Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Do I have a shooting style?

Today I'm thinking about how I take photographs, or what Kat calls my shooting style.  For me the equipment part is pretty simple as I just use my Canon G12 which fits into a little black purse that I carry with me everywhere.  No additional lenses, bags or tripod.  This make it pretty easy for me to capture things I see while out and about.  There's a part of me that would like to try using different lenses and filters but I think I need a lot more time just using the camera I have before stepping over that threshold.

I'm still learning to use the modes of this camera and I usually shoot in the program mode or the aperture priority mode because I often use the macro setting and like to have the background out of focus.  Also I am more and more using exposure compensation and the histogram.  I'm beginning to push myself to do more experimenting with camera modes, depending on the situation.

I love natural light, especially the late afternoon and evening sun.  I'm very fond of things that are back-lit, especially flowers and growing things.  I'm also drawn to long shadows and spots of brilliant colour.
That's not to say I don't also like monochromatic views and rainy days.  (The three photos here were taken after a heavy rain in my back yard.)




Pretty well all aspects of natural light are inspiring to me.   My response to light is intuitive.  I've always been aware of colours and shadows and glowing light and I love to attempt to capture it with my camera.  There's still a lot to learn here.


As for location, the world around me is what inspires me, whether I'm walking to the library or exploring a Mexican village.  I find I'm often more excited when I'm in a new place, but if the light is glowing on a tree outside the grocery store I'll be inspired too.  Although I'll bring my camera to a party and take a few photos, these are not what get my photographic juices going.








I usually bring my camera with me everywhere I go--and sometimes I'll even use it to take a photograph or two.  But my preference is to take some time alone to go out alone with my camera and really explore a subject in more detail.  Often when I'm with another person  feel constrained or hurried and just end up grabbing a couple of shots when I know there is much more to be explored.  I think that for me to develop my photography I need to be more deliberate about this.  If I create the time I can do the experimenting with settings get into the deeper meditative flow with my subject.  Also to really study and learn about light and exposures and focal length by doing it consciously.








7 comments:

  1. I LOVE those droplets pictures, they are just great, the focus and the light. Beautiful to see. Thanks for sharing, I like your words too.

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  2. These are fantastic photos of dripping wet nature. I love how sensuous water makes these plants look. Plus, the up-close-and-personal view point accentuates that sensuality. I feel alone with the image and my feelings about it.
    What is the plant with the pink-red feathery flowers(?)? It is so different.
    -Eileen

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    1. Eileen, I think it's called a foxtail grass or something like that. I planted it a couple of years ago and I find that if I cut it down it comes back the next year. Don't you love the wavy red strands?

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  3. Beautiful shots, especially the first pink feminine one.

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  4. Absolutely adore all of these shots, but particularly the first one! I too am very inspired by light and shadow. For me it is mainly light which creates the atmosphere or feeling in a picture and helps to tell the story.

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  5. You are so calm and sure about what you like and how your style fits that, I love it! I think your idea of being more deliberate and setting aside time is a good one; I need to do that too! I also like how you talk about what gets your "creative juices" going - it's important to recognize that and stay aligned to your inspiration. I find myself wishing for a G12 now, to have it with me always. Or maybe and iphone, I've been wishing for that too...

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  6. It is almost always tempting and rewarding to photograph elements in the natural world, using your natural wonder, in natural light.

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