A quote from hockey star Wayne Gretzky “You miss 100 % of the shots you don’t take."
I say it all starts with inspiration. What is it that motivates us to pick up our cameras and "Take the shot" It is different for all of us.For some it’s about feeding the artistic monkeys on our backs and for many others it's all about sharing the world around us. Social media and the internet have given us the tools to learn, share and be inspired. With so many awesome photos and talented artists out there it is easier than ever to be inspired.
Photos can mean different things to many people. A photo may spark childhood memories from your hometown or perhaps others are motivated to bundle up and get out there. Whatever it is that inspires, we all love photography in one way or another.
When we see that "Wow" photo we all think the same thing. I wish I was there to take that shot.Well we can in our own creative way, use that energy as an inspirational learning tool. Ask yourself what it was that caught your eye, was it the location, the composition, maybe the subject matter, the points of interest are endless.Review the image and use these points in combination with your own unique skills to help inspire you to pick up that camera and snap that next "Wow Shot”.
10 Quick Tips to Help Shoot Inspirational Photography
1. Shoot in manual mode / try different apertures and f stops (remember to use the meter).2. Don't just leave your camera on a tripod in one position. Pop it off, move around, try different compositions. The more photo choices at the end of day the better.3. Use the rule of thirds to line up the shot. As it appeals to your eye. |
4. Sometimes you have to break the rules to be artistic. Experiment, be creative5. Shoot portrait and landscape. Mix It up.6. Zoom In / zoom out. Look for an interesting crop7. Look for different foreground objects to help create an interest In your landscape photos. |
8. Use lines to pull your eye into the main subject.9. Look for unique lighting opportunities. For example, shoot early mornings and evenings for colorful light, night light for dramatic effects, cloudy days for good colour saturation. Before and after storms can produce great skies and lighting.10. Review your work and the EXIF file (computer settings info) with a critical eye. Learn to recognize what works and appeals to you. Use that knowledge to capture stunning photos on your next outing |
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As said by Confucius; “Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see”“It is our privilege as photographers to share this beauty with the world and inspire others to see” Mark McCulloch Tell Me. What Inspires You |
Article and photos by Mark McCulloch