As we approach our Photo Walk this Saturday, I thought I would send you some thoughts to help get your creative juices flowing ...
Are you interested in trying something different with your photography? Does your photography need a "shot-in-the-arm" as mine often does these days? Perhaps you are not traveling much - or at all - these days, and you feel "bored" with photographic opportunities in the area? Believe me, it happens to all of us!
Perhaps the Photo Walk is the perfect opportunity to try something different!
For example, you could consider doing only black-and-white photography at our walk? Our winning photographer last year concentrated on Infrared photography, producing spectacular and dramatic images. Want to see the winning image and my critique? You can LINK TO IT HERE.
You know, years and years and years ago (about 10), in the days of "wet" darkroom work, a lot of film photographers (including me) slaved over trays full of smelly chemicals to turn out beautiful black-and- white prints. Today, with the magic of digital photography, we still have a "darkroom" but now it's called the computer! With image editing software - from iPhoto to Photoshop Elements to more sophisticated programs you can create black-and-white masterpieces!
Here's the thing, while many of you have digital cameras that can be set to actually take photos in black-and-white (the camera processes your image as you capture it), you are far better off taking the photo in the normal color mode. You can get much more stunning results by later using the software on your computer to do the black-and-white conversion. This gives you a lot more tonal latitude and flexibility in producing a winning image - and you still get to keep the original color version.
The point is this: Give your creative muscle a work-out! Consider choosing ONE technique or piece of equipment and sticking to just that for the entire shoot. Why not try just black-and-white, or perhaps HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography? How about this for a radical idea: shoot with just your cellphone camera! Some fantastic, award-winning images have been captured with cellphone cameras. After all, it's about the "violinist," not the "violin." With the proper knowledge of classic photographic theory and a sense for composition, you can make any camera work for you.
Another idea: perhaps you recently purchased a super wide-angle lens or a fast 50mm. Force yourself to use that lens - and master it - by ONLY taking that one lens to the shoot. A few years ago, I spent a month in Italy with only a Nikon D70 outfitted with a Lensbaby. (www.Lensbaby.com). It was eye-opening, to say the least. By not having the usual panoply of lenses and other accouterments, my mind wasn't cluttered with choices. My photography was more deliberate and studied.
You know what? For our photo walk Saturday, I think I'm going to do just as I suggest here! I am going to leave my D700 at home and just shoot with my iPhone! I love the built-in camera it has! (see my blog for lots of examples: www.SandroCuccia.com).
Talk to you again soon!
Regards,
Sandro Cuccia
Photo Walk Leader
Please subscribe and listen to my digital photography podcast --- the MyPhotoTech Podcast. Available free via iTunes or www.MyPhotoTech.com
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