Select good PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
You are going to find that the best photo opportunities for any photographer are those subjects that you enjoy.
Why not photograph those things you have an affinity for? If you enjoy gardening and appreciate the thousands of different variations of iris, shoot irises; or if you are a people-watcher and find pleasure in observing folks in action, choose places where you can find active people in settings that make great photographs.
When planning a trip, give yourself plenty of time to stay and take photographs. Allow yourself some flex time to compensate for bad weather or other shooting conditions that might prevent you from photographing.
You might spend an entire day or more at a location, but the light never really becomes good enough to shoot. Avoid the scheduling trap of trying to see too much too quickly.
You may miss the kinds of shots that you had hoped to capture because you saw everything, but shot little. Photography takes time, and time is often the most important factor in capturing truly great photographs.
- When shooting wellphotographed places such as western mountains like the Eastern Sierras in California, take the traditional shot and then shoot creatively, too.
- Being patient can pay off with the right light. The famous square in front of the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans needs early morning light to look its best.
- People are easiest to photograph when they are involved in activities that keep their attention away from the camera.
- Gardens offer terrific opportunities for interesting and colorful close-up images, such as this shot of a hollyhock blossom in early morning light.
When you find a good place to take photographs, visit it again and again. Your images will improve each time that you return because you will learn the best times and subjects for photos.
Did You Know?
Some of the best photo opportunities may be in your own backyard. Explore details, shapes, or colors that might make good photographs and give them a try. A digital camera’s LCD review helps you refine your shots.
Photo Tip!
Use the Internet to learn where and when to shoot. Many online guides and forums provide all the information you need to find wonderful places and subjects to shoot that will suit your interests.
