We’re in the photo business so our preference will always be to work with the highest quality files we can. If you have a DSLR, then great! If not, your iPhone is also capable of producing high quality images. Keep reading for more tips on how to maximize your device.
As incredible as iPhone technology is, please don’t use Portrait Mode or similar settings for this. These modes work by trying to replicate what is known as “bokeh” or the blurred background that you often see in portrait photography. Sometimes iPhone technology can blur too much of the image which makes it difficult for us to select the parts of the image we need. Stick to the normal camera mode here and you’ll get a better result.
The angle and level on which you take your image is an important consideration. For best results, take the photograph at the eye level of your subject. This often means you will need to kneel or squat if you are photographing young people. If squatting, make sure you can still hold the camera steady to avoid camera shake and blur.
Light is perhaps the single most important factor in taking a quality photo. A lack of light can result in blurry or grainy images as your camera works at maximum capacity to try and focus on the subject at hand. If you can find a space that has great natural light then your photos will better off. If you’re the photographer, keep the sun (or other light source) behind you. If you’re the subject, make sure you’re facing into the light.
Plain or solid colour backdrops are critical in us being able to remove the background from the subject. Please try to avoid exposed brick walls or any backdrop that is a similar colour to that of which your subject is wearing.
When framing your photo, make sure you include enough space around the head, shoulders, arms and elbows. Images can be cropped from about mid-thigh.
If you want to use a prop in your image such as a basketball, football or soccer ball, that would be great! Try to avoid using props that are dirty or have your name and phone number visible. Please also refer to our suggested poses page for the most effective ways top incorporate you sports equipment in to your image.
If you child’s hair is normally worn in a ponytail, consider bringing the ponytail forward and sitting it on your child’s shoulder for the photo as seen here. Photographs are two dimensional so if the camera can’t see the ponytail it will look as though your child has very short cropped hair.