| |
|
|
Learn From Others
Did you know that one of the best ways to improve your own photography
is to look closely at, and analyze, the pictures of others?
Whether it's browsing through a gallery or leisurely thumbing through
a good photography book, many benefits can be yours by a good, hard look
and critique of the photographs.
By tuning into your own emotions and asking yourself some important questions
as you "read" a photograph, you'll gain insight and technical skills that
will certainly help you in taking your own pictures.
Begin by asking what the subject or main theme of the photograph is. Does
it move you and how do you respond to it? How do you suppose the photographer
felt about ti?
Study the lighting. Is it harsh or soft? What direction is it coming from,
and what time of day do you think it was? Ask yourself what might happen
to the picture if the light was different.
How about camera position? Near or far? Low angle or high? Why do you
think the photographer used a particular camera position and what does
it do for the picture? How might another camera location affect the photograph?
Very important, what lens do you think was used and why? How would a change
in depth-of-field alter the final image? What about shutter speed? Fast
or slow? Is the subject blurred in motion or captured at the peak of the
action? Look for the use of filters or any other special effects, too.
Of course, you should study the composition carefully. How are the elements
of the picture arranged and does it all make sense to you?
Finally, is the photograph telling a story? If so, tune into your feelings
about it. Try to interpret what the photographer is trying to say and
what your responses are.
Take that good, hard look at other photography and ask yourself meaningful
questions about it. If you do, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how your
own photography will be enriched and enhanced.
|
|
