Advances in Photography

I finished that photography course I had bought a while back. What I learned is there are way too many things to keep track of in taking a good photo. As I mentioned, there are three primary elements: light, composition, and subject. Within each of those, there are sub-elements to worry about: aperture, shutter speed, exposure, flash, flash diffusers, background, layering, framing, leading lines, rule of thirds, horizon, view (aerial or worm’s eye), lens selection, what to do when a subject is moving, tripods, and shutter release cables.

It’s a bit overwhelming, so I’ve decided to focus on two things: good natural lighting and background. I’m sticking with my point and shoot camera set on auto, and I’m pointing at and shooting stationary objects. Eventually, I’m hoping to add to my repertoire.

What’s amazing to me is that what you see with your eye doesn’t always translate to the best photos. I love scenes in bright sunlight. Joel (the instructor) calls this harsh light, and abhors it. And, as far as photos go, he is right. Unfortunately, the good natural light occurs when I’m either sleeping or eating (sunrise and sunset).

My eyes are also very good at being blind to distractions. The camera, not so much.  Here are two examples of what I thought were good photos until I looked at them on the computer. How fast did you find the distractions?

Here are some that I think are pretty good. It just took me 44 shots to get them. 44. Of phlox.

And in this one, Andres refused to move until I took his picture even though I wanted a picture of Meagan by herself. So I quickly snapped it to get him to move. And I love it. So the best photos aren’t always planned.

As I hopefully make progress in my photographic adventures, I’ll periodically showcase a photo on my Featured Photo tab, and all of my favorites will be available here.