Photography - the journey of contrast and colour.
October 11th 2007 08:51
Just a big pussy cat, but superbly composed
Do you know what is special about this photograph?
There are, in fact, too many features which make this a very special photograph.
I guess you know what the rule of thirds is, and for those who don't I'll give that some consideration in to-morrow's post.
But for those who do, this is an exquisite example. The thirds applies throughout many fractions of the whole photograph, just look and see how many parts of the image are divided into three quite apart from the image as a whole.
The blending of colours is sublime and the composure of the animal many photographers would "die" for.
All exist in harmony and blend together as they proceed from the ground to the sky and without being acutely aware it is feasible many would pass this animal without realizing he is there.
I find such photography and the isolation which creates it has great cerebral appeal.
Rule of thirds
But, given that my average reader is not planning an immediate departure into such a seemingly barren environment may I suggest you take your first steps out the door in order to improve your work
Probably many of you are proficient with simple snaps already and there are not too many under or over exposures, heads cut off, camera shake etc and you are ready to go beyond the basics to improve your craft.
With modern cameras of any description this is comparatively easy.
Most of the hard work is taken out of it by the computerized mechanisms built into your camera even with quite cheap versions.
There is no better place to practice than the local park, even better are the botanical gardens if they are within reasonably easy reach.
Unless you are being accompanied by someone who shares your interests in photography, and preferably is a photographer too, go alone.
Position yourself well, don't photograph into the sun. Open your eyes to what is around you, look behind you, circle around things you see, look up and at the sky, change your position regularly, look for the unusual, get up close, make sure what you want to photograph is well
lit, use a flash if it isn't, and irrespective of the advice given about every day and weather condition is suitable for photography, DON'T get your camera WET, nor yourself and drip water all over, what, to you, is a precious asset.
Botanical Gardens
And do remember, what you see with the naked eye is different to the flat image you produce and that is why angles are so important as you could see by yesterday's images. But you will learn to adapt, learn to be disappointed, most professional photographers take hundreds to thousands of images which they never use, relegating them to the scrapheap.
But the essence of learning photography is click, click, click over and over again, taking many many images and thinking about how good or bad each is and always be prepared for the unexpected.
I'm going to give you two images again today but I am not going to say much about them as I think perhaps most of you are not ready for that yet.
The first is from CNN and note the harmony of the blue colour, the unity of the round barrels with their circular tops divided into semi circles by the central rectangle of the cross pieces and the boy almost in a circle himself and sharing that same blue colour and the odd touch of the white tissue in his hand, the little extra piece or feature used so effectively by so many photographers. It brings a new perspective, a small highlight. And of course the expressive face of the little boy bringing life to the photo of inanimate objects.
This photo is a political and social statement.
I could say so much more and it hurts me not to do so, but I think for you it is a little at a time.
Link to the CNN photograph on oil containers at the refugee camp in Thailand
By contrast, the National Geographic photo is an historical record. Notice the red seal contrasting with its brown surroundings and its eccentric position. You will note that this was mentioned in the article to which I previously referred you.
Here is what national geographic has to say.
Poland's capital since 1038, Krakow, the bustling trade center of Slavonic Europe, entered its golden age in the 15th century, when this historic charter was sealed.
Under the 45-year reign of King Casimir IV, Poland emerged as one of Europe's greatest powers and a thriving cultural center. Scholars (including Copernicus), architects, and artists contributed to Krakow's magnificent renaissance.
(Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Bohemian Rhapsody," July/August 2002, National Geographic Traveler magazine)
Under the 45-year reign of King Casimir IV, Poland emerged as one of Europe's greatest powers and a thriving cultural center. Scholars (including Copernicus), architects, and artists contributed to Krakow's magnificent renaissance.
(Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Bohemian Rhapsody," July/August 2002, National Geographic Traveler magazine)
I could say a lot more about this photo but stop and look at it for yourself and gradually take in the placements, the colours and the effects. Hint, note the hand and the seal almost at the top of the photo. Quite fascinating.
And here is the link:
link to NAT GEO image showing acient seal of Krakow, capital of Poland
I do hope you enjoyed and learned something from this post. And may you enjoy every moment of you photographic adventure.
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Comment by jon
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Comment by Krystal
feelings
Everything is just so beautiful and I'm getting a new kitty cat but it won't be like that one.
Mine is rather small and composed as that big pussy cat is I really think he's quite wild. I think I'll stick to the botanical gardens.
Crystal
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I`m sure that first photo must have been taken in a zoo of some kind - or else was excellently shot at a great speed as the person dashed out the way!
Depth of field is always something that has confused me! I have trouble trying to get the foreground and background in focus on close ups and then sometimes it just does it for me! It`s a very important part of photography that`s for sure!
Some very informative advice. It has been a while since I have got my camera out and I am feeling the withdrawl symptoms. Hopefully i will get out into the parks and try some summer shooting - there are certainly enough flowers in the garden and I have noticed quuite a few moths on the prowl recently too!
Look forward to some more great advice. Keep up the good work
ash
Comment by Miswanderlust
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Wonderful post Katyzzz. Great work!
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Comment by katyzzz
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