I’ve learned to always have a snack on hand because you never know when you’re going to need to shove a protein bar in his or her mouth to keep them from being hangry. Stay satisfied and smile. 🙂

And once you’ve got the shots, thank them, offer to take some photos for them as well, and be super your cute, loving self. <3