The Philosophy of Photography

My philosophy of photography is a rather simple one. I believe that anyone can take a picture, but only the dedicated can take a good photograph. A good photo consists of a clear composition and subject. Once that  has been produced it is crucial for there to be atleast one of three things; action, emotion, reaction. Action is typically most asthetically pleasing to the viewer because it provides something for the viewer to imagine (i.e. what happens next, what happens prior to photo, etc.). Emotion provides the viewer something to connect to and feel. When the viewer feels an emotion because of the subject in the photograph, that's when it is apparent that the photographer did a good job. Lastly, a photograph containing a reaction in it creates a whirlwind of questions from the viewer ultimately leaving the viewer more engaged and hooked.

When I take a photo I try to be in an unusual view point, I feel this gives me a better chance at capturing a shot that will take a firm hold on the viewer. As far as my subjects go, I will photograph anything. Something that sparks my interest is an automatic yes. A subject that has little interest to me is most often taken as a challenge to see how I can capture it in an intriguing way. The main thing for me when it comes to photography is the ability to create an engaging photograph, without this the photo is almost always lost.

In the future I plan to use my newly found and developing photography skills much more than originally expected. The art of photography is a form of expression I have a knack for and highly enjoy and I can see myself creating a portfolio for an art class, art institute, or even using it toward a job opportunity.

As far as my general skill goes, I have the lucky shots and the right idea however, I have much to practice and master. The only fix for a lack of skill is to grab my camera and go!

My Best and My Favorite

My best photo and what I am most proud of is the up close photo I captured of my cat. My cat Tigger has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. I'm surprised at how well this photo came out because I had no expectations of taking a good photo, I was actually trying to see how far I could push my cat before she got upset with me. I adore this photo because of how it fills the entire frame and the colors and patterns in her fur. The way the light hits her eye is breathtaking and I refused to edit this photo; why fix something that's not broken? I call this photo toothless because she looks exactly like the dragon "Toothless" from the film How to Train Your Dragon.

Elements: Repetition of Shapes

Repetition in photography is a strong point in that when there is a repetition of colors, symbols, or shapes the viewer is immediately more engaged with the photograph. The repeating of shapes also provides a sense of order and places more emphasis on that particular shape. I have given this composition a "shot" but am currently still trying to master it.

Elements: Center of Interest

The center of interest composition is just as it is said, keeps the subject the center of interest. All good pictures have a center of interest, an object that draws the eye's attention.

Elements: Creative Angles

The creative angle composition for photography is rather simple to grasp; it's take at a creative angle. This composition can be fun depending on the subject, most often one has to be willing to get down in the dirt for the photo to hold true to creativity.

I named him George

Elements: Fill the Frame

Fill the frame is a very effective and simple compositition technique in that you simple fill your frame with your point of interest. I highly enjoy this technique and some of my best work is fill the frame.

Elements: Framing

 Framing is a technique used to bring the focus to the subject and most times causes the photograph to be more aesthetically pleasing. I have not experimented too much with this, but when done correctly it enhances any photo.

Elements: Leading Lines

Leading lines are lines within an image that leads the eye to another point in the image, or occasionally, out of the image. I'm not so good at this principal, but I find it intriguing as well as commend whomever masters this skill.

Elements: Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a method used to organize a composition with structure and intention. Typically the rule of thirds is my favorite photographic composition to live by. Personally I feel that it draws the viewers eye to wherever the subject is rather than the viewer simply just seeing the subject in the center of the photo.

My soon-to-be college transportation

The Extras File

Picture with frame



Feather bordered/cross-hatched

Photocard

Creative Ad

Color Collage

A collection of assignments given to me placed in the infamous "Extras" file folder. 

What is Photography to me?

I find a lot of joy in photography for many reasons. I've spent the majority of my high school career exploring all my options in the realm of art and expression finding that though I am enthusiastic toward painting, printmaking, and sculpture, I ultimately am not so confident and quite frankly fail at it. Photography was a quick fix for a missing class hour on my first semester schedule, but to my surprise I have found that I love the ability to get lucky and capture a great photo. Photography has become my new artistic passion and I truly mean that. I didn't realize how artistic photography actually is until being handed a camera, learning the elements of composition, and being expected to come back with a glamorous exposition of pictures. So essentially photography to me is my best form of expression, a challenge I will always take, and exciting adventure each time I snap a shot. The first photo I captured in my photography class is above. It's no sailor kissing a nurse in times square, but I sure am proud of it!