How to:: Photography Tips From Katie Evens {Giveaway}
{giveaway is now closed}
When it comes to taking great pictures there are so many things that you need to make sure are in order…the ISO, shutter speed, aperture, lighting, camera settings…I could go on and on! Does it ever feel daunting? Does the thought of trying to master your DSLR camera overwhelm you at times?
That is exactly why Katie Evens decided to write a simple and easy to understand photography ebook, The Key to Taking Pictures Like a Professional Photographer. Taking great pictures and figuring out your camera doesn’t have to be so intimidating.
We get tons of photography questions from our readers and we don’t always have them time to answer them. So when Katie asked us to read her book and do a giveaway we jumped at the chance. Katie explains what her book is all about:
This book is geared toward the person who owns a digtal slr camera but doesn’t quite know how to take the fantastic pictures they desire. I know of many people who own a dslr camera but are so frustrated with not knowing exactly what to do and how to produce awesome pictures. I knew if they just understood some key and basic information they would be able to use that to finally get the most out of their cameras. In the book I start out teaching (in simple, easy to understand terms) what exposure, aperture and shutter speed is all about, how they relate and why they are so important to understand. I talk about camera and lenses and why I use what I use. I discuss camera settings, lighting, composition and I even walk through my whole editing process. I’ve included tons of pictures that will help the reader follow along very easily. Overall it’s a great resource for anyone who just wants to learn how to take better pictures…whether that is for their blog, their family and kids, or their business.
Since my book has come out I have had many opportunities to hear from aspiring photographers about the things they are really struggling with in regards to photography. It ranges everywhere from knowing how to take their cameras off auto, to knowing how to get sharp images. Probably the number one thing people are struggling with is lighting. They want to know how to manipulate the light so they can achieve those breath-taking pictures. What I’m so excited to share with people is that every single concern that people have expressed is found in my book!
To give you a little peek in the book I want to share a little tip on how to achieve that “sparkle” in a subjects eyes. First, when looking for a place to take pictures try to look for open shade. When I say open shade I mean look for a place to put your subject that is shaded without splotches of sun peeking through. You especially don’t want to have sun splotches on your subject’s face. Once you have found your open shade, position your subject just on the edge of the shade to get the best lighting. See examples below:
View pulled back to show the open shade.
Notice the nice even lighting on her face.
{50mm, f2.8, 1/500th,400 ISO}
As a rule I always try to position my subject toward the light source. This can be the sun or even a wall reflecting the sun. By doing this you get the eyes to sparkle. This is called creating a catch light in their eyes. Often the subject’s eyes will look lifeless and drab if they’re not facing a light source. See examples below:
Subject is not facing the light source causing her eyes to look dull and lifeless.
Subject is now facing the sun creating catch lights in her eyes
{50mm, f2.8, 1/500th,400 ISO}
Now for the giveaway…
Katie is giving away 3 copies of her ebook right here on the Crafting Chicks blog! All you have to do is be a public follower of The Crafting Chicks and leave a comment on this post including your e-mail address. The contest will close on May 30 at midnight MDT.
And there’s even more!
You get $2 off Katie’s ebook by using the discount code: CHICKS. The discount will be available for 2 weeks.
So head on over to The Key to Taking Pictures website to order your ebook!
Good Luck!!
Great tips! I would love to get this ebook to improve our photography skills!!
I follow you with Google Reader. And on FB! This looks like a valuable tool to have. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! This looks like a great book – THAT I NEED!
I am a public follower of The Crafting Chicks!!
[email protected]
*crosses fingers*
Sounds like a very interesting book. I love photography, so I’d like to learn more of the nuts and bolts of taking good pictures. Thanks. I am a follower.
ladydpiano-lessons (at) yahoo (dot) com
Oh my goodness! I got a DSLR right after Christmas and would LOVE to get some help with it! This book would be amazing! jennyruth414 [at] gmail [dot] com
My husband would love this book!
This is just what I need…thank you!
Here’s my email…I’d love this book!
Here’s my email I’d love this book. I made the link wrong before.
Great ideas! The book looks really helpful!
I am a follower! And I very much want this! Thanks for the opportunity!!
nikkisheriff(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow Crafting Chicks on GFC. This book looks great, much longer than a few of the others I’ve seen so I’m sure it’s chock-full of useful information!
This book would be awesome!
I would love to be able to take better pictures of my kids. This would be perfect for me. Thanks for the chance to win!
I am always looking to take better pictures! Would love this! Thanks!
Oh I so need this book for my new crafting blog I’m starting soon! and of course for great kiddo shots. Gotta have great pics!
Book looks awesome! My email is mdstolarik (at) gmail (dot) com! Thanks for the chance to win!
I just got a DSLR for Christmas and I would LOVE to learn more! what a great book!!
Looks like a great book!!
Looks like a great book!
What a great giveaway!
Great tips! I’m a public follower and would LOVE to win this! I’m a beginning photographer and would really put her tips to good use. Thank you! 🙂
Oo, I love that book! I wouldn’t mind winning to give a copy to my friend though!
[email protected]
I am a public follower and Im diggin this giveaway!
[email protected]
I follow you with Google Reader! I just got an SLR a few weeks ago before my second child was born! I would love this book to learn how to take better pictures!
This would be SO helpful…just what I need! I am a follower of The Crafting Chicks!
Thanks so much for the giveaway! I’m dying to learn more about using an SLR the proper way. 🙂
bethany(dot)lotterman(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a follower and i NEED this book so badly, i am craving to learn how to use my camera better.
Winning this book would be so great! I’ve had my Canon Rebel digital for years now, but I’m too busy to really read the manual. I need it to be easy and understandable.
[email protected]
I am a public follower of Crafting Chicks. And this book is exactly what I need! I’m crossing my fingers!
I’m a follower – and LOVING!
I would love this book. I have two little boys and I would love to take great pictures of their childhood. I am a follower on Facebook. jaceandjessica(at)gmail(dot)com
This looks like a terrific way to brush up on my DSLR photo skills! Thanks for sharing!
Looks like the kind of book I need!
I’m a follower, I love your stuff, some of the ideas like the three tiered stand I”m putting into action! I would love to get this e-book! I love taking photos and can sometimes get some good ones! I would love some help! Thanks for the opportunity!
I always do that with the sun, but the eyes of my photos are not as sparkling as yours…
I follow this amazing blog! I love all the crafts. Also, I recently bought my first DLSR and I am trying to get better at taking pictures.
I would love this!! I have had my camera for 4 years and have yet to figure it out! I really want to take better pics of my kids. My email is [email protected]
Wow!! What a great giveaway this would be to win….she described all my issues with my DSL camera LOL!!
Public follower on google reader, love the giveaway!
We bought a dslr for Christmas and I would love to learn to do more with it and to take it off auto. I would love to learn how to take better portrait type pics and have them look like the examples above. Sounds like a good book for a beginner like me.
P.s. I am a follower.
We bought a dslr for Christmas and I would love to learn to do more with it and to take it off auto. I would love to learn how to take better portrait type pics and have them look like the examples above. Sounds like a good book for a beginner like me.
P.s. I am a follower and my email is [email protected]
ohhh I’d love that book!
I follow you with Google Reader. I would love to study this book. JaclynStephens@gmail dot com
What a great giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity to win this book 🙂
Hayleywilliams21 [@] Mac [.] com
What an AWESOME book…!!! I so need it..I am having the WORST time with lighting and I have to take pictures for my product I sell!!
Oooh I could use this for my new SLR!! I know there is so much to learn and I have a LONG way to go!!
What a great giveaway I could really use this book!
Cool giveaway! I’m a follower!
[email protected]
Fantastic giveaway! Thanks for the chance!
crafts(dot)petersen(at)gmail(dot))com
Great giveaway… I’ve always wanted to improve my photography skills. 🙂
I love your site. This book would be a great help.
Thanks so much.
[email protected]
I am a public follower of your blog, and it just so happens we just got a new DSLR camera
I would love Katie’s book. I have often said that if I knew how to use my SLR camera I feel like I would be able to utilize all of the functions =)
I would love to improve my camera skills. Taking pics of the kids can be difficult when they’re full of energy so any tips are greatly appreciated! Thanks for the great giveaway!
This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for! I really hope I win!
I would love to get my hands on this book! I’m always trying to get better pictures for my blog and to find something better than a studio photographer that I can afford! Thanks for the free tip by the way. I think I’m going to try it out today!
I would LOVE a copy of this book to improve my photography skills!!!
Wow, that book looks like a great resource! I’m crossing my fingers that I’m one of the LUCKY winners! 🙂
I follow this blog. I would love to read this ebook!
What a great book! I’ve been wanting to improve my photography skills and didn’t know where to start. And summer is when I am most inspired to take pictures. I hope you pick ME!
I would love to win this book. MY husband and I bought a dslr camera and have been struggling with how to take the best pictures with it. this would be great!!
I would love to be able to take better pictures and learn how to use my camera!!!
I follow through google reader. What a great giveway! The books look awesome! Definitely need help with my picture taking!
eleialoa(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would LOVE love love to be so lucky! my email is [email protected]
Oh, I REALLY need this! I just got a dslr and I would love to learn how to use it!
I’m a follower! 🙂
I’m a follower and would LOVE to win her ebook!
Would love this book! Follower and follow on fb.
I would love to hone my photo skills and this books looks perfect! I follow and here’s my email [email protected]
I’m a followerer via email, my google reader adn FB – I don’t want to miss anything! I really need this book! Pick me!
Great giveaway! Would love to win!
I would love to have that e-book. I follow you
I’d love this book!
Oh WOW….I would soooo enjoy this. I have had my DSLR for almost a year and I seriously (and sadly) don’t know how to use it beyond the Auto setting. All those terms are so intimidating that I haven’t tried to learn more. Thanks for the opportunity to win her book !! (Oh, and I LOVE reading/following your blog). 🙂
[email protected]
I love the tips! I follow you on Google Reader
[email protected]
Would love to win the K. Perkes book. Following on Twitter.
I just got a new Canon for my husband and I’s trip to Europe. We took some amazing pictures but I know if I knew more about the camera, I could have gotten better ones. I have also been thinking about taking a beginners photography class. This book would be perfect to start off with. Thanks for the giveaway. I love following your blog!
I am a follower of your blog. Would love to learn more about photography.
I am a follower of your blog. I actually received a Cannon Rebel for Mother’s day and now need to learn the best way to use it. This book would be a great help!!
i sooooo need this book!!!! please pick me!!! 😉
[email protected]
thanks!
I NEED this book!! 🙂 [email protected]
I would love this book! I consider myself an amateur photography and there is plenty I need to work on 🙂
[email protected]
Thanks!!
Wow, what a fabulous giveaway! I would LOVE to win this book.
My email address is katmackham at yahoo dot com
I’d love this book!! I need HELP!! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway. Oh, and I follow you!
[email protected]
Would love this! I got a new camera this past Christmas and was just saying that I need to learn more about it and taking pictures! I follow you on google reader and on facebook. I love this giveaway!
My sweet husband gave me the new D7000 camera last November for our 15th anniversary…..so nice right!
THE THING SCARES ME TO DEATH!!
I’m feeling horrible, everywhere we go…every picture I take….always with the old point & shoot camera. I would love to learn how to use that DSLR….maybe this ebook is just what I need.
How awesome!! Thanks for the chance. sethdeziATgmailDOTcom
I follow! carey3195 at hotmail dot com
these are great tips, I am always looking for ways to improve my photography skills.
i WOULD JUST LOVE THIS BOOK. I GOT A NEW CAMARA FOR MY BIRTHDAY IN FEB AND I CAN REALLY USE SOME HELP UNDERSTANDING HOW TO USE THE THING WHEN IT IS NOT SET TO AUTOMATIC. 🙂
I follow Katie Perkes blog and CC via google reader and would love to win a copy of this book.
I would love to win this e-book I really need to improve with my picture taking!!!! Love this giveaway! My email is [email protected]
I would LOVE to win the book. It would definitely help out a beginning photographer like me.
Awesome giveaway, I am always looking for tips to improve my photog skills. 🙂
I’m not sure how to become a “public follower”, but I do get your feed through my Google reader. At any rate, I’d love the chance to learn more about photography!
Follower here. I’m loving the sounds of this book. If I win it… I promise to give it a good home 🙂
[email protected]
Wow, I would love to win this book! And of course follow this blog!
I’d loooove one! I have no idea how to harness the power of my camera 🙂
[email protected]
I love these tips, I could totally use this book!
Totally need the help! What a great book!
Pick me Pick me!
I could SO use this book, I have three young kids and the pictures I try to take of them are no where near as good as they could be.
lilirishmomma(at)gmail(dot)com
I have a Canon SLR that I have no idea even how to use to the full potential. Would love to learn more!!
Awesome. I have a new slr and have no clue. This would be great help!
I recently purchased a DSLR to take pictures of my young children because we simply can’t afford the price of professional photographer. I am always searching for information on how to use my camera and take better pictures. I would benefit so much from this book and would really really appreciate a copy (and so would my kids:) ! THANK YOU! ! [email protected]
A fantastic giveaway – who can’t use photography help? I’m a follower 🙂
I follow you all, and my email addy is lisasheltie at gmail dot com.
Thanks for the giveaway!
oooh! So much useful information! Thank you!
[email protected]
We just got a new camera and are clueless. Sounds like exactly what we need.
I would absolutely love this book! I’m always looking for tips to help take better picture of my little boys and think this would be very helpful. I’m a follower on facebook. Thanks!
kpowell1210(at)gmail(dot)com
I need it the MOSTEST! Seriously!!!
I just got a DSLR for Mother’s Day and I have no idea how to use it! I would love to win this book!
I would love to have this book!
I’m a follower!
I follow publicly and my e-mail is randeemechamatgmaildotcom. I would love to win!! Thanks
I would love to have this book! Pick Me! 🙂
Love crating Chicks and taking pictures!!
Oh goodness…I sooooooo need this…thank you so much for the chance to win!!!!
Maggie
[email protected]
WOW!!! What a great giveaway. I’m a follower and I would LOVE to win.
shaylouk at hotmail dot com
what a great giveaway! illegibleaddress-at-yahoo.com
Oh, this could be the little push I need to get off the auto setting!
What an awesome book!! I would love it!!
[email protected]
I’m looking forward to reading this book. I’m a subscriber!
[email protected]
This is just what I need!!
I subscribe via, GFC, FB and email.
I would love to win this book! I have been trying to learn to use my camera better and take classes but need more guidance. Katie’s portraits are amazing as are her tips. Just looking over some of them, helped me see things in a different light- speaking of light and lightsources. Thanks for such a great giveaway.
My husband and I really need this. I’m a makeup artist and I’m putting my portfolio together. That sounds like such an awesome ebook.
[email protected]
I’m a follower!
[email protected]
Would love to win!
hburke12(at)gmail(dot)com
im a public follower!
[email protected]
hailey
(you are beautiful because you are made in the image of god)
what a great book, if I don’t win I would definately buy!
This is exactly what I need!
Looks like a great book! [email protected]
What a great book. This would help me so much! Thanks for the opportunity! sla322atgmail.com
Looks like a gem! I would love to learn some tips and tricks! Thanks!
[email protected]
Fun book!
I would LOVE to learn how to take better pictures! We have a nice camera and I am so intimidated by it that I always use the auto feature – terrible I know! It would be so great to take professional looking pictures of my cute family!
Would love this!!! 🙂
Amy at mommyinca (at) yahoo.com
Looks like a great book! I always wondered how to get my kids eyes to ‘pop’. Now if the sun ever comes out again in ORegon, I will go try!
What a great resource! I’d love to win it! Thanks for giving us the chance! Shawnee(dot)haws(at)gmail(dot)com
This book looks great. I want to learn how to use my camera better and take better pictures
I’m a follower I would love a copy of this:)
I follow you on facebook, i’d like so much this book….
sara(DOT)losavio(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This looks like a fabulous book, I would truly be lucky to win one.
I am new to this site and I am loving it. I am a true lover of crafts and learning to take better pictures is something I am in desperate need of, so please pick me.
Awesome giveaway, always looking for photography tips.Would love to win this ebook.
[email protected]
Looks like a great book and I love all the picture examples!
Would LOVE this!
[email protected]
Looks like a great book! I would love it!
Lacey(dot)Welton(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow you with google reader! This would be a great way to learn how to use my new camera. Thanks!!
[email protected]
Oh my goodness, I NEED this book, lol! I take the worst pictures! No matter what I’ve tried, they’re still terrible. Which makes it so hard to be happy with my scrapbooking…
I just got a new camera yesterday for my birthday, this would be a great asset to go with that!
sweetwatercloth at gmail dot com
I think this book is just what I need!
[email protected]
I would love this book! What a talented photographer Katie is!
I WOULD LOVE this!!! I have been looking for a book on digital photography just like this one!!!
i NEED to get better with my dslr. this would definitely give me a boost!
Oh, what an awesome prize. I would love to win this. I have 6 kids and still can’t take a good picture of them. Sad!
Always looking for photography tips. I will try the open shade trick this weekend as I am sure to have plenty of opportunities as a family gathering.
Awesome giveaway. I am a fb follower.
[email protected]
This is a great giveaway. I would love this book! So helpful.
I SO need this book!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! [email protected]
Just in time for all those awesome summer pics!!! This book looks like a must have!!
Im a follower! Would love this book to improve my photography skills. thanks, kara
Awesome!
I am a follower on Google reader and on FB. I am not quite comfortable leaving my email in spybot format, so I will write it out. wnderlnd @ gmail dot com. Hope you understand.
I would love to learn how to improve my photography skills. I just invested in an dslr camera and have no idea how to use it!
[email protected]
What a great giveaway, thank you!
tiahmichelle(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a follower of the Crafting Chicks! What a great giveaway!!
Awesome giveaway! This is what I need. I would love to win! 🙂
I just started following you!
And I would love to win this book : )
Katie is an amazing photographer. I’d love to get this book! Thanks! [email protected]
I would LOVE to read this book! I take pictures of my sweet girls on a daily basis with my Nikon. Sadly, I use it in auto mode but I’d love to learn to take better pictures.
thanks for telling us about this great book.
I am a follower of Crafting Chicks.
Would love to learn how to use my camera!
Just got a dslr a few weeks ago. I would love the help that this books has to offer! Thanks for the giveaway! [email protected]
I would love to win a copy of this book for my husband!
This looks like a great book for a beginner like me. I would love to learn to use my camera to take great pics of my grandchildren.
I have really started to try and take my Nikon off Auto, and learning more about Aperture and Shutter speeds. I really hope I win this book, she seems amazing with her tips and advice!
Pamela @ pbjstories.blogspot.com
Looks like a great book with some very helpful advice, thanks for the chance to get a copy.
This looks amazing! I would really love it! I think I’ve checked out all the books at my library…haha
I would love to win this book! Looks like it has some great tips!
I’m a follower and would love to learn to use my camera better.
[email protected]
Jen
http://www.cutebugdesigns.com
Love to have Katie’s book. I loved your cake tin project too!
I would love have this book! I also loved your cake tin project! [email protected]
Just got a new camera for my birthday in March and need help to figure it out! My daughter has a real talent with photography and is already taking senior pictures without much training! This book would help me learn and her to get even better!!!
This is exactly what I need!
this book is just what I need!!!!
This book is great! Love photography and so does may family. Thanks for the great give away!
[email protected]
I received a DSLR for Christmas but have had little time to learn the ins and outs. I know your book would be a great help before trying to catch some great vacation photos!
This is exactly what I’ve been needing!!!
Sounds like a wonderful e-book with great tips!
I would love a copy of this book. It looks fabulous!
Aelissaolsen at gmail dot com
Well done! Beautiful. I could sure use to learn a few of the pointers.
I would love some tips!
I would LOVE to learn to take better pictures and learn some good tips!! 🙂
This sounds like a fantastic book! Thanks for the chance to win.
Fingers crossed!!!
That book looks like it would be completely amazing!! [email protected]
I could use his book for sure. public follower & justallison02 @ yahoo.com
I could really use this! slarosa at gmail dot com
Oh my goodness what is wrong with me? that’s not my correct email! It is slarosa72 at gmail dot com LOL
Wow! What a fantastic giveaway. Just found your site and love it already. Have started going through the archives from the begining and have found tons of great ideas to do with the kids i nanny. Thank you!
Looks like a great book! I hope I win! 🙂
This book looks like the perfect remedy for my scrapbooks and for projects for my home! I need all the help I can get. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for the great giveaway.
I would love this book. I am just starting to learn how to use my camera.
It would make my year if I got this book. I just got a new camera and would love how to learn to use it better! I have two young boys and love taking photos of them! I would love this book!!!!!! Thanks for the great give away!!!
Opps forgot my email. [email protected]
Learning my camera.. and need some help 🙂 Really bad!!!