How to take an epic photo! With Emjay Stevens!

I bailed my very dear friend Emjay up in a corner to give me some tips on how to take an epic picture! I found her advice so good I thought I’d share it with all of you!

How long have you been a photographer?

I Have been an amateur photographer going on 12 years. In 2016 I was also a 2nd shooter at a wedding.

When did you get your first camera?

I got my first camera in 2011.

What kind of phone/camera do you have?

I have a Huawei P30pro And also the Samsung S21 Ultra. I use one of my 2 phones, Sometimes I’ll use them both.

What do you like about these cameras?

I love the fact the Huawei P30pro has so many settings. It gives me a lot of options for my photos!

The Samsung S21 Ultra has 4 Cameras, it’s so useful for taking different types of photos. I’m in love with it!

They both have a pro Feature, So I can set the IOS, speed ect. I can control the amount of light I let in to my photos which enables me to control the look I’m creating. It enables me to get a very dramatic look if I want it.

How do you get your pictures so vivid?

It is all about having the patience to just sit and wait and really eye up what it is that you are wanting to take a photo of. And I don’t always get it right either! I have to calm myself down and continue sitting there because I LOVE getting that perfect shot. Then again, sometimes the less perfect shot turns out to be the best shot! The weather also plays a big part in this. I often take better photos on cloudy days because I don’t have the sun shining in my face, distracting me. Then again, sometimes I need it to be sunny. It depends on the type of look I’m trying to achieve.

How do you find such amazing photo opportunities?

Haha that is the big question now isn't it?

Sometimes I use google! Typing in the question, ‘where is the best place to take photos near me’ is a great start. Other times I might be walking or driving, and I spot an amazing opportunity. It is worth stopping the car (if you can do so safely) to get that perfect snap!

Keep your eyes peeled on Facebook and keep tabs on local events. I once discovered some sunflower fields via Facebook and that made for some fantastic photos!

And other times it's just a matter of knowing that there is something beautiful there, like the Hamilton Gardens.

What do you think makes a great photo?

A lot depends on what you are looking for in your photo. Being patient with yourself and the object that you are photographing definitely helps a lot, you can't rush these things.

Also, the role of a photographer is about interpreting the picture. It’s about helping my viewer see something beyond the picture. It is about what it is that I can make others see within my photography, for example I see a flower, you see a stunning piece of art.

What could someone else do to improve their photo taking abilities?

Practice, practice and more practice! Take your time and don’t rush it. It takes time to get that perfect photo. You can also just play around with the settings and see what each setting does, get used to your settings and pick your favourite setting. That will help you a lot.

Play around with your Black and White settings if you have them.

Take a few different shots from different angles. Sometimes you will find me lying on the ground or climbing a tree, all in pursuit of that perfect shot!

Listen to what people have to say about your photos, you don't always have to take what they are saying on board but always listen, because it is good to be able to see it through someone else’s eyes and get ideas on how you could have seen your subject in a different way.

There is beauty in everything, even in things like weeds. it's just about learning to spot that beauty. With time this ability will come. Not everyone is going to see the same beauty as you, and that is okay. On the other hand, some people might find it even more beautiful than you do!