I don't know if my photos are considered to be in the "good" category, but I do care a lot about taking good photos. I really like to see clothes on the body, so I take photos on my body, as well as hangar shots. I use both in my reviews and on my blog. I realized it's nice to have hangar shots if I'm collaging the pics. I also take some photos during the construction process.
I live alone, so a tripod is essential, but even when my teens were here, they were not great photographers. What makes a not-so-great photographer? Someone who is rushed (like my teens), someone who is critical (making one very nervous and awkward), someone not willing to try different backgrounds, someone who might not notice that tree growing from your head.
I used to be quite unphotogenic (really, I am NOT kidding) but after taking so many photos of myself, I've learned how to take a better picture. It's just a matter of practice and then noticing what works and what doesn't.
Since I started using a tripod, my photos have gotten much better. I can take as much time as I want (though I am often pretty quick). If something isn't working, I can change location. I don't feel self conscious so I am able to pose more naturally.
I prefer to take my photos outdoors out of direct sunlight. Against greenery, or a fence, or something interesting, but not too distracting. I have an excellent camera and a remote with a 2 second delay, so I have a brief moment to "hide" the remote, turn around, twirl, jump, etc. I avoid the middle of the day when there is direct sunlight everywhere. My favorites are often taken in the late afternoon when the shadows are amazing.
I try to have fun with it.
After I upload the photos to my computer, I use PhotoShop Elements. (I just bought version 10 for my Mac on amazon for $59.) I shoot the photos at high resolution, so I reduce them for uploading. I crop to remove extraneous background or to highlight a particular feature. I sew a lot of black, so I sometimes have to lighten a picture to show detail better.
I then upload to Picassa. I use different resolutions when I post to different venues. When I post on my blog, I use the version where the narrowest direction is 400 pixels. When I post on Pattern Review, I always use the highest resolution (they reduce the resolution, so you shouldn't use a smaller size or you will see postage stamps). When I post here on SG, I use the version that is 128 pixels or the image is too enormous.
That's all I can think of for now.
