«How to make a story

in the shot»
Hello! I am Elena Mikhailova - among the top 3 best
children's photographers in the world according to 35
AWARDS (International Photography Awards) 240
000 followers.

I am a professional child and family photographer, but

also the mother of four children thanks to whom I was
able to make my entry into the world of photography.

I have been doing professional photography more than

10 years and teaching 6 years. I have taught over 6000
students worldwide. I have recently recorded my
classes in an online format.

Over the years I have learned to teach everything in a

simple and easy to understand
way. My extensive experience and professionalism
allows me to teach courses in fine art photography and
post production for both beginners and professional
photographers. Now some of my products are
presented in English.
 I like to use props and accessories in my shots. They are the ones that help to
transmit the story! For one thing, it makes it easier to pose your model because your
hands are already busy with something.
With the different objects, we can transport ourselves back in time! I will
explain this in detail in my free tutorial. But first I'd like to give you some basic
information - if you're a beginner photographer, you'll definitely need it.
Working with props makes the photographer's job easier and beautifies the
shot.
What is photography to me?
It's...
• Creativity (positive emotions,
harmony, feeling of
happiness).
• Memory, history and tradition
of a family.
• Representation of a value that
is transmitted over the years.
• A tool that allows us to
preserve and pass on the
history of the family to the
next generation.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova www.lena-photo.ru

 Art photography is...
• Composition
• Beautiful light
• Harmony of colors
• Natural and authentic
emotions
• Correct choice of clothing
• The setting and elements of
the location (logs,
candelabra, trees)

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova www.lena-photo.ru

 My instrumentation
• SLR camera body CANON EOS 5D MARK III and CANON R6.

• CANON EF 135mm f/2.0L USM lens. My favorite. I use it outdoors for 90% during my photo shoots.

• Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM lens. Perfect for the studio. I usually shoot at an aperture of f 1.6 - 2.0.

• Sigma EF 35mm f/1.4 IS USM lens.

• YONGNUO YN600 LED panel with light temperature adjustment

• 3200 K-5500 Kelvin.

• Flashlight for photographs 3000 Кelvin https://oldi-light.ru/fotofonar_lc_standart

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova www.lena-photo.ru

This photo shows the width of the camera lens angle.
The further away the camera focuses, the better the background blur - the bokeh.
I like the 135mm lens for this, but beginners can start with the 50mm, it's a cheaper lens.
For those shooting 70-200mm, my advice is to shoot 200mm.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova www.lena-photo.ru

 Rules of photography
composition
• Respect of the rule of thirds
• Symmetry
• Depth of field and blurring
• Image - frame ("frame in photo"
effect)
• Lines
• Diagonals
• Triangles
• Patterns (repeating objects)
• Texture
• Odd Objects Rule
• Composition filling
• Simplicity and minimalism
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
• Composition airiness
• Lateral shooting point
• Color composition - color theory
• Direction and Space
• Balancing and Balance
• Contrasts
• Reflections and Shadows
• Silhouettes
• The most important rule of
photography is: don't follow any rules!
www.lena-photo.ru
 The rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is a trick that has been used for centuries by painters and is still
widely used in the composition of a photograph. By dividing the image into thirds and
placing the subject at one of the points of intersection of the imaginary lines obtained,
it is believed that the image is more dynamic (compared to a composition that places
the subject at its center), but harmonious at the same time. The rule is so popular that
some cameras have viewfinders with a grid of thirds to help the photographer.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
 Depth of field and blurring
In photography, depth of field represents the area where objects in the image still
appear sharp and sufficiently focused, even though there is only one plane in focus.
In technical publications it is often abbreviated as PdC (Depth of Field) and is also known
as sharp depth of field.
Rule of <<Inner frame>>
• Try to "close" the photo with objects such as arches,
trunks, trees.
Rule of diagonals

• It creates a sense of dynamism and

movement in the photo. The image
becomes clear and understandable.
• The most important elements of the
photo are placed along the
diagonals
• Make sure that all elements of the
photo tend to be diagonal (hair,
clothes, position of hands and
body).
• If this is not possible at the moment
of shooting, try to adjust the lines in
post-production

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
 Triangles
For this composition technique, divide your image with a diagonal from corner to
corner. Then, draw a line from one of the other corners until it meets the first line (at a
90 degree angle). Insert the elements of your photograph so that they are within the
triangles and you're all set!
Photo Filling Photo airiness

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 Silhouettes

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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How to work with composition

• Correctly choose the

angle from which to
shoot
• Choose the angles of
inclination
• Choose diversity and
variety
• Choose the location
carefully

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
 Now look at my photos from the background point of view, looking for a dense
background far away I get a nice background blur!

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 When I shoot near bodies of water, I don't let the bright glow in on the water,
the water should also have a dense background.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
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 I really like photographing structured trees with roots..

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 When you find the right background, you instantly make your character
stand out and the photo looks great.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
Here I use diagonals and rhythmic objects.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 Center Positioning
While doing this in every situation may seem tedious, placing your subject in the middle
can also create a well-balanced end result and convey a feeling of tranquility in your
images (particularly, when the background is symmetrical).

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
Photo Horizon

• The horizon should never pass at head height

• Neutral horizon lines are at shoulder and hip height
• It is better to stand higher than the model so that the
horizon line is out of the frame. Doing so, however, the
subject will be lower, so you must correct this point in
post-production

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
 Reduction
• This technique consists of the simple fact that
the further away from the camera the subject
is, the smaller its size.
• Reducing perspective brings out objects of the
same or similar size that are at different
distances from the camera. The viewer will
perceive the depth of the photo because they
know that these objects are actually the same
size.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
Aerial perspective
Pairs of contrasts:

• Shadows appear closer than lights;

• Contrasts seem closer than less contrasted areas
• Areas with saturated colors look closer than areas with
pale colors.
To achieve this type of
perspective it is sufficient to choose
any two types of pairs among those
described.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
 Tonal perspective
• All warm-toned elements appear closer to the
observer than cold-toned elements.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
 Color Theory
• Color is a sensation that is created by light rays in the visual
organs and interpreted by the brain. It is a chemical and
physical phenomenon, where each color depends on the
length of the waves
• Color is a fundamental factor in the composition of a photo. It
indicates which are the main or secondary elements, sets a
"rhythm" of observation and causes a certain reaction in the
observer
• Color is created by light. The less light, the less color.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 Color parameters
• Tone— is what we usually call "color": blue,
red, green, purple....
• Saturation — is a color parameter that
indicates the intensity or purity of a hue
• Brightness — indicates the degree of color
difference from white or black, thus
determining whether the shade is light or
dark.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailiova

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 Color Psychology
This or that color palette can generate different
emotions. With the help of color, you create a
specific mood in the photo.
They stand out:
• Exciting colors (red, orange, yellow). They convey
positive emotions of joy, happiness and fun.
• Soothing colors(green, blue, purple). They invoke
emotions such as sadness, anger but also
serenity.
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
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Soothing colors Exciting colors

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 Primary colors

• Red
• Blue
• Yellow

Master Class byElena Mikhailova

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 Secondary colors
• They are the result of the fusion of two
primary colors:

• Orange
• Green
• Purple

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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Use a mobile app
Color Wheel

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 Color book
• Johannes Itten «The Art of Color»

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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How do I make a story in the shot with
the right clothes and props?
It is important to choose the right clothes and I
will now give you a list of what I use.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
 Clothing top
• Fur Coat
• Coats
• Jackets
• Knitted sweaters
• Vest (fur, knitted, sewn)
• Tights (beige, gray, best to avoid black)
• Leg warmers

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 Shoes
Preferably monochrome

• Leather boots (brown, gray, beige)

• Rubber boots (such as yellow or green)
• UGG
• Retro sandals
• Shoes not black (it would be better to have a
color that matches the complexion, not
leather)
• Boots (preferably not black and not leather)
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
 How to find the right clothes?

• Looking for our wardrobes and • Hiring a stylist

in those of the models • Commissioning a tailor
• Borrowing from our friends • Subito.it
• Obviously buying or renting • Other second hand sites
• ZARA, Uniqlo, H&M etc. • Ali Express
• Sewing by ourselves • Flea Markets

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 Accessories
• Headgear (hats, caps, columbus, headbands,
turbans)
• Scarves
• Stoles (thin or knitted)
• Shawls
• Cloaks

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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МАСТЕР-КЛАСС ЕЛЕНЫ МИХАЙЛОВОЙ
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 Decorative objects
• Retro car (real or toy)
• Retro Motorcycle
• Retro stroller
• Antique cradle
• Sewing machine
• Spindle
• Retro toys (horse,
elephant, etc.)
• Violin
• Guitar
• Accordion for children
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
МАСТЕР-КЛАСС ЕЛЕНЫ МИХАЙЛОВОЙ
www.lena-photo.ru
 Decorative objects
• Wooden Pipe
• Wooden instruments
• Wooden toys (airplane,
typewriter, boat)
• Decorative boxes of different
sizes
• Vases (both flower and
empty)
• Transparent umbrellas
• Woven baskets

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 Decorative objects
• Pumpkins
• Metal buckets
• Suitcases, bags
• Nets
• Fishing rods
• Magnifying glasses
• Wooden sledge
• Retro dolls
• Rag dolls
• Wooden boxes

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

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 Decorative objects
• Pitchers of different
sizes
• Old books
• Live bouquets
• Dried flowers
• Stumps and decorative
garlands
• Benches, folding chairs
for the elderly to sit on
during the photo shoot

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
Master Class by Elena Mikhailova
www.lena-photo.ru
It's important to learn how to process creatively!
You'll notice that my photos are airy, snow, leaves
or a light dusting is present. When I can't find these
elements in nature, I add these effects in
Photoshop. I talk about this technique in my in-
depth post production course.
For those who take the course I provide a folder
with over 1900 types of patterns including sunset
sky, soap bubbles, leaves, snow and more. In the
same course I also explain how to treat the skin,
how to get the right complexion and master the
action Skin Tone. Additional techniques can also be
found in my guides on the website.

Master Class by Elena Mikhailova

www.lena-photo.ru
 Only for those who have watched this lesson, a
discount is available for three days!

The Retouching course in Photoshop is for you if:

- You want to learn the most useful techniques in artificial photo post production.
•You want to save time and money by quickly acquiring the knowledge that I have accumulated and
perfected over many years of hard study and practice.
•You need a powerful creative push to get going.
•You're an experienced photographer but want to take a quantum leap in photo processing.
•You are a novice photographer and want to make your passion your profession.

Open the program

«Course of child and family photography»
11 video lessons and guide
This course is to learn my photography
techniques in the genre of children and family
photography
Open the program
62
 Finally, I woud like to remind that
it is:
• Important to keep every tip in mind: when shooting, there are
no details less important than others.
• In the meantime, don't forget to visit my page on Instagram
and Facebook.
• Instagram @lena.photo.ru
• Facebook of Elena Mikhailova
• https://eng.lena-photo.ru
• Support in WhatsApp:
• +39 327 0027 182