VISION: Let's Take A Look

We have been through enough technical aspects to give you a very small arsenal to work with when taking pictures. Granted you all don't have big cameras to do fancy things, but we have visited on of the most important tools in photography and quite frankly, all art work, composition. Composition provides the backbone for creating 'eye catching' photos. It's the most important tool in making photos that stand out above the others.

Our goal now is to take the things we have learned and to practice them much like an instrument. But you are going to add the twist of science lab and experiment with VISION. See yourself behind the camera, looking for pictures, creating images.

In an earlier blog I told you to watch music videos. Have you? Vision can come from things that inspire. What inspires you? For me it can be photo magazines, blogs and more blogs (this 2nd blog is from a follower, Mike, Lily's Uncle, check it out!), workshops and competitions along with watching the cinematography in movies and music videos of course.

When thinking about composing, think in these terms:
1. Find your subject
     A)  Ask; Can I get closer?
     B)  Are there leading lines to use?  -- roads, fences, rows of trees
     C)  Frames- windows, archways, tree branches, are any of these available to point out my subject
2. Rule of Thirds
    Use you basic rules for positioning your subject. How you place the subject lets the viewer know
    what is important. Once you are familiar with the rule, 'rules' are meant to be broken.
3. Light
    Twilight hours create the best dramatic lighting. Learn to 'see the light'. Look for those opportune
     times of lighting. Position people for the light. Work with shadows. Use a flash to fill in harsh facial            
    features created by bright sun.
4. Color/Texture
    Color & Texture create mood, sit off your subject, make eyes 'pop', and create an interesting contrast.
5. Perspective
    Simply changing the angle (be sure to click 'continue reading this post' once you are at this site to see
    ALL the cool pics) can provide a fresh look to your photos.
      A) Head to high ground- great for faces. I've had wonderful success with groups and this technique,
           although you have to work fast to avoid kinks in the necks.

      B) Get on eye level- See the world from your pets perspective, a baby's view, or even an ant.

      C) Shoot from below- This give a sense of height. If you have sky behind you meter off your subject
           not the sky.

      D) Take a look- If you can't decide to shoot landscape or portrait (horizontal/vertical) do both and
            decide later which you think looks better. That's the beauty of digital, it doesn't cost you a cent.

      E) Tilt- Adds whimsy, movement, action, fun!

HAVE VISION! Develop your eye for the things happening around you. It requires you to be aware of your surroundings and then carry your camera for the moment you see "that would make a great picture. OH SNAP!"  Keep snapping, Mrs. B.