Friday, July 13, 2012

Possibilities of Still Photography

By James Harden


Still Life: Decisions for Your Shot

With such an amazing field of still photography, it's a wonder that more photographers don't focus on this area of photography! Since there are so many options, with both simple and complex scenes, as well as natural or arranged shots, this field lends itself to incredible flexibility. Yet, you will find that deciding which style is the most suitable for you might be the most challenging part of the process!

For anyone just starting out in this field, you'll probably want to keep your scene as simple as possible. With only one to three subjects per shot, you'll begin to get a feel for both arrangement and capture. As you experiment with perspective, lighting, and composition, you'll soon master the basics and be ready to move on as you see fit.

Keep in mind that as you add complexity to your scene, you'll need to spend more careful attention to lighting. Often as you add more subjects, you'll find your lighting is dispersed. Thus, placing a reflector on the side that is dimly lit will help keep your lighting in balance as you add more complexity to your scene.

Still Life: The Natural Approach

If natural scenes are your aim, then be prepared for the elements that you will ultimately encounter. Just like preparing to go hunting, you may need several hours of waiting until the perfect scene presents itself. For this reason, you'll want to prepare the supplies, equipment, and physical dexterity that you'll need for this type of endeavor!

One area of equipment that is essential are items to stabilize your camera. Whether you opt for the more cumbersome full-size tripod, or choose the miniature that still offers stability, make sure your hours of waiting for the right shot are worth it by producing a clear photo. Stability will be an essential element to your collection.

For the materials for your shoot, be sure you have what you personally need--water, food, and the right type of outer gear for the weather. Because weather conditions constantly change, consider consulting a weather forecast as you prepare for your trip. If you have these comforts taken care of, they will go a long way to making your shoot much more enjoyable.

With all of the essentials ready for your trip, also keep in mind as you prepare or wait for your scene that quality will probably be a far greater importance in natural scenes. Since blemishes are much more easily spotted, you'll want to pay special attention to this type of detail. With this in mind, you're ready to go out and explore the world of natural still photography.

Photography: Other Tips for Still

For the best results with still photography, consider holding the camera, not from your own height, but instead from the height of your subject. For variety, you can also capture the same scene from different angles to give your audience unique perspectives. From a handful of photos, you may soon find that the art of photography has really just become an adventure in creativity!

For those who might not have the chance to get close enough to your subject, think about the possibilities when it comes to framing. This might be just the method for removing empty space while allowing you to photograph your subject in their natural setting. With these simple tips in mind, you can go out into the world of still photography prepared for the challenges this exciting field brings!




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