Making Photographs
Earlier this year, I purchased a Canon digital SLR type camera (not a point and shoot pocket digital camera) and wanted to learn how to use it beyond just shooting vacation photos. To that end, I just finished taking a lengthy Photographic Design class. I learned more than I ever expected about design and composition of photographs.
The instructor emphasized that you don’t “take” photographs, you really “make” them. This is accomplished by not just looking at something and snapping off a shot of it, but considering what’s around it, what’s in the background, moving in closer (with zoom or physically), almost never centering the subject in the viewfinder, etc. This also includes the basics of design: Light, Line, Shape, Texture, Perspective.
It’s been interesting how my paradigm for things in everyday life has changed a bit. Things we see in everyday life and take for granted can be great subjects for photography. I am starting to learn what it is to have a photographic eye. I frankly have surprised myself as to how much I really enjoy photography and think it will be a life long hobby.
Here’s a link to the instructors website. He is a great nature photographer and did a great job teaching the classes the past several weeks.
Update: Some of my more recent shots as a part of different photo essay assignments like the one above are posted on my Flickr photostream account (link is also posted in the right column of this site). Flickr is a great place to share photographs publically or for private (friends and family) viewing.
