How to take great photos of local characters as part of #SnapMelbourne 2017

SOME of the best photos ever taken are portrait shots but how do you elevate the quality of the ones you take from the ordinary to the exceptional? Check out our expert tips.

Jess Pelich at Preston Market sells the only Russian donuts of their kind in Melbourne. When taking photos for #SnapMelbourne think about images that tell a story or show a slice of life, Canon experts suggest. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

THE best thing about Melbourne is often its people — but what is the best way to capture them in a photo?

This week #SnapMelbourne is focusing the lens on the loveable characters in your neighbourhood.

It could be the lively spruikers at your local market, dedicated volunteers who make a difference, the buskers who make music or the friendly barista who makes your morning coffee — who are the people who make your suburb a vibrant place to live?

All you need to do is post your photos on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #SnapMelbourne.

Just remember to make the Facebook photos viewable to the public so we can see them.

#SnapMelbourne will culminate in a national day of snapping and sharing photos on Wednesday, November 22 to create a snapshot of our city.

Chef Jack Lawrence with apprentice chef Lisa Parker at Now and Not Yet, a Warrandyte cafe that donates proceeds to local causes, photographed as part of #SnapMelbourne. Picture: Hamish Blair

#SnapMelbourne: 12 Melbourne desserts that were made for Instagram

Next week’s theme will be My Family, My Home. Details: snapmelbourne.com.au

Thanks to our national partners Canon Australia and Harvey Norman Photo Centre, and our state partner Barry Plant.

CANON COLLECTIVE TIPS FOR TAKING GREAT PHOTOS

- Use auto ISO to help you get correct exposure in settings where there is various lighting elements

- Use a lens with a variable zoom range to capture wide angle and medium focal lengths that help tell the full story of your subject

- Location: before shooting think about finding a background that will contrast with the face of the subject.

- Relax your subject: everyone has seen a picture where the subject looks awkward and posed. The more comfortable and happy you can make them feel, the better the photograph will be.

- Consider the angle: often people simply stand and snap, but shooting looking up or down on a subject can create a new and interesting image.