For this post I have decided to go back through some of my past photos and find the ones that I feel are good examples of the key points stated in the article, "Yours, Mine, and History's" found at the link below.
Eye Catching:
This is an image that was taken last semester when I had an assignment to take flower shots. I have decided to pull up pictures that numerous people have appreciated. This is one of those shots that right when people in the class saw it they liked it. It is eye catching because of the curves and how the two flowers are interacting. They work well together, and as some say, it looks like they are dancing. I enjoy it for its simplicity and flow. There is nothing harsh about it.
Strongly Composed:
This composition is of my dog Buddy. Why would this be considered strongly composed? Well first off Buddy is looking into the frame. All of his body is in the frame and there isn't any coincidence of lines. In addition he is the dominant dark object in the frame therefor drawing the attention. There are many different aspects of composition. This shot is also good because the angle is taken from about eye level of Buddy, as opposed to being taken looking down at the dog, it would not have the same effect.
Relatively Few Picture Elements:
Yet again I have used a picture of Buddy. In this shot, the picture elements are few. What is the focus? Buddy's eye. The shadows and the blankets do not have a million colors that distract from what we are focusing on. In addition these elements are blurred to draw the focus back up to Buddy's eye. Simplicity is often key in photos. If you have too much going on or too many elements you are going to end up with a sub-par shot, which you may love but in the event of marketing it doesn't get much of a response.
No Elements Surplus to Requirements:
As stated before simplicity is key when framing images. If there are two separate things that you would like to take a picture of but they are so far apart that the focus goes to neither, take the shots separately. Don't try and kill two birds with one stone in photography, that nearly always causes your composition to take a hit. In the world of digital photography TAKE AS MANY PICTURES AS POSSIBLE!!! We don't have to pay for developing the shots if we don't like them. So take a picture of each element that you like, get in close and keep it simple. Let the elements of the shot work together to make something great!
Lighting and or Surface Reflections:
I have used an example of both aspects of this tip. The first shot was taken at sunset. It shouldn't come as a big surprise since the best lighting is during sunset and sunrise. It provides wonderful shadows and warm light for subjects. The second shot is the reflection. It was taken in the middle of the day. Though I was not right out in the middle of everything. I was in the shade and avoiding lens flare by the sun hitting the water. My favorite aspects are the colors, the shapes of the clouds and the way the water picked up on all of it. Use these things to your advantage!
A Limited Color Pallet:
You can't get much more limited than two colors. By limiting your color pallet you can naturally bring emphasis to your subject. In addition it eliminates distracting elements that could make or break your shot.
Have a Message or Evoke a Feeling:
How much fun was it when you can get outside and play in the leaves? Just hearing the crunch of them when jumping into a big pile is satisfying enough. Some adults even find it invigorating driving through the piles of leaves that are on the side of the road to be picked up by the city. Don't lie you know if you haven't done this you have always wanted to! A good picture can evoke feelings or memories in other people. What can you take a picture of and how can you compose it to evoke that feeling?
Tell A Story:
What story is this shot telling? If you have ever been on a farm or spent 10 minutes with an old farmer you know what it has to say. This is the life that my grandpa has lived for over 40 years. His cows are his pets. You can go anywhere or talk to anyone and guaranteed you learn of at least 5 stories you could tell of that person. And how many stories are told in a person's face? For so many aspects of photography you just have to open your eyes!
Leave You Wondering, While Feeling Complete:
This image is one that can really leave one wondering. I wondered about the entire setting while I was taking this shot. How do the trees survive in such an environment? How do these steps of glass (water) arise? Yet the image is complete. In addition it also uses lighting and reflection. It is important to have a complete shot, keeping in mind to not have too much in the shot. One must find the balance.
Unusual or Unnoticed:
This shot was taken at what could arguably be the worst time to take pictures ever. Though the weather was less than desirable and the sky was far from pretty I got down close. How many people had passed up this leaf? How many people had nearly stepped on it that morning? When in doubt get closer to something. It is important to not only notice the big picture but also the little things.
Add A Little Something Magic:
The magic comes unexpectedly! You can't plan for magic to happen apart from waking up at the crack of dawn or before to get out and set up for the sunrise, or getting set up before sunset. The little something magic that happened in the picture above was the shape of the clouds. This cloud to me looked just like a goose flying in to land. It was smooth and elegant. Magic happens more when you get out and take more pictures.
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