We want you to be a model
We can’t promise you a Paris catwalk or a multi-million dollar contract, but we can promise you’ll have fun with your 15 minutes of fame in the Mid-Valley. Whether you’re cooking, hiking or doing the tango—alone or with the kids—we’d love to see your favorite photos. If we decide to publish them, we’ll contact you first so you don’t have to worry that your photo will show up in any unsuspected way. Then we’ll ask you to sign a model release that says it’s ok for us to publish it. Next thing you know you’ll be signing autographs.
When sending photos be sure to include the names and ages of people in the picture, and tell us where the photo was taken. Also include your contact information and let us know
if you would like to have your prints returned to you.
Email your high resolution photo to:
photo@mommag.com
Or mail your photo to:
MOM Magazine
2532 Santiam Hwy SE #102
Albany, OR 97322
Download the
photo release form.
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Picture tips
1. Get close
As a general rule, the closer you get to the subject, the better your pictures will be. Getting close eliminates distracting, unnecessary backgrounds and shows the subject clearly.
Think about showing just enough of the scene to make the picture clear and interesting. Be sure to check your camera manual to learn the closest distance at which your camera takes sharp pictures. Many cameras cannot focus closer than four feet from the subject.
For group portraits remember one thing: make every bit of the frame count. Don't waste an inch. Ask everybody to squeeze together. Arrange them so bodies overlap and faces dominate the picture. Don't worry about people's legs; zero in on the group from the waist up and fill the frame with smiling faces!
2. Use a simple background
A simple background focuses attention on the subject and makes clear, strong pictures. Take control and move your subject or your camera to find a simple, uncluttered background. Avoid black or very dark backgrounds.
3. Look for good lighting
Adequate lighting is essential to expose film, but good lighting can make your pictures more interesting, colorful, dimensional, and flattering to the subject. Strong sunlight is only one of many types of good lighting.
Some people are surprised to learn that cloudy, overcast days provide the best lighting for pictures of people. Bright sun makes people squint, and it throws harsh shadows. On overcast days, the light is soft and flattering to faces.
4. Hold your camera steady
Sometimes good pictures are missed by overlooking the basics. Holding the camera steady is vital for sharp, clear pictures. When you push the shutter button, press it gently rather than jabbing it. Even slight camera movement can rob your pictures of sharpness. Use a brace to steady your arm or use a tripod, if available.
5. Use your flash
You can improve your pictures by taking full advantage of the flash built into most cameras. It provides extra light when you need it, especially indoors, and it freezes action for sharp pictures.
Be sure to stay within the "flash range." This is the range of distance which will be properly exposed. A typical range is four to twelve feet. Check your camera manual for the effective range of your flash. Flash can improve pictures outdoors, as well as indoors. Using flash outdoors will soften shadows, brighten colors and fill shadows under the eyes.
6. Help people look their best
Outdoors, keep the sunlight out of your subject's eyes. Sunlight causes an awful squinty-eyed syndrome. Let your friend look away from the sun so you'll get a more natural expression. Then use your camera's built-in flash; it will fill shadows under the eyes. Indoors, open the window shades, and have friends sit in the soft, diffuse light near the window. (DO NOT take the picture with their back to the window, but try to get the light on their face.)
Avoid dark clothing and clothing that has stripes.
Take a several pictures in case eyes are not fully open.
7. Keep people busy
To avoid stiff, static poses, prompt your subjects to be active. Their expressions will be more relaxed and natural.
