every picture tells a story …

It seems like at least a few of you really want to know more about photography,  just like me.  And since I strongly believe we should help each other as much as possible, I’ll be posting a few photo tips here and there, with apologies to everyone who already knew this.  This is NOT a technical post, just something easy that anyone can do.

Ever since I’ve had a camera – dating back to the very first little point and shoot that my dad bought me, I love to get really close to my subject.  Or even just a part of it.  Only to find out it is a well known photographic principle - “filling the frame”.  All it means is that you fill the frame of your viewfinder or LCD screen with whatever it is you want to take a photo of.   That’s it.  It works with any type of camera at all. 

Let me show you an example from some photos I took in February.  Below is a camellia bush.  It’s OK but nothing special. 

When you focus in on individual flowers, this is what we get.

 

Yes, I did use a “good” camera and lens.  But in this case, it’s simplifying the photo by getting in there that really makes the difference.  Want proof?  This one below was taken with a 7 megapixel point and shoot a few years ago. I think it is still pretty.

I really love this technique when photographing people.  Just fill up most of that lens with their face.  It is amazing what a difference it makes.   I’ll even use it to capture an architectural detail that interests me. 

You can’t always do it, and you won’t want to anyway.  (Because who wants to photograph a pebble if you’re at the Grand Canyon?)  But it is a good way to add variety and a little more “oomph” to your photographic arsenal.   And anything that makes us look at the world in a slightly different way is probably a good thing anyway. 

So “snap” (sorry, couldn’t resist!) to it, and let’s see what you can do!

Have a great week!

Best,

Stephanie