Photographer Page

Catherine Karnow

The best light for shooting is early in the morning and late in the day.

A man bikes past California oak trees on a grassy hillside. Photo Tip: Photographer Catherine Karnow used tree branches to block direct sunlight as she shot this side-lit cyclist. The branches became a strong foreground element.

Headed to Fisherman’s Wharf, a San Francisco cable car travels through Russian Hill, a residential area with cafés and shops. Photo Tip: To stop a racing car, or someone riding a bicycle, start with 1/1000 of a second.

Whether photographing loved ones, family pets, or strangers, thinking ahead is key to capturing the personality, emotion, or character of the subject you are photographing. In this gallery, get expert tips on understanding what you need to make the picture you want. Here, a woman photographs her sister on the beach near Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, California. Photo Tip: If you practice with people you know, you’ll get more comfortable. Equally important, know your gear well enough to use it without thinking.