Cabin Fever
Yep, I hit cabin fever today. We are a week and a half in and the longest I have been stuck in the mountains for is 9 days. This is way different, and yes I am grateful I am not at war, still have employment (at moment) and I have shelter and food. I have someone who thankfully loves me and puts up with my quirks. But today I hit cabin fever where I wanted out, to go exploring in the mountains or rivers or ocean. Feeling this is ok to acknowledge, I have to process it and get over myself. To put it in perspective and consider all those working tirelessly at the front line in the health industry, or other essential services. Again, thank you so much for the work you do, ... thank you, thank you, thank you!
I also hit a bit of a photographer's block today. I did say it was coming and today was it. This is when I reconsidered my challenge and realised I am the boss and can tweak things to make this both good for the reader and inspiring for me to carry on. I often wonder if anyone reads these. But actually the process is helping me get through and I can only hope at least one person may find these blogs useful?
In Rāhui blog April 2, I talked about a clearly defined subject and background. That is today's focus.
Cover Image:
Panasonic, G9, f/9, 1/1000sec, 400mm = 800mm, ISO-100 - 'Wharf Posts'
What is the subject here? Initially, the viewer's eye finds the bold wharf posts making these the defined subject. The reflections add to the image. My eye finds the seagull and wanders away to see the harbour marker. Explore more and I see more markers in the distance and then finally I notice the tree singled out top right. I like this image for these reasons. There is plenty to look at, with a clearly defined subject - the wharf posts and reflection. The background in mist and water complements the image. There is a simplicity to the image, however, there is more to see if you want to explore.
Panasonic, G9, f/6.3, 1/80sec, 400mm = 800mm, ISO-400 - 'Wild Molly'
Molly is clearly the main subject. The key to this image is deciding on where you focus. Molly's head is in focus and especially her eyes. Also given this lens only stops down to f/6.3 if I want a blurred out of focus background I have to shoot from a good distance away. Therefore my angle of view is narrower which will give this result. I like the soft backlight on her fur too. Note the shutter speed is low so I had to focus on breathing techniques to steady the shot.
Panasonic, G9, f/4, 1/125sec, 100mm = 200mm, ISO-100 - 'Jo'
Jo is the clearly defined subject here like Molly. However, the art is how to catch Jo at a natural moment that is authentic and real. ie not staged. We were walking at the same time so I framed up before she looked, then asked her to turn towards me. It took several shots before I cracked what I thought was an authentic image. I angled the camera to give it a different feel. I think it worked.
Andy`s Photography Tip: 'Clearly Defined Subject'
Consider your photography as art! One of the rules from my blog on April 2 when composing an image was;
1. Have a clearly defined subject and background.
Some questions to ask yourself that may help;
- Why are you taking the photograph?
- What is your subject and how would you like to interpret this in an image?
Right: Jo and Molly Critique
Consider the right image here. The subject of Jo and Molly is not a bad memory snap, however, there are lots you could do to improve. Let's critique it.
- They both looked startled and not really at ease, why not get them together and take a headshot.
- The background has to much detail for my liking. Try to simplify the image by less detail,
- The image lacks a dynamic artistic look. You could try to angle the frame and put less in it.
- Lighting is ok, but I know you could get better - why not search or wait for it to appear to enhance the subject.
What seemed to be a nice image when we critique is not that great and by recomposing the subject as above you can create far more appealing and dynamic images.
Please put a comment or emoji below. If you have any questions pop them in the comments box below or send me a video with your questions via Facebook - keep taking photos and get out there!
Andy Thompson
