What rules do I follow when photographing?
That is the question in our first new lesson from Kat Sloma. That’s a tough question because I usually tend to totally forget the rules when I push the shutter button. Only since very recently do I check what’s in the viewfinder other than my subject
- So that is rule number one, check the perimeter.
Other rules I try to follow (if I succeed is another question)
- The rule of thirds (but often only in photoshop)
- Don’t put the horizon in the middle
- The speed has to be at least the length of the lens.
- Fill the frame, get as close as I can
- Focus on the nearest eye, leaf etc.
- Check the white balance and the ISO before shooting.
- Check for blown highlights and sharpness in the viewfinder.
- And last one: don’t loose the lens cap!!
What I feel I need to concentrate on more is to visualize the final result before taking the photo. Think about what the lens does ( compress space – tele or lengthen – wide angle), what aperture do I need. I tend to always shoot at a very low aperture and sometimes don’t get everything in focus
E.g. here I did think about filling the frame but forget about DOF. I also felt the need to resize it in photoshop and to process it. What attracted me to the photo was the repeating pattern which is now not the focus of the image. This was the SOOC shot:
So many things to think about! Many of these become habit over time, making it easier. These are the rules that help you get the images you want. Do you think you have any rules that are limiting your creativity? Keep a look out for those in the future too.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenbut do you really think you need to think of all these rules when you are shooting your photos? from what i see, it looks like you know exactly what you want to photograph and what the end result should look like, because the result is superb. or am i wrong?? maybe you have already integrated these rules into each picture you take, and as kat says it, they have already become a habit and you don't need to think of them. whatever the answer, i think your photos are beautiful, truly. :-)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYes, I think both these photos are pretty. There are lots of things that go together to make a good photo. Maybe thinking about all these thing help.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWow...you had a lot of rules. I wonder if I have so many rules that I don't even think I do have rules. A continuing puzzle.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI used to play golf, before I'd swing I had a list: feet shoulder width apart, slight bend of knees, chin over the ball, left arm straight, hands gripped properly, eye on the back of the ball-it's a wonder I ever swung at all. I bet you're doing a lot of these rules and you're not in consciously aware of it, or if you are, I bet you could do them without thinking about them.
Oh, I don't know....but I do know your image is very pretty. I too would have been drawn to the repeating patterns, but I like the shallow DOF and soft back drop. Very pretty and delicate.
Monique - I agree with the others that you seem to have integrated very well your list of rules based on the results that we see.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenLike you, I would like to improve my ability to capture my intended shot in camera but I also don't see anything wrong with improving the shot later via Photoshop. For me, editing goes hand-in-hand with capture to create the final artistic result.
thoughtful post! gosh! I'm still learning the words that roll off your tongue - from your photos, I would say you've got a great eye. I love the "filling the frame" pic. I think I need to goggle some of the terms you used! ;-)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI think the way you chose to crop this photo has resulted in a really nice image. And I think the shallow DoF really works for you here. My eye is drawn first to the petals that are in sharp focus, then I notice all the subtle colors between the flowers. There's something soothing about this photo and I keep wanting to look at it again.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThanks for sharing the rules you use--most of them seem to me to be useful and, as others have said, will eventually become part of your picture-taking routine.
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