Have fun and always be curious with your photography.
Looking at the world through a camera lens brings a different kind of detail to life. Everything begins to take on a new character and we may find ourselves with new interests as we look closer at something. We may start to become aware, through fresh eyes, how charming the neighbor’s gardens are or how ornate that office building we pass every day on our walk to work is. Shadows, doors, lights even a less desirable view of an area in disarray, like one patch of flowers in an empty lot with litter strewn about, could become compelling images.
Family Events. Photograph a comprehensive view of a family gathering, then narrowing a bit to focus on the kids laughing as they play on the floor and then zoom in once more and show the details of the meal set on the table. Those photos will help us feel the joy of that moment and smell the burgers on the grill. What seems ordinary will look different when we shift our view.
Household Objects. Look around the dusty corners of the basement or garage. Open the junk drawer. Take a photo of your child (or pet) as each of you looks under the bed for a toy. Peak into the attic or gaze into the roaring fire in the fireplace on a cold night. Then, while composing the photo, use shadows and light, narrow your focus, shooting an object with a tight depth of field or with a Macro lens and create a different perspective.
Still Lifes. A favorite type of photography, it’s truly an art form, very subjective and endlessly creative. Think of it as painting with a camera. Fun fact: Photography is painting with light. Shapes, lines and color all play into these types of shots. Lighting also matters. Whether we have studio lights, are using a desk lamp or the sun – keeping some control over the direction and uniformity is essential. A tripod with a quick release or using a camera timer is also helpful because we will most likely be using a slower shutter speed in these creating situations.
Architecture. Use buildings to add character, pedestrians to give scale, roads to carry the eye or flowers to add contrast and color when shooting architecture. When working a skyline shot, find locations with expansive, uninterrupted views. First, look at the scene without the camera then again through the lens scanning for detail and visualizing the photo you’d like to take.
Gardens. As we move into springtime, beautiful flowers, buds and other life will start to emerge. Take photos over time, showing the growth or use in a stop-motion video. Gardens are ready-made and beautiful all year round – even snow-covered gardens provide depth and detail (shooting in black and white during the winter is very dramatic). Try bringing into the photo something that will catch the viewer’s eye like a statue or other physical feature. Use leading lines to draw the eye to the chosen point of interest.
Discovered Still Lifes. Another favorite photography type is creating simple photo works of art. These creating-moments can are all around. Take time to ‘look up, look down, and look all around,’ and you’ll not only get to see more of the world but “see” and create great photographs. Special equipment isn’t even necessary to take incredible discovered still lifes – just an imagination and an open mind.
The possibilities are endless!
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.