#SnapSydney 2018: Celebrate what you love about where you live

NEWSLOCAL’S #SnapSydney campaign returns for its fifth year on Thursday, November 15 and here digital picture editor Nicholas Eagar gives you his top seven tips to nail the perfect pic.

Sydney writer and yogi Phoebe Loomes cools off in the Giles Baths at Coogee. Picture: Nicholas Eagar

IT’S time to start showing your love for where you live with a snap.

NewsLocal’s #SnapSydney campaign returns for its fifth year on Thursday, November 15, when Sydneysiders will set out to capture the heart and soul of their city and share their photos on social media across 24 hours.

All you have to do to join in on our annual snapshot of Sydney is take a photo that embodies where your live and post it on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #SnapSydney.

Sydney sunrise from Central Station. Picture: Nicholas Eagar

But you don’t have to wait until November 15 to get snapping. We want you to show us what you love most about your city now, starting by putting the places you love in the frame.

To help you get started, News Corp Digital Picture Editor Nicholas Eagar gives you his top seven tips to nail the perfect pic.

7 TIPS FOR TAKING THE BEST LANDSCAPE PHOTOS:

1. COMPOSITION

This is top of the list for any photography and smart phones aren’t immune. Consider what your primary subject is; what is it and how does it naturally appear in the real world, and how best you can visually represent it. If you’re shooting a full moon, you’ll want something in frame to give context to its size and how it appears to the naked eye.

2. DON’T USE FILTERS

This is especially true of Instagram filters. Frankly, they’re washed out and will reduce the quality and integrity of your photo. Photoshop Express and Lightroom are great free apps to make subtle edits to your exposure, shadows, etc. There is also a great app named NightCap that can mimic the ability of a DSLR cameras ability to take long exposure photographs.

Alyce Bennett cools off in North Sydney Olympic Pool. Picture: Nicholas Eagar

3. KEEP STEADY

I’ll often dig my elbows into the top of my hips so as to keep the phone rigid and in-place. No more shaky cam! This is also a good way to shoot panning video, using your shoulders to guise where the phone-camera is pointing. However, another option is always to pick up a smart phone tripod on eBay. I’d recommend one with flexible arms so you have greater control for your composition. A small tripod will come in especially handy when shooting the moon and nights sky.

4. FRAMING, FRAMING, FRAMING

Before tapping that snap button, be sure to consider what’s in the edges of the image. Is there a rogue tree branch getting in the way, do you want the branch to compliment the framing?

Patchy clouds over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Picture: Nicholas Eagar

5. SAY NO TO FLASH, JUST NO

Unless of course you want your images to have a b-grade horror film vibe.

6. ALWAYS CROP, DON’T ZOOM

Those finer details will get lost in distortion. Take a wider frame and crop in to maintain definition of your subject.

7. CLEAN YOUR LENS

We take our smart phones anywhere and everywhere, so be weary of the cleanliness of your lens and give it a once over with something soft and lint-free. Preferably a lens cloth.

Amazing sunrise from Macdonaldtown Station. Pic: Nicholas Eagar

HOW TO TAKE PART:

Put Thursday, November 15, in your diary to share photos of your family, favourite local spots or landmarks and loveable local larrikins as part of #SnapSydney.

Instagram: Post your pictures using the hashtag #SnapSydney and tag us @SnapSydney so we can repost them.

Twitter: Tweet your picture with #SnapSydney and mention @SnapSydney.

For full terms and conditions, visit snapsydney.com.au.

HOW TO #SNAPSYDNEY