“Photography for me is a passion, a mixture of science and art that creates magic. If a day goes by without photography, it’s incomplete.” —Scott MacQuarrie 

We take photographs for granted, often disregarding their power to elicit emotions in us. To freeze a moment in time and preserve it forever is simple. However, it's easy to overlook how fantastic photography is.

All of us know that some unique and beautiful moments come only once in a lifetime; like a wedding or welcoming a new baby into the family. Therefore, it's only natural that we want to preserve the most significant moments of our lives to remember all the joy and magic we experienced during those times.

But what is this magic? What is it about taking a picture that enables us to keep a feeling or a memory?

Photography gives us a second chance to enjoy what has already happened. It provides us with the power to preserve a brief slice of time and to be able to enjoy it as many times as we want. 

Never underestimate the magic of photography

It's no news that photography allows us to capture a moment and keep it with us forever. For some people, photography is simply a way to document their lives. But for others, it's much more than that. It's a way of seeing those important events in a new light and capturing their beauty. If you've ever been inspired by a photo, then you know what I'm talking about. There's something about a great photograph that can touch our hearts and souls. It's like they have the power to transport us to the essence of the subject, and to another place and time.

So, what is it that makes a photograph so magical? I believe it's the ability to capture a feeling or an emotion that we might otherwise forget.

Photography gives us the power to hold on to those precious moments and to share them with others. So never underestimate the magic of photography. It can touch our hearts in ways we never could have imagined.

Pregnant woman milkbath photoshoot

What makes a great photo?

Any photographer will tell you that a great eye is more important than fancy equipment. If you want to take your photography business up a notch, focus on these techniques during each shoot. With time and practice, you'll develop a signature style that will make your photos stand out from the rest.

The first thing I always look for is light. The best pictures are those that make use of natural light, either by finding the perfect time of day to shoot, or by using artificial light to enhance the scene. But there's more to a great photo than just good lighting. In addition to looking for good lighting, I also focus on composition. This is often what separates a great photo from a snapshot. By taking the time to compose your shots thoughtfully, you can create images that are much more visually appealing and interesting.

Here are a few photography principles to help you create magical pictures:

1. Rule of thirds: 

This is one of the most basic but important photography principles. It simply means that you should imagine your frame divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and try to place your subject along those lines, or at the intersections. This will help create a more balanced and pleasing composition.

Couple kissing behind a hat

2. Lead room:

When taking a photo of a moving subject, make sure to leave some "lead room" in front of them, so that it looks like they're moving into the frame rather than out of it. This is especially important when shooting sports or other action shots.

3. Use lines:

Lines can help lead the eye into the frame and add interest to a photo. Look for natural lines in the scene, such as the horizon or a road, and use them to your advantage. You can also create lines by the way you frame your subject, such as using doorways or other objects to create leading lines that lead the eye toward your main subject.

4. Use symmetry:

When everything in the frame is perfectly symmetrical, it can create a feeling of calm and order. This isn't always easy to achieve, but it can be very effective when done well.

5. Get close:

One of the best ways to create impact in your photos is to get close to your subject. This doesn't mean you have to get right in their face but getting closer than you would normally shoot will help fill the frame and really make your subject stand out.

6. Use negative space:

Negative space is the empty space around your subject. It can be used to create a feeling of loneliness or isolation, or to emphasize the subject by making it stand out against a simple background.

7. Think outside the frame:

Don't be afraid to get creative with your composition. Sometimes the best photos are those that break the rules. So don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you.

These are just a few of the many photography principles that can help you take better photos. Experiment and see what works best for you. And don't forget, the best camera is the one you have with you. So even if it's just your phone, you can still take amazing pictures if you use these principles to your advantage.

By keeping these three things in mind during each shoot, you can start taking your photography to the next level. With time and practice, you'll develop your own unique style that will set your photos apart from the rest.

So go out there and start exploring the world through your lens!

Girl posing to show clothes in branding photoshoot

 

Hi, I'm Janel!

Janel, lifestyle photographer, with her 2 daughters

Some do magic with their paintings, others with their singing, and others with their writing. I weave my magic through photography. Think about how magicians perform their tricks. They use their skills and tools to create a scenario in the viewer's mind, which enables magic to happen. Photography is a type of magic, too. It may also elicit a feeling of magic in the minds of people when they look at their pictures and relive the experience all over again.

In a world where we are so used to being bombarded with constant stimuli, it's easy to forget how to connect with our feelings. Art can be a form of self-care, and, nowadays, technology has made photography one of the most accessible forms of art. 

I aim to create not only beautiful images, but also images that make you feel. I am certain that the images I produce have the potential to move people's souls... Couples have rediscovered their love, businesses have consolidated their brand identities, and families have reconnected.

My sessions are laid back and truly focus on capturing the magic in YOU (your family, your brand, your product). I am a storyteller and aim to capture the emotion, the connection, and all the small details you never want to forget.

So, let’s do magic together, let’s tell YOUR beautiful story! 

Couple posing for an artistic photo

Kissing couple at sunset

3 Hands holding glasses during toast

Written by

Hello! I’m Janel Kilnisan, living and breathing photography in the vibrant city of Miami. My camera is an extension of my heart, capturing life’s whimsical moments with a magical touch. My photography is a dance of wild, feminine grace, celebrating each unique story I encounter.

Want to capture your own extraordinary moments? Connect with me on my socials or book a session and let’s create memories together.

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