This class was my first formal learning environment for photography. Before this, all my thoughts on how to take a good picture were just based on the standard, basic things everyone seems to know about photography. As you grow up you see some photos and hear conversations that are often by people who don't have a clue what they are talking about unfortunately. This leads to some assumptions rather incorrect assumptions. I learned a lot in this class, including much that goes against that basic understanding I had. Those assumptions I had were nullified.
The first picture I have clearly breaks that standard idea of having the subject in the center. Most of my pictures before this class were on trips, so I had that idea of "Okay, make sure the Eiffel Tower is in the center." It struck me when Laura said good photography has a subject that is off-center. I started to see some examples of that and I realized she was right, so I tried it. This picture is simple, but I think it is really enhanced by Hannah being off to the right.
The breaking of my misconceptions didn't stop here. I used to think that unless you're taking a picture of the sun all lighting is equal. When traveling you take pictures of things when you're there, you don't choose the time of day because your days are so scheduled. You never hear "Oh don't take a picture of the Arc de Triumphe, it's noon." Hearing that lighting is really important and that it can change how you see people really struck me. I remember carefully planning when I would do my nature assignment, and cringing when I was forced to go down to the Ibex sale at noon. When you believe all lighting is the same you don't really consider how you can play with it. I included the last picture because it's an example of me seeking out that nice, soft lighting and playing with it. I never would have done that before this class.
Something I think is often hard is capturing a moment with a photo. Time is fluid, and it can be difficult to show motion or the bigger idea with a still frame. I had trouble at Six Flags showing what roller coasters are all about. My first few pictures were trying to show the size of them, but I found this unsatisfactory for conveying the fun in them. The photos were unexciting. Eventually I think I was able to capture the excitement with my third picture. You can see the people with their arms in the air having a blast. It was never about showing the roller coaster, it was about showing the people. That is how I could show what I wanted to. This class opened my mind, so I never got stuck or stopped with just one idea. If something wasn't work I would sit and think about a new approach. Armed with my new knowledge of ways to make a good photo I can know find a way to succeed in whatever goal I may have if I take enough time.
In some ways this class has changed more than how I take photos. The way I see things has been altered. All this talk about angles makes me see things from multiple angles, or at least want to. That's why I have my second picture. I took a photo of the same area from up above, where there is a bakery. It's a standard area to take pictures with a steep drop off down to the river. When I was done up top I wondered what the same scene would look like from down low, so I went on a rather adventurous descent through quite a bit of brush and trees. I never would have done that without this class. I occasionally think to myself "hey, that would make a great picture." I want to see things from different viewpoints, and I start imagining things from different vantage points if I don't feel like walking around. This class has expanded the way I see.
