Photo Highlights From Cut With a Cop Event in Mukilteo

Last week I had the opportunity to photograph for the “Cut With a Cop” event in Mukilteo. Here are some of the highlights.

Mukilteo Police Chief Kang cuts hair for a customer

Here are some of the techniques I used for capturing these moments during the event:

Photography is a great way to capture and preserve memories. Whether you're taking pictures of a family vacation or your child's first day of school, you'll want to make sure you get good shots.

Here are some tips for photographing people up close:

Use natural light. If you can, take photos near a window or door that lets in natural light. The sunlight will help wash away any shadows on the subject's face. If there is no natural light available, try using a flash instead of resorting to the camera's built-in flash, which can cast unflattering shadows on people's faces.

Choose the right lens. A wide-angle lens is ideal for taking photos where you want to show more of the scene than just what's in front of you. It will also give your subject more space in which to move around and interact with others in the picture. If you're taking photos indoors, however, a telephoto lens may be better suited if there isn't enough room for subjects to move around freely without getting into each other's way or blocking out each other's faces entirely with their bodies.

Officer cuts hair for a young customer

Find a flattering angle on your subject. Whether you're shooting a portrait or group shot, it's important to find an angle that flatters your subject. Ask them to stand or sit facing away from windows and bright lights so you can see their face clearly in the frame. Make sure their eyes are open (or at least one eye) and their lips are relaxed so they don't look like they're frowning or pouting.

Be aware of background clutter or distractions in your images — especially if you're using an instant camera that only takes one photo at a time! It's easy for something like a messy pile of clothes behind your subject to ruin an otherwise beautiful photo — so pay attention to what's happening behind them as well as what's happening in front of them when you take a shot.

When using flash, be sure to bounce it off something or diffuse it with an umbrella or soft box so it doesn't look harsh on your subject's face (or cause red eye). If you have no other choice but to use flash directly from the camera, try using the lowest power setting possible and turn down the shutter speed if needed so the flash doesn't overexpose your image (you'll need at least 1/200th of a second for any ambient light when using flash).

Customer looks happy and engaged

If you're trying to capture someone's face up close, get down on their level and photograph them from below. This will make them look more powerful and dominant. If they're sitting down on a chair or stool, consider getting down on your knees so that your camera is at eye level with them.

Be sure not to cast any shadows on your subject's face—you don't want them looking like they have two noses! When shooting outdoors in bright light conditions, use flash fill to reduce shadows from harsh sunlight; otherwise try using a reflector or diffuser attachment on your flash unit (if available).

Look for moments when they are relaxed and happy; these are usually when they are not looking directly at you or posing for the shot. The best times are when they are laughing, talking or playing with other people — but also look for those times when they are simply enjoying themselves without thinking about making a good impression on camera (for example, when your subject is deep in conversation with someone else).