Subject, Composition and Perspective
By IJ Hudson
This installment has very little to do with photo equipment. It has more to do with what you shoot, how you shoot it, composition, and perspective.
What you shoot
What a crazy topic. “I shoot lots of stuff.” Yes, but do you really choose subjects, or do you just whip out the phone and take a quick picture of whatever’s going on – maybe of the plate of food you want to share with your sister in Iowa who’s on a diet. Doesn’t it make sense to be able to take that shot without thinking about it? That’s why I suggested in the last blog that you really, really figure out all the things your camera phone can do. It can change almost everything, and you may not have a lot of time to change the setting. It’s always easier if you get it right in the camera, than it is to correct things later.
Great subjects must catch your eye. Does it stand out because of its color, shape, or where it is (cow at a gas station)? Is it historic, unusual, have wings, claws, a beak, venom….? Does it remind you of something or someone funny? Is it just plain beautiful and you want to share?
Composition
Composition, what to include or exclude, can make a big difference. Are you close enough to really show the focus of the picture? Are there colors in nearby things that could make a better background? I hate to keep asking questions, so I’ll stop and just provide a few tips:
Do not take the “usual” picture that everyone else has taken. Shoot from a different angle. A low angle is often best for landscapes. I can get down, but I have to take my time getting back up. Look at these two photographs. See the difference. Low angle, and something interesting added.
Shoot pictures early morning or late afternoon. Try sunrises and sunsets. It’s hard to take a bad picture and you have the added benefit of seeing it in person. I can do this because I take naps.
Shoot, take a break, review the pictures. Learn from your mistakes and find what you like.