Photography Tip: The Details
Posted on | December 23, 2009 | 10 Comments |
I’m not a pro at photography but I love to learn anything in this area in order to improve my own skills. A few weeks ago I read Scott Kelby’s The Digital Photography Book, and learned lots (I love that my work’s library has access to full blown e-books now… new release books too… I’ve been reading a bunch!!). One thing that caught my attention was this: Instead of trying to capture the whole thing take photos of the details. Even though Kelby’s suggestion was for travel photography the concept can be used for anything. Here’s an excerpt:
“I’ve heard a lot of photographers complain about the results of their urban shooting, and much of the time it’s because they try to capture too much. What I mean by that is that they try to capture the entirety of a majestic building or the grandeur of a magnifcent cathedral, but even with an ultra-wide-angle lens this is very, very hard to pull of . That’s why the pros shoot details instead. For example, instead of shooting to capture the entire cathedral at Notre Dame in Paris, instead capture details that suggest the whole—shoot the doors, a window, a spire, a gargoyle, the pigeons gathered on the steps, or an interesting architectural element of the church, rather than trying to capture the entire structure at once. Let your photo suggest the height, or suggest the craftsmanship, and the mind’s eye will f ll in the blanks. By shooting just the details, you can engage in some very compelling storytelling, where a piece is often stronger than the whole. After all, if you want a photo of the entire cathedral, you can just buy one from the dozen or so gift shops just steps away. Instead, show your impression, your view, and your take on Notre Dame.” (pg. 166)
So the other day I went and put his words into practice when I took these ornament photos. Instead of taking a picture of the whole tree I took photos of my favorite parts of the tree.
In a way this is how I like to scrapbook too — the details or have a focus on one thing. There are different styles of scrapbooking and the one that fits me best is where my page shows one or a few similar/related photos that tells one story. This way I am also forced to choose the best photo(s) — digital photography has made it so easy to take 100 photos of the same event and you don’t need them all to scrapbook or even put into an album.
For the page I used some Nov & Dec’08 Scarlet Lime goodies and new My Mind’s Eyes pattern paper (the base) and Christmas die-cuts + American Craft alpha.
Have a great one and I hope you get a chance this holiday season to grab some awesome photos of the event.
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Great photos on an amazing layout! Love it!
Add a CommentThx for the tip!! Cute page!! I love the color!
I just wanted to say Merry Christmas!
Add a CommentWhat a great tip that we should be reminded of-great layout too!
Add a CommentGreat tips! Thanks for sharing! :-) Great page… love the way you used the die cut sentiment! :-)
Add a CommentWow gorgeous page and great tips!
Add a CommentLove the photography tips! I’m still a completely newbie with my digital SLR, and need tons of help, lol!
Add a CommentThanks for the tips, I can always use help in this area! I LOVE this page! Your pages are always GREAT! I took some pics of details on my tree, I think I need to try a page like this! My New Year plan, is to scrap more. I am SO behind! :)
Add a CommentThanks for the tip. Love that layout!!!
Add a CommentOMGosh! I am totally in love with this page! And thanks for sharing this great tip! It obviously worked out great for you, and I can’t wait to try it out and get back to my scrapbook.
Add a CommentThanks for the tip!
Add a CommentWhat a GORGEOUS page, Savitri!!! You are so inspiring! I would never able to create like you.