Take better pictures with that Selfie Stick (Part 2)

If you’re reading this, chances are you saw my previous article entitled Selfie Sticks? – I wouldn’t be seen dead with one!

If that article didn’t move you to buy one then maybe the following will:

My first day using the selfie stick had us still in Shanghai. I was determined to make the most of the remaining time available to get used to this new tool.

The important thing for me was to capture as many shots of the wonderful sights experienced to serve as a photographic reminder long after the trip. To get the most out of the selfie stick my first action each day as we went out was to attach my smartphone to it and test it. This was important as at times it didn’t respond. Once satisfied I would then delete that photo.

For the balance of the day I would carry the phone attached to the selfie stick by my side ready for the next photo opportunity. When that opportunity presented itself I could turn on the camera application, extend the selfie stick as required and hold the stick with both hands in front of me manoeuvring to get the best view in front of me or at a location 2 – 3 feet above me. A great innovation when walking through crowds that limit your vision at ground level.

So many memorable photos to take but how personal would they be to me when I reviewed them in the months and years ahead? What did I need to do to make them more interesting?

It was at this time I realised why so many people took selfies of the scenery with themselves in the foreground. OK, that may be interesting for them but not so for others who they may wish to show the photos off to. So I hit on the idea of including in the photo my partner or the person accompanying me. However, rather than taking it the selfie way, I would ensure they were off to one side as part of the scene rather than dominating it. That way the picture took on more of a personal meaning and in the years ahead would be so much more precious.

Another extension to this idea was to take accompanying photos of the same area without my partner in them. That way I had some with and some without of the same scenes. A great choice for when I came to edit and delete photos.

Finally, one thing our smartphones enable us to do is take panoramic shots. Sometimes we will edit individual photos and stitch them together. Doing it this way can give much more clarity to the end result as it will be a series of high quality individual shots used.

A way to later identify photos taken this way is to bookend the series of photos with….a photo of my feet!!!When I was reviewing the photos, on seeing a shot of my feet I’d be alerted to the fact I had a view that warranted a panoramic series of shots to be taken. The next task was to edit it accordingly. I won’t go into the details as that is for another time…

Hopefully once you try the selfie stick you will be convinced this little accessory can add so much to the quality and range of your photos which can then be enjoyed later at your leisure.

by Alex Sharp, Age Hacker

Do you have any holiday photography tips or tricks? Share with our other GrownUps members in the comments section below.