Morale Booster
While we are all having to keep in our bubbles by being in this Rāhui (Rā - ban or restriction, Hui - gathering, assembly), it is easy to derail, take a wobble and feel like the world is collapsing. Or get too relaxed and not keep to the confines of your bubble. Yesterday I had cabin fever and today I found a good way to be positive in my bubble. I know in times of gloom and misery, there are times of hope and inspiration to be found. That's what I am now looking for.
I make a list of good things in life. Things I am grateful for. I make this list every day and as I do I know it will have a positive impact on the present situation. Acknowledging these with someone like my wife helps. Why don't you make this your one 'must do habit'. It could help you not derail in daily life. It can help you develop a level of simplicity, and get through the tough days that will hit each and every one of us in these challenging times. Oh by the way - it's not easy!
Make that list every day. Read it out loud to yourself or another person each day - build on it!
In my blog on the 4 April, I offer 4 aspects to photography and this blog is about the second aspect. Have a level of simplicity in your images. Often images have far to much clutter - possibly like the wardrobe. Subjects are lost and there is nowhere for the viewer to latch their eye onto. That's why a level of simplicity and a clearly defined subject and the background will help create better images.
Cover Image:
Panasonic, G9, f/6.3, 1/200sec, 400mm = 800mm, ISO-100 - 'Derailed'
I was amazed to see this, and maybe it was just the angle I was on. Either way, the image has a level of simplicity with the curves key to the image - something different and quirky. This is where your observation skills reap the benefits for the photographer. I would not have seen this if I was not looking around at the time.
Panasonic, G9, f/2, 1/1000sec, 56mm = 112mm, ISO-400 - 'Bruce'
Kathryn van Beek is a local author and has created a wonderful children's book based on a wee kitten they inherited. Bruce the cat and his adventures are unique and worth getting. It took a few shots to finally get a portrait and the simplicity aspect of this image focuses on Bruce's head with no distractions in the background. The image is taken at Bruce's level - where he feels good to be and so creates a natural-looking photo.
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Panasonic, G9, f/16, 20sec, 15mm = 35mm, ISO-100 - 'Iced'
Two key elements give this image a level of simplicity - the two rocks as the main subject, with the third subtle bottom right rock that is submerged adds a subtle third subject. It could have been better if the third rock was more dominant. I like the water as it is similar to ice. An ND filter was used to allow a slower shutter speed as it was midday.
Panasonic, G9, f/6.3, 1/250sec, 15mm = 35mm, ISO-400 - 'Mates - Social Distance'
Capturing a genuine social distance moment I stepped back to shoot this moment. The three key elements are Jo with her wonderful genuine laughter, then Tim and Kathyrn which connects the story. Although there is plenty of minor elements the clearly defined subjects are the three people conversing.
Andy`s Photography Tip: 'A level of Simplicity'
Consider your photography as art! One of the rules from my blog on April 2 when composing an image was;
2. Have a level of simplicity
Some questions to ask yourself that may help;
- Could you go closer to cut out other clutter that is distracting,
- What are the key elements in your frame - keep the number low,
- Does the subject dominate your image or are they lost in the clutter of other aspects of the frame?
Keep your images simple!
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