MOM AND POP-ARAZZI
THEY SAY A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, BUT WHAT DO YOU
DO
WHEN YOUR
PHOTOS TELL THE WRONG STORY? ONE OF OUR FAVORITE
PHOTOGS,
SUZANNE FOGARTY,
GIVES THE FAMILY SHUTTERBUG FIVE TIPS
FOR SUCCESSFUL SNAPS.
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1. Identify Start by identifying and then reacting to these questions: What is it about this scene or this moment that I am drawn to? What is the emotion in me that is being triggered that compels me to take a picture? At first this can be a distracting exercise as moments are so fleeting, but over time you will become more conscious in a much more seamless way. It is these emotional responses that inform an image and, subsequently, pull in the viewer. The most meaningful and important advice is to learn what questions to ask of yourself. |
| 2. Frame Once you've identified what it is you are really capturing (A person's character? A memory with a universal theme? A physical place? An emotional state?), you can decide if moving in very close or pulling back will best way tell the story of that moment. The purpose of the image should fill the frame—whether that requires moving in close enough to count eyelashes or having a great deal of negative space to play off the primary element in order to get the feeling across. Remember: negative space can be every bit as powerful as positive space when used with intent. |
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3. Examine Examine the space itself. Look at the angles in the image and decide if they can play a role. Lines and angles can be used to draw the viewer's eye to the subject. Is the background an integral part of the story? Or is it a distraction to the main theme? This is where your choice of depth of field (to what degree the foreground/background is in focus) is critical. |
| 4. Color Then there is the question of color verses black and white. You can choose to use color as an element or decide the mood better translates in black and white. Get familiar with the color wheel and basic color theory. All of these things are useful tools for creating and manipulating tension in the image. |
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5. Tell Go with flow. Don’t get mired in the monotony of taking pictures in one particular way. By changing the angle, the lens (try using a zoom which gives you more options quickly), the distance from the subject, the light and the composition, you can change the story. Even when you are capturing an event over which you have no control of the subjects (as is the case so many times with children), remember these tips. When you use them to tell the story that you are emotionally responding to in that moment, you’re guaranteed to have an image that marks an indelible imprint on your eyes as well as your soul. |
